Open source hardware refers to computer and electronic hardware that is designed in the same fashion as open source software. The hardware is available under a license that permits customers to re-engineer and improve the hardware and then redistribute it in modified or unmodified form. A detailed article is available. The kits and projects included open source 3D printers, TV-turn-off devices, iPod chargers, music players, and a tube-based micro guitar amp.
There are many interesting open hardware projects out there that one should be paying attention to, such as Open OEM, which is trying
to create an open computer where all of the specifications are available and there are no restrictions upon its use.OpenBook is a project which wants allow tablet usage to masses by high volume by to creating specifications for a tablet PC positioned somewhere between between the One Laptop Per Child $100 laptop and consumer Tablet PC.
The goal of the Simputer project was a low cost portable alternative portable device designed to run on Linux and use the XML-based Information Markup Language (IML).
When you're thinking of giving a gift this year to your techie friend or family member give the gift of open source. For those who are supporters of open source software, it may be time to begin to think about supporting hardware developers that are out challenging the way technology is made and distributed.
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2 comments:
Simputer is dead long back. I do not understand why people are digging out the grave again. It misleads people.
Ravi.
PicoPeta Simputers was sold to Geodesic and a link to Simputer still exists in their products list.
While admittedly the Amida site is about two years out of date, the reference was meant more to help explain what open source hardware is rather than promoting the Simputer product for purchase.
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