Developers, makers, and hobbyists looking for an alternative development board to the awesome Raspberry Pi mini PC might be interested in new hardware unveiled by Imagination Technologies in the form of the MIPS Creator CI20.
The MIPS Creator CI20 is powered by a 1.2 GHz Ingenic JZ4780 MIPS32-based dual-core processor with PowerVR SG540 graphics supported by 1GB of RAM. This combination ensures that the board can handle a variety of tasks, from simple coding projects to more complex applications involving graphics and video processing.
Key Features and Specifications
Other features of the MIPS Creator CI20 include 4GB of flash storage with an additional SD card slot for further expansion. This allows users to easily increase storage capacity for larger projects or data-intensive applications. The board also supports hardware-accelerated 1080p video decoding, making it suitable for multimedia projects and applications that require high-definition video playback. Additionally, it supports OpenGL ES 2.0 and OpenGL 2.1, which are essential for rendering 2D and 3D graphics.
Connectivity options are robust, with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for easy integration into wireless networks and communication with other devices. This makes the CI20 an excellent choice for IoT (Internet of Things) projects, where wireless connectivity is often a necessity.
Operating System Support and Versatility
Imagination Technologies is shipping the new development board preloaded with Debian 7 Linux, a popular and versatile operating system known for its stability and extensive software repository. However, the CI20 is not limited to Debian; it also supports other operating systems such as Gentoo, Yocto Linux, and Android 4.4. This flexibility allows developers to choose the OS that best fits their project requirements and personal preferences.
For those interested in Android development, the CI20 provides a unique opportunity to work with a MIPS-based architecture, which can be beneficial for optimizing applications for different hardware platforms. The support for multiple operating systems also makes the CI20 a valuable tool for educational purposes, as students can learn about different OS environments and their respective advantages.
The MIPS Creator CI20 is now available to purchase for $65, providing an attractive offer for anyone looking for a mini PC capable of running desktop operating systems. Offering users twice the RAM of the Pi mini PC with built-in storage, pre-loaded OS, and wireless connectivity, the CI20 stands out as a powerful and versatile alternative.
In summary, the MIPS Creator CI20 is a compelling option for developers, makers, and hobbyists seeking a robust and flexible development board. Its powerful processor, ample RAM, and extensive connectivity options make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple coding projects to complex multimedia and IoT applications. The support for multiple operating systems further enhances its versatility, making it a valuable tool for both professional developers and educators.
Source: Liliputing
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