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$39 Arduino Compatible Boardset Runs Linux On New x86 SoC

DeviceGuru writes "DM&P Group has begun shipping a $39 Arduino compatible boardset and similar mini-PC equipped with a new computer-on-module based on a new 300MHz x86 compatible Vortex86EX system-on-chip. The $39 86Duino Zero boardset mimics an Arduino Leonardo, in terms of both form-factor and I/O expansion. The tiny $49 86Duino Educake mini-PC incorportates the same functionality, but in a 78 x 70 x 29mm enclosure with an integrated I/O expansion breadboard built into its top surface. The mini-PC's front and back provide 2x USB, audio in/out, Ethernet, and COM interfaces, power input, and an SD card slot. The hardware and software source for all the boards, including the computer-on-module, are available for download under open source licenses at the 86Duino.com website."

2 of 95 comments (clear)

  1. Non-starter for me. by Capt.DrumkenBum · · Score: 5, Insightful

    More expensive than a Raspberry PI, with a slower processor.
    Add in the community that has grown up around the Raspberry and I know where my money will be going.

    --
    If I were God, wouldn't I protect my churches from acts of me?
    1. Re:Non-starter for me. by Baloroth · · Score: 5, Informative

      Far more GPIO (the Pi only has 8, which is rather pitiful), compatibility with Ardiuno (so lots of expansion modules readily available), built-in SATA/COM/parallel port support, etc. Not everything is about speed. Also, it's x86, so it's compatible with a totally different set of programs/OSes.

      --
      "None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license." --John Milton