The UDOO is a ARM-based Linux board like the Raspberry Pi, with a second ARM processor onboard to mimic the Arduino Due which is now raising money on Kickstarter. It has some impressive specifications. The main CPU is either a dual or quad core ARM cortex-A9 CPU, and alongside that is the Arduino Due’s ARM SAM3X.
It has integrated graphics, with acceleration for OpenGL® ES2.0 3D and OpenVG™, 1 GB or DDR3 RAM, 54 Digital I/O and Analog Input (with an pinout compatible with the Arduino R3), Ethernet, on-board WiFi, HDMI, USB, SATA, analog audio. Like the Raspberry Pi it boots from a Micro SD device.
Despite their pitch, I’m not entirely sure what niche this board is for. It’s an impressive piece of hardware, but effectively it’s a laptop with a built-in Arduino. Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to get one. But I can’t think of a use for this that isn’t met better by having independent boards. If you can think of something, leave a comment, I’d love to figure out what this is for other than just having one.
Although they’ve already met their goal the Kickstarter for the UDOO runs until Early June. Boards are expected to ship around September.
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