Re: Inexpensive embedded board for Linux

From: Lewin A.R.W. Edwards (larwe_at_larwe.com)
Date: 09/13/03 

Date: 12 Sep 2003 19:21:23 -0700

> I am looking to make a simple embedded device to run Linux, which has
> following components [approximately]:
>
> 386/486/586/Crusoe processor, Flash Mem (32MB+), SDRAM (32MB+), 1

Very approximate indeed. The price span amongst those processors and
the support peripherals they'll require is vast.

> installation) and one Modem&RJ11 jack. Power consumption is not an
> issue. For display, we plan to use inexpensive LCD.

So you forgot to include the LCD controller in your list of materials
there.

> Have you come across/can recommend any off-the-shelf board which has
> all these characteristics ? It is very price conscious, I can even

As long as you don't mind the modem being a separate board, there are
hundreds of candidates in the sub-$200 price category. Try for
instance Advantech PCM-4825.

If you want to build this device at a cost less than around $500
(including, say, 10.4" TFT-LCD), you will need a full custom design
(and huge quantities). Look forward to spending a lot to get started
with that project.