Benchoff's Linux Swiss Army Knife Computer Costs Only $15, Sort of
If you build 10,000 of them.
Instead of rooting an Android phone, Brian Benchoff designed a $15 portable computer. Its description is one that only Benchoff could write. He describes that it is slow, there is no GUI, and it does not cost $15 (to build in a quantity of one). But, it does fit in your pocket, runs Linux, and can play a version of Doom!
The $15 computer features an Allwinner F1C100s system-on a chip (SoC) running at 533 MHz with 32 megabytes RAM. A potential upgrade is a pin-compatible chip with twice the RAM (F1C200s.) Additionally, this SoC features a single USB PHY, which Benchoff connected to a USB-A port.
That USB connector and a few GPIO pins enable plenty of connectivity options. For example, you could add a WiFi adapter and use the membrane-style keyboard to perform command-line activities like pinging a server. Or connect an I2C-based sensor to the header pins and data log to the onboard microSD card.
Currently, the $15 computer runs Buildroot, a Linux version that targets small embedded systems like the F1C100s SoC. Since the 2.3" IPS TFT screen is not touch-capable, Benchoff has no plans to include a GUI.
Unlike most devices we see today, Benchoff has no Lithium or LiPo battery support plans. Instead, the battery of choice for this computer is AAA-sized NiMH batteries. This older technology does not provide the same energy density as a Lithium battery, but they are very cheap and have fewer shipping restrictions.
So is $15 the actual price, and can you get one? Sort of and maybe. To achieve a $15 price point, you must purchase the components in large quantities. (And, currently, they are available!) To get one, Benchoff says he plans to sell the device eventually. Regardless the design will be open. For more information, visit this page.
