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Re: intel strongarm miniature sbcs

re: compulab boards

i think the support is the best i've seen to date, i have always received prompt email responses during the previous 6 months or so i have been in communication with them. they also have a very active technical forum with hundreds of users and the (support guys read and post there too).

as for any software preloading or flash programming, all the files (even preconfigured linux images with all drivers installed etc...) are available free from their web site. i assumed that i would be able to download it and write it to flash or hard disk myself (but i haven't bought a board or tried it yet, i'll check this first).

as for the add-ons, you're right that you can easily double the price of the board by just including pcmcia and a reasonable amount of ram or a flash disk, but the minimal specs look pretty good for my wearable (i suppose it's just a matter of application and opinion as to what features you need). i like the ability to selectively add most features for minimal cost (although if you are purchasing a one-off you'll have to choose from a range of stock configurations).

i had originally planned some months ago to purchase a 686base + 686core from them (ns geode), but it looks like they are going to introduce the arm processors in the same package at a fraction of the cost (maybe approx 1/8th for similar spec?) before i am ready to buy. since i don't desperately need x86 and would run linux anyway i see no reason not to jump for the arm base + core modules.

i can understand why the techsol medallion modules are the boards of choice for production systems, but for a one-off prototype wearable the tiny sockets are of no use to me. it makes miniaturasation impossible, but I still need pcb pins for most of the ports and interfaces, and the pcmcia comes in handy too (although no longer essential with most of the goodies available in CF form factor now).

as far as i can see the compulab core modules on a base backpack (arm and 686 particularily) are the smallest modules to provide this at the moment. i'm very interested to hear any retalliation or suggestions from anyone before i open my wallet.

regards,

nick

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Empey, P.Eng." <>
Date: Friday, August 15, 2003 12:40 pm
Subject: Re: intel strongarm miniature sbcs

> Nicolas Bingham wrote:
> > 
> > i don't know how many list members have seen the 486/586/686/786 
> (and now 886) base/core modules at www.compulab.co.il, so if you 
> haven't you should definately take a look.
> > 
> > also of interest, they are introducing strong arm based pcs 
> (400mhz?) and base modules with nice specs and similar board sizes 
> (perfect for the smallest OKW ergo case) starting at < US$100.
> > 
> > eval kits are expensive, but they will sell individual modules 
> from stock configurations without technical support. if you jump 
> for one of the strongarm modules you'll probably be paying $100 
> for a decent config base + core kit, plus $100 or more for shipping.
> > 
> ...
> 
> Nicolas,
> 
> Their base price looks good ... but when you add the stuff you 
> need for
> a "real" system, (including programming of FLASH -- I've never seen
> anyone charge extra to load SW onto their board -- not like its useful
> without it) their boards are out more expensive than our Medallion CPU
> modules and the Compulab boards are also much larger with fewer
> features.
> 
> But other than that, they look very interesting.
> I wonder what their support is like?
> 
> Brian
> 
> PS: If you want a small system in an "off-the-shelf" case, we're
> planning a board for PACTEC cases starting at 2.5x 4.4" with internal
> batteries.
> We're considering color LCD/touch panels, and maybe GPS built in.
> Please advise on what you'd like to see in a Linux/PDA/GPS/ZigBee/etc.
> handheld.
> 
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>  Brian Empey, P. Eng.
>      President
> 
> Technical Solutions Inc.
> Unit #1 7157 Honeyman St
> Delta BC Canada, V4G 1E2
>     www.techsol.ca
> 
> eMail: 
> Tel: 604 946 TECH (8324)
> Fax: 604 946 6445
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> 
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> 

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