Would-be backers of the open-source, modular EOMA68 PC card can now support the crowdfunding campaign by purchasing several new gadgets that work with the system.
The concept, from UK firm Rhombus Tech, is designed to demonstrate that computers can be easy and cheap to fix or upgrade with a standardized PC board and 3D printable housing and components. It also hopes the modular design can cut the mountains of e-waste produced by the tech industry.
At the core of the campaign is the EOMA68 PC card with an ARM processor, 2GB RAM, and 8GB storage. The card can run Fedora, CentOS, FreeBSD, ArchLinux and Parabola, Debian, Android, and other systems.
Hardware hackers can buy a micro desktop that houses the card and which can be connected to a display for $55, or purchase the $450 to $500 laptop housing kits, which consist of 3D printed casework parts, bamboo plywood panels, PCBs, cables, battery, charger, keyboard, LCD, and components for the trackpad. Alternatively, the completely-assembled EOMA68 laptop can be reserved for $1,200.
Now, supporters of the concept can buy the $35 EOMA68 passthrough card. This can be used with an EOMA68 device, such as the laptop housing, and connected via HDMI and USB to a smartphone or tablet.
See more at ZDNet
