Commander X16

I realise that there is a degree of uncertainty as to whether the CX16 will be available in kit-form but has the possibility of a motherboard-only option be tabled at any point?  It strikes me that there has been a certain appetite for an integrated-keyboard design (which is unfortunately untenable under the the current production paradigm) but it may be favourable to some to make the motherboard available as a stand-alone part such that people who are inclined to can have the opportunity to create their own custom designs.  If this has been covered elsewhere sorry, I must have missed it.

Good question. This should have been in the FAQ so I just added it:

Quote

"As for a motherboard only option, our focus now is on releasing the computer. Once the project is launched and established, we will revisit these kind of options."

Offering too many options and variables too early can dilute resources and focus, and thus be detrimental to projects. It opens up all sorts of other variables that take time and money to resolve, such as the need for different packaging to give just one of many examples. So the short answer is, it hasn't been decided yet, but we hear you.

 

On strategy is to focus cost saving on the CX16c.

Obviously that goes with the design as well. As mentioned on the other side,  a single slot with an optional riser board may trim build cost,  as may a socketed  QFP processor and surface mount qfp 65c22's, one or two surface mount SRAMs,  etc.  The sound chips might be the only DIP parts.