[Arm-netbook] EOMA-68 tablet/laptop/engineering-board PCB schematics design underway

[luke.leighton]

argh, argh, ok.  much as i wanted to use an STM32F for
"everything-including-the-kitchen-sink", i lack the electrical
engineering skills to make a departure from the "norm" of using
discrete components, and i don't have time to learn them right now
either.  more importantly, the normal "experimentation" loop which
also involves software programming is, when also throwing hardware
designs into the mix, again not something i have time for.

so i am going to have to throw out the STM32F for this first tablet
PCB, and use discrete components.  the good news is that TI bought
National Semi, which has a) made it easier to find stuff - TI's web
site design is blindingly obvious b) enabled me to find stuff that's
*cheaper* than TI's parts, such as the LM2755 which is an
I2C-controlled LCD Backlight IC.  $0.48 in 1k volumes, yaaay.

also, hilariously, there's a USB Audio IC called the CMedia CM108
which, when you look up prices on taobao for USB audio dongles with
this chip in it, are available for 10 RMB (about $1.50) for the whole
dongle!

once there is actual funds available from profits of sales then the
use of an STM32F can be done as an R&D project.

l.