We reported over a year ago on the release of the first mini-PC based on a China-developed processor. But according to Fool’s Mountain, it seems like that it either didn’t really ship or perhaps it didn’t register on his radar. So, there is a supposed new release that is the “second” first-ever commercial product based on an indigenous Chinese processor (the Loongson).
Some interesting details from the Fool’s Mountain post:
Over the past decade, researchers and engineers at the China Academy of Science has been given a budget in the tens-hundreds of millions of dollars to develop a commercially viable processor design, using only Chinese intellectual property. And although there have been numerous press releases about various technical feats, the simple fact of the matter was, you couldn’t actually find a commercial PC based on the Loongson.
Combine with this the fact that a different processor project (汉芯, Hanxin) was found to have been a complete fake (the researcher actually purchased a Freescale DSP and ground off the markings on the packaging)… all in all, it’s been a difficult process.
This new mini-computer only apparently shipped 500 units, which raises doubts about its legitimacy.
For tech specs see here — in short, it’s a slow and lightweight mini-PC. But hey, it’s only $262USD.
Does anyone know more?
Hi there!
You got me; I just didn’t do my homework. There was a lot of cynicism on the Chinese internet over whether the Fuloong actually existed and was shipping, and that led me into assume there was no predecessor. Looks like there was, even if it was just in very limited distribution.
I’m thinking about getting one to play with, if/when they actually ship the next cycle…
I actually wasn’t trying to accuse you, I was genuinely curious whether there had been a first shipment — it´s always a bit hard to know with these things.
If you ever get your hands on one, do let me know, I´d be curious how hard it is to get, how it works, etc.