From: antispam@fricas.org   
      
   Paul Rubin  wrote:   
   > dxf  writes:   
   >> There's also an issue with VGA as modern monitors only have HDMI.   
   >> VGA to HMDI adapters exist however user reviews suggest they don't   
   >> support low resolutions...   
   >   
   > Tbh I don't know why they went for the approach of trying to support a   
   > keyboard and screen from that board.  It's like they're trying to   
   > replace a VIC-20 or something like that.  A serial port (not sure if the   
   > chip has a uart, but they could bit bang it) or USB (same thing) would   
   > be just as good.   
      
   I think this is mostly publicity stint and a challenge.  I do not   
   know how much they pay for VGA connector, but this may be the most   
   expensive part in their kit.  And PS/2 connector the second most   
   expensive.  Given cost of connectors it would make sense to put   
   more powerful (and a bit more expensive) processor on the board   
   (which would no longer be 1 euro board).  But with more powerful   
   processor it would be easier to do something useful, so it would   
   be less chalenging.  Official explanation is that they want to   
   run video games for kids on it, which explain video part.  And   
   once there is video it is natural to request a keyboard so that   
   the device is directly programmable.  But clearly, at different   
   level real game is to program this device without using external   
   "helpers" (like a connected PC).   
      
   --   
                                 Waldek Hebisch   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)