I was excited to see the final production design of the CHIP by Next Thing Co is now using a TQFP package of the Allwinner R8 processor module:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer/posts/1428989
We've made a change from the smaller R8m (our Alpha C.H.I.P. processor) to the larger R8, which are functionally identical. Because of sourcing complications and repackaging costs for the R8m, we've chosen to move forward with the R8 to remain on time and on budget.
Here's what the Alpha CHIP board looked like with the smaller R8 package:
A big reason that I am a fan of CHIP is that it is Open Source Hardware. I think the larger R8 package will make it easier for people to design and assemble derivatives.
Finally, it's great to see that Linux kernel developer Maxime Ripard of Free Electrons is visitng Next Thing Co. I'm very encouraged by their progress in getting CHIP supported by the mainline Linux kernel.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer/posts/1412368
Building an operating system for C.H.I.P. requires some heavy duty driver work. Maxime Ripard from Free Electrons abandoned the French countryside and joined us in sunny Oakland, CA to make sure we’re on-time and feature rich.
cheers,
drew
