Linux has some good things going for it like a dedicated developer community and a focus on improving energy and system efficiencies. Apparently recognizing the value in taking the Linux approach, Via Technologies just announced that it’s releasing the design of a low cost laptop under an open source hardware license.

Via has made the CAD files available for free download from its site under the creative commons license, according to the New York Times. That means the CAD files can be freely edited and distributed, and Via hopes that will encourage innovation and feedback for improvements.

The OpenBook packs quite a bit of technology into a tight form factor for $800 or less:

The OpenBook is based on Via’s 1.6 GHz C7-M processor and VX800 chipset. The design includes an 8.9-inch screen with a resolution of 1,024 pixels by 600 pixels and calls for a hard disk with a capacity of 80G bytes or more. The basic wireless module included in the design supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Other features of the 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) OpenBook include a full-size keyboard, up to 2G bytes of DDR (double data rate) memory, a 2-megapixel camera, a memory-card reader, and a 4-cell battery that offers up to three hours of life. The laptop is designed to run Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Linux, including G/OS, SuSE Linux, and Ubuntu.

This free flow of information is exactly what Linux is all about, and Via is demonstrating that designing computer hardware is an example of how open source has other applications outside software.

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 at 10:45 pm under Linux, Open source, Technology.

Read more entries by Matt Jansen.
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