It all started with Brian Benchoff, a developer who asked himself a simple question: how affordable a basic but functional computer can be. The fruit of this reflection is none other than the astonishing Minimum Viable Computer… the price of which would not exceed 15 dollars if it ever goes into production.
It’s not where you’re going to compete against the Steam Deck or the Aya Neo, but the Minimum Viable Computer isn’t there for that anyway. As its name suggests, this handheld project aims to find the lowest price possible to provide a “viable” computer. As pointed out ExtremeTech, however, it all depends on what is meant by “viable”.
A “viable” PC… under certain criteria
” It’s a “Linux Swiss army knife”, offering maximum functionality while fitting in your pocket “, explains Brian Benchoff, the origin of this device. ” Is it fast? No. Can it run a GUI? No more. But it can run scripts, ping a server, activate a few GPIOs, and interact with a USB device. “, he adds about his Minimum Viable Computer.
To enable these few minimalist features without costing more than $15 to produce, the contraption is based on a simple two-layer PCB. It is powered by an Allwinner F1C100s chip, comprising a single 533 MHz core. Unable to manage a graphical interface, the device nevertheless has a physical keyboard to be used only through command lines. By this unique means, it does support the latest versions of Linux.
Less than $15 when all components are added together
On the display side, it is the minimalist aspect that dominates here too, with a 2.3-inch (non-touch) screen for a definition of only 240 by 320 pixels. Enough to launch DOOM, which comes with the built-in Linux Buildroot operating system, notes ExtremeTech.
The device also runs on rechargeable batteries and is content with a single USB-A port (in addition to a USB-C port limited only to charging). The latter still allows you to connect a Wi-Fi adapter, an external keyboard, storage, or any other device supporting the command. lsusb.
The addition of all these components amounts to 14.16 dollars, with the main expense being the PCB (2 dollars, we read). To achieve this price, however, it is necessary to order in large volumes: 10,000 units for each component. Brian Benchoff does not rule out launching production… provided that enough potential users show interest on the networks. If this super bare project appealed to you, you know what you have to do.
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Sources: ExtremeTech
, Brian Benchoff
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