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From: antispam@fricas.org (Waldek Hebisch)
Newsgroups: comp.lang.forth
Subject: Re: 1 euro Olimex RISC-V mini-PC: this needs Forth ;)
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2024 03:36:05 -0000 (UTC)
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Paul Rubin <no.email@nospam.invalid> wrote:
> dxf <dxforth@gmail.com> writes:
>> There's also an issue with VGA as modern monitors only have HDMI.
>> VGA to HMDI adapters exist however user reviews suggest they don't
>> support low resolutions...
> 
> Tbh I don't know why they went for the approach of trying to support a
> keyboard and screen from that board.  It's like they're trying to
> replace a VIC-20 or something like that.  A serial port (not sure if the
> chip has a uart, but they could bit bang it) or USB (same thing) would
> be just as good.

I think this is mostly publicity stint and a challenge.  I do not
know how much they pay for VGA connector, but this may be the most
expensive part in their kit.  And PS/2 connector the second most
expensive.  Given cost of connectors it would make sense to put
more powerful (and a bit more expensive) processor on the board
(which would no longer be 1 euro board).  But with more powerful
processor it would be easier to do something useful, so it would
be less chalenging.  Official explanation is that they want to
run video games for kids on it, which explain video part.  And
once there is video it is natural to request a keyboard so that
the device is directly programmable.  But clearly, at different
level real game is to program this device without using external
"helpers" (like a connected PC).

-- 
                              Waldek Hebisch