[Arm-netbook] Good netbook based on Cortex-A9

[Gordan Bobic]

On 07/30/2012 07:52 PM, lkcl luke wrote:
> ok, an interesting development...
>
> we have a client whom we're negotiating with, to create an
> EOMA-68-compliant I/O Board that will take a range of "LCD Daughter
> Boards".  7in for direct RGB-TTL, 10in for single-channel LVDS, and
> 15in for dual-channel LVDS [where you think i got the idea of the LCD
> daughter board from? :) ]
>
> this project is for Industrial purposes, so rather than an A10, an
> iMX535 has been chosen.  this would bring the number of available
> EOMA-68 CPU Cards up to 2, very very quickly.  the development of the
> iMX535 EOMA-68 CPU Card, and also the I/O Board and 3 LCD Daughter
> Boards will all be paid-for by the client.

Remind me - how much RAM can the iMX535 handle?

> now.  my only concern, for the client, is this: should i recommend the
> use of hard-wired components, or should i recommend that STM32F
> approach, as it would knock about $5-7 off the PCB's price but would
> need quite a bit of porting e.g. of OpenEC2.

Well, generic, modifiable and reusable are always good qualities to 
have, even if it's going to be a few $ more expensive per unit.

> is there anyone who would like to help with that?  it *may* be
> possible to get it done as a paid-for project, but bear in mind that
> the client is only going to be ordering 4,000 units per year, if the
> $5 (or so) saved is then not actually saved because the software for
> the STM32F is too costly.... :)

Tough decision. That's why coming up with new hardware products (as 
opposed to just components) is expensive.

Gordan