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* /README.md derived from https://www.olimex.com/Products/DIY-Laptop/ * Moved DOCS/ to doc/ standard * Added TERES-A64-{BLACK,WHITE} images for docs * Added link to DIY kit purchase page * Add OLIMEX logo * Added images to /README.md; minor text revision * Moved TERES-I odt+pdf to doc/manuals/ * Create index.rst This file allows public documentation to be compiled and hosted at sites such as <proj>.readthedocs.io * Partial commit of web-based TERES-I manual * Added links from guide (index.rst) to /README.md * Added link to d/l manuals; fixed link typos * Fixed image links * Mis-labeled image title * Fixed image path * Changed to HTML for image size control * Added facebook+twitter svg light icons * Relinked facebook+twitter to light svg icons * Adding github+wordpress svg icons * Relinked to github+wordpress svg icons * Made icons into links; still have size issues * Added 50x50px icons * 50x50 pixel icons to addres sizing issue * Initial table of contents for DIY kit * Added kit inventory images * Remove duplicate image * Premature commit because my computer keeps crashing and losing my data * Iterative commit of docs as to be cautious * Another iterative commit * Last iterative commit for assembly walkthrough * Need a ! in front of images for them to appear
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What makes this laptop different?
The TERES-I laptop is a completely open source hardware and software product. You don't even need a purchase to access the design files. The CAD files and full source code are available at GitHub and anyone can download, modify and use them for their own needs. It is important to notice that the CAD design tool that we used to make the hardware of TERES-I is also completely free and open source – KiCad.
The openness of the product puts incredible power and flexibility in the hands of the user. If you want to implement new features, you are free to do so. If you need another processor, more power, more memory, a better LCD, you have everything required to tailor this laptop according to your needs. If you do not like the Linux distribution you have access to the sources and can generate any Linux distribution for your taste. The Android SDK by Allwinner for the A64 chip can be used as another option for operating system.
The laptop is fully modular which means that there are number of possible ways to expand it. We already have several ideas in mind. One of them is to expand the laptop capabilities with an FPGA module so it can act as a digital storage oscilloscope, and a logic analyzer, turning it into a powerful portable laboratory instrument. These FPGA expansion modules are currently work-in-progress and you can follow the development on web site at www.olimex.com.
Another advantage is that all the components of the laptop are available for purchase separately, so if a part fails you can replace just the broken part. This lowers the maintenance costs and helps reducing the electronics waste.
There are educational benefits in getting TERES-I – you can assemble it with your children and teach them about electronics or how computers work. Children may learn about basic computing components, how things are assembled together, and are able to learn to conduct repairs in case something goes wrong. This may spark their interest in electronics and programming. Assembling the laptop is relatively easy and even small child should be able to do it under adult supervision.