Re: Alternative freedom friendly solution to Raspberry Pi

Interesting, Chris. What is it called? And when will it be available?

I'd like to read more on the specs. I'm working with the Freedombox project and such an x86-based non-Intel (free/libre software stack) product would be desirable.

Best regards,
Rick C. Hodgin

-------- Original Message --------
From: name at domain
Sent: Tue, May 29, 2012 03:59 AM
To: name at domain
CC:
Subject: [Trisquel-users] Alternative freedom friendly solution to Raspberry Pi

>The one thing I don't like about the Raspberry Pi project is the use of a
>graphics chip dependent on non-free software.
>
>I think there may be a new better alternative from VIA though. I sent an
>email to graphics chipset vendor in use in the device and got word back from
>an engineer (David Berol from wolfsonmicro) that the WM8750 chipset is not
>dependent on proprietary drivers or firmware. I did have to clarify this
>though as he thought I was talking about the price :).
>
>I've also gotten word through an intermediary who investigated the BIOS
>situation on the VIA board. This motherboard will be released unlocked. Right
>now VIA is releasing it with Android although there is nothing preventing
>this community (free software users) from porting a GNU/Linux distribution to
>it.
>
>It is based on ARM and I think it's primary usefulness would be streaming HD
>content as the cost is low ($50 USD) and has built-in hardware HD decoding.
>It has severely limited built-in ram (512MB) although more than sufficient
>for a purpose built device (HTPC). It also has 2GB internal storage and
>microsd expansion slot. It also has limited CPU (just 800Mhz).