[Discuss] Framework risc-v (was: Think I need a new computer)

[kentborg at borg.org (Kent Borg)]

Speaking of Framework computers, today I see that they are going to do a 
risc-v mainboard* for the 13" machines.

This is explicitly for those wanting access to this architecture for 
development, and they say it is not competitive with their Intel and AMD 
as a general purpose computer; it looks to me like the JH7110 CPU it has 
is designed for portable electronics or cellphone use, though glancing 
through a PDF about the chip, they also mention use on "the edge".

No, I don't want one of these and probably neither do any of you, but I 
can imagine there are people will: and the modular architecture of 
Framework means those folk can do risc-v work on decent and portable 
machine and don't need chained to a desk covered with a pile of parts 
and wires.

Cool!

I am under the impression that printed circuit board layout, and 
commissioning a manufacturer to build it, has gotten pretty easy these 
days. And the specs for what a Framework mainboard needs to be are 
probably public. Possibly this chip manufacturer, wanting to sell a 
development board to help drive design wins for their chip, is helping 
fund this. I don't know. But I like the idea that a Framework computer 
can be a shell in which to drop in a development board, which then 
benefits from all of the packaging of that larger beast. Their might be 
more of things like these.


-kb


* I note they call it a "mainboard", not a "motherboard" as I did recently.