A list of platforms (computers, devices) that we find interesting as potential target for HelenOS. The devices which are open or at least Linux-based, should be reasonably hackable. Many believe that we should primarily focus on state-of-the-art platforms instead of porting HelenOS to interesting ancient machines. However, supporting ancient machines, if time permits, can be used to demonstrate solid software design and openness.
ARM-based
| Device class | micro game console
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 75 mm x 75 mm x 75 mm
|
| Weight | 300 g
|
| Hackability | mostly documented
|
| CPU | quad-core 1.7 GHz ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore (ARMv7-A architecture)
|
| Availability | readily available (worldwide)
|
| Input | USB HID
|
| Approx. price | 120 EUR (incl. VAT)
|
| Device class | mini desktop
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 135 mm x 21 mm x 100 mm
|
| Weight | unknown
|
| Hackability | unknown
|
| CPU | up to 1.2 GHz quad-core Freescale i.MX6 Cortex-A9 MPCore
|
| Availability | autumn 2013 (worldwide)
|
| Input | USB HID
|
| Approx. price | unknown
|
| Device class | handheld game console
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 121 mm x 61 mm x 18 mm
|
| Weight (incl. batt) | 136 g
|
| Hackability | Linux-based
|
| CPU | 533 MHz MagicEyes Pollux SoC (ARM926TEJ-S, ARMv5 architecture)
|
| Availability | readily available from distributors worldwide (CZ)
|
| Input | d-pad, action buttons, touch screen
|
| Approx. price | 3,600 CZK (incl. VAT)
|
| Device class | handheld game console / PC
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 140 mm x 83 mm x 28 mm
|
| Weight (incl. batt) | 335 g
|
| Hackability | Linux-based, community-based, but no schematics readily available
|
| CPU | 600 MHz OMAP3530 (Cortex-A8, ARMv7-A architecture)
|
| Availability | difficult to obtain (long waiting time a.t.m. from official site)
|
| Input | keyboard, D-pad, action buttons, nubs, touch screen
|
| Approx. price | 330 EUR (incl. VAT, excl. accessories)
|
| Device class | single-board computer
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 114 mm x 102 mm x ? mm
|
| Weight | 0.074 kg
|
| Hackability | Linux, schematics available at official site
|
| CPU | 1 GHz 2-core OMAP4430 (Cortex-A9 MPCore, ARMv7-A architecture, SMP)
|
| Availability | US/Digi-Key (see official site)
|
| Input | USB, RS-232
|
| Approx. price | 174 USD (Digi-Key)
|
| Device class | ARM-based netbook
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | ???
|
| Weight | 1.1 kg
|
| Hackability | Unlocked bootloader, can boot alternate Linux distros
|
| CPU | ARM Cortex A15 core (Samsung Exynos 5 SOC) 2x1.7 GHz
|
| Availability | Amazon, PC World
|
| Input | Keyboard, touchpad
|
| Approx. price | 249 USD
|
MIPS-based
| Device class | MIPS router / development board
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 105 mm x 154 mm x ?? mm
|
| Weight | ?? g
|
| Hackability | supported by OpenWrt (https://wiki.openwrt.org/toh/mikrotik/rb435), FreeBSD known to run on a similar model with the same SoC
|
| CPU | Qualcomm Atheros AR7161 SoC with a MIPS 24K CPU
|
| Availability | readily available from MikroTik distributors, eBay
|
| Input | serial, USB
|
| Approx. price | 189 USD
|
| Device class | mini netbook
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 99 mm x 75 mm x 17.5 mm
|
| Weight (incl. batt) | 126 g
|
| Hackability | fully documented
|
| CPU | 336 MHz Ingenic Semiconductor JZ4740 SoC (MIPS-II compatible, 32b)
|
| Availability | readily available from distributors worldwide (EU)
|
| Input | integrated keyboard
|
| Approx. price | 110 EUR (incl. VAT)
|
| Device class | media box / mini-PC
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 181 mm x 145 mm x 37 mm
|
| Weight | 780 g
|
| Hackability | Linux-based
|
| CPU | 850 MHz ST Microelectronics Loongson 2F (MIPS-III architecture, 64b)
|
| Availability | readily available from distributors worldwide (EU)
|
| Input | USB HID, RS-232
|
| Approx. price | 235 EUR (incl. VAT)
|
| Device class | workstation
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 280 mm x 413 mm x 337 mm
|
| Weight | 24.3 kg
|
| Hackability | partially supported by OpenBSD
|
| CPU | 2x 250 MHz MIPS R10000 (64-bit, MIPS IV architecture)
|
| Availability | no longer in production, only from second-hand sellers
|
| Input | PS/2 keyboard and mouse, RS-232
|
| Approx. price | 50 - 100 EUR (eBay)
|
| Device class | game console
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 230 mm x 28 mm x 152 mm
|
| Weight | 900 g
|
| Hackability | partially supported by Linux (heavily modified 2.4 kernel), universal bootloader in development
|
| CPU | 200 MHz Emotion Engine (MIPS-III + MIPS IV subset, 64-bit, 32-bit FPU)
|
| Availability | readily available from distributors worldwide (CZ)
|
| Input | USB HID
|
| Approx. price | 2,500 CZK (incl. VAT)
|
PowerPC-based
| Device class | PC
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 426 mm x 430 mm x 173 mm
|
| Weight | 8.4 kg
|
| Hackability | supported by Linux
|
| CPU | 1.8 - 2.0 GHz IBM PowerPC G5/970FX (PowerPC64 architecture(2))
|
| Availability | no longer in production, only from second-hand sellers
|
| Input | USB HID
|
| Approx. price | 50 - 100 EUR (eBay)
|
| Device class | game console
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | 325 mm x 97 mm x 274 mm
|
| Weight | 5 kg
|
| Hackability | supported by Linux (jailbroken)
|
| CPU | 3 GHz Cell (PowerPC64 architecture(2))
|
| Availability | readily available from distributors worldwide (CZ)
|
| Input | USB HID
|
| Approx. price | 8,500 CZK (incl. VAT)
|
AVR-based
| Device class | Wrist computer / watch
|
| Dimensions (w x h x d) | ???
|
| Weight | ???
|
| Hackability | Official firmware source available
|
| CPU | Atmel AVR32?
|
| Availability | From dynawa.org, early adopter's version
|
| Input | Buttons, USB
|
| Approx. price | 500-600 Euro (not mass produced)
|
(2) Uses PowerPC64 architecture which is currently not supported by HelenOS.
