Intel follows the example set by the Raspberry Pi and launches a similar stripped-down open source PC-- the Minnowboard, essentially an x86-based PC motherboard with a caseless design.
Reportedly the first open source PC with an Intel x86 processor, the Minnowboard development kit is based on Via Technologies processors. The board includes a 1GHz Intel Atom E640 processor, 1GB DDR2 RAM, HDMI port, ethernet, USB ports and microSD slot.
The Minnowboard design measures 10.16cm-square, and its board schematics and design files are freely available under a Creative Commons license.
The pre-loaded OS is Angstrom Linux, but open source UEFI firmware allows the development of custom secure boot environments. It is also compatible with the Yocto Project for the development of hardware agnostic Linux-based systems.
While the Raspberry Pi is the first reference for open source caseless PCs, the Minnowboard reminds us more of the Gizmo board-- the AMD take on micro-PCs featuring a 25cm-square development board running Android, Linux and Windows.
It also differs from the Raspberry Pi in pricing. While the Pi costs $35, the Minnowboard sells at around $199.
Go Minnowboard
