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0 pointsnrp3y ago0 comments

Yep, this is indeed the main reason behind this. We polled the community and found a pretty even split between several major distros. Rather than having inventory explosion from a large number of OS-specific SKUs, we optimized for shipping without an OS and writing easy to follow install guides.

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baybal23y ago

Linux only editions nevertheless makes sense if you want to cut down on the chipset cost.

AMD chipsets have SoundWire, and MIPI CSI/DSI support, but there are no way to use them in Windows. Intel is starting to support them as well with Alder Lake mobile.

SoundWire is way simpler than HDA, and availability/cost is better.

Connecting the whole suite of peripherals over i2c allows to dispose of wide LIF cable from the front panel. No LPC EC needed.

MIPI CSI cameras are vastly superior to USB ones, and are dirt chip for price/picture quality due to the size of smartphone market.

Tablet use MIPI DSI panels price/quality is superior to LVDS panels, and you will never get such thin laptop-use panels.

Linux can use non-SMBus battery gauges, and PMICs. Again, you can forego paying the x86 premium on SMBus vs. i2c controlled PMICs.

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