Hey, that's good. I like that. "Documented hardware that is free software
friendly." That is what I am searching for too. Sounds more clear than free
hardware.
A plain or basic CPU and parts with complete/honest documentation so that
whatever free software is built or used on it, results in a
what-you-see-is-what-you-are-really-getting type of experience. No funny
stuff or dark shadows under the covers. No baloney thwarting the easy
operation or functionality of the installed software.
It is difficult to imagine building a house while various measurements and
details are kept secret, yet this seems to be commonplace when dealing with
mainstream computers and their parts.
My initial research of only a few hours so far shows many computer and part
possibilities beyond the typical consumer desktops and laptops we see (and
use) everywhere.
Computers control all sorts of machinery now. Such computers are now standard
or special "parts" which get built into what, millions?, of types of
different machines and devices? I am overwhelmed at the possibilities. There
are little computers, bigger ones. Some toughened for vibration, dust, heat,
noise, whatever.
Small purchase quantities seem quite normal as many machinery makers are
building customized factory machinery and buyers like them may not need even
100 of the same part.
If the search specifications are clear enough, sellers of boards or systems
on a chip or whatever can be found. A 100% free computer can be easily
created.
In 1987, I knew almost nothing about computers except that I wanted one that
could do certain things. The IBM PC had come out and was selling for like
$3000. With one magazine article and one computer parts magazine (no internet
like today) I quite easily put together a pc resembling the IBM PCs of the
day. And it worked! I think it cost less than $600 but that was because I
bought some fancier parts.
This stuff isn't that hard to do. It's just parts. Find the right ones, plug
them together and go. Assembly doesn't take much time. Finding the right
stuff is the hardest part.
Even back then there was all this engineering type talk about how important
it was to have the proper parts etc. I didn't believe that then and I don't
believe that now. Maybe in aerospace or defense that kind of precision makes
sense, but it is not needed for a basic computer. The basics have been
figured out and are already built in.
Well-engineered, properly built, parts will plug together just fine. If there
is a tiny rough edge here or there, so what. What machine is perfect?
My quick research shows that an overwhelming number of parts seem to exist.
Finding the best ones (build/price/ease of purchase) is the challenge.
If you've never built a computer before you may think it is difficult or will
result in some sort of ugly or weak machine. The opposite is true. It goes
together quite quickly. Since you know all the parts, and where to get more,
you already know how to fix or improve things. Cases come in all shapes and
sizes. A laptop would admittedly be tougher to build, but a basic computer,
not at all.
Once the parts are working a snazzier case might actually turn the design
into a product for sale. A 100% "free" computer. "Documented hardware and
free software friendly."
I know I will have questions as I continue to search for the right chips,
parts, and specification details and I hope people here will help answer
them. I will update my findings with you all as I go.
