If you like low cost boards by Hardkernel such as ODROID-U3, but the add-ons required, and/or shipping costs put you off, an alternative will soon be available thanks to FriendlyARM NanoPC-T1, a tiny computer designed and manufactured by CoreWind Tech FriendlyARM Guangzhou, and powered by Samsung Exynos 4412 quad core Cortex A9 SoC with 1GB RAM, and 4GB built-in flash.
FriendlyARM NanoPC specifications:
- SoC – Samsung Exynos 4412 quad core Cortex-A9 @ 1.5GHz + Mali-400MP4 GPU
- System Memory – 1GB DDR3 RAM, 32bit data bus
- Storage – 4GB eMMC Flash + SD Card slot
- Connectivity – 10/100M Ethernet (RJ45)
- Video Output – HDMI
- Audio – 3.5mm Audio Out jack
- USB – 1x micro USB OTG, 2x USB 2.0 host ports
- Expansions and I/Os:
- UART – 4 x TTL UART
- LCD – TFT LCD interface, support Capacitive/Resistive touch driver
- 2x Digital sensor input
- CMOS CAMERA Interface
- MIPI interface – Support HD Camera
- 30x GPIO
- Misc – 2x User keys, 2x User LEDs
- Power Supply – DC 5V/2A input
The company will provide support for Linux + Qt, Ubuntu 12.04, and Android 4.2.2, and the source code will be available in a DVD sent with the board.
Compared to ODROID-U3, NanoPC uses a slightly slower processor (Exynos 4412 vs Exynos 4412 Prime), has less RAM (1GB vs 2GB), only 2 USB ports (vs 3 for ODROID-U3), but it does come with 4GB eMMC (only eMMC socket for U3), has much more available I/Os, and the case is included in the price.
NanoPC will be available on the 25th of February 2014 for 399 CNY / $69.95 + shipping?. Accessories (PSU, Ethernet, Serial, and USB cables) and a Universal RS-232 adapter included free for the first orders. There’s no clear information yet about shipping cost, but checking on CoreWind eStore they have 4 shipping methods: DHL/Fedex ($36), EMS/Post Express ($16), ARAMEX ($31), and “pickup” charged via your courier account. So you may not save much compared to the $25 charged by Hardkernel. When I tried to order an existing board via Paypal it defaulted to $36 on FriendlyARM.
You may also find more information FriendlyARM NanoPC-T1 page, and pre-order via andahammer.com.
Thanks to Dave for the tip.

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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