With the goal of making it is easier for non-technical users to setup FreedomBox, we have launched a new initiative to sell FreedomBox hardware directly to users.
The hardware is available for purchase at: LibreCrafts store
The new hardware is quite powerful compared to the single board computers. It has Intel/AMD quad-core processors, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, 2 x 2.5Gpbs LAN ports, and (in future) 2TB/8TB hard drives with RAID setup. Compared to single board computers:
- Due to more CPU capacity and RAM, it will be able to host all apps available in FreedomBox, most of them simultaneously.
- It will be able to store large amounts photos, videos, media, and backups from all devices at home with 2TB/8TB disk capacity and store redundant copies of data with RAID.
- It can act as a home automation hub when connected to additional hardware such as Zigbee USB dongle.
- It can act as desktop or TV companion too due to triple display output and a fast NVMe SSD disk.
These devices are prepared and shipped by FreedomBox developers (currently me) and their purchase will support FreedomBox development.
Notes:
- Purchases are currently only available in the USA. There are plans to ship worldwide eventually.
- The initial stock will be very small and is intended for working out logistics. But backorders will be available with shipping expected after 1-2 weeks of purchase.
- The 2 TB and 8 TB models will be available when we finished adding RAID setup features in FreedomBox. However, one can purchase the 512 GB device and later add hard disk drives themselves to upgrade to the 2 TB or the 8 TB model (or more).
- Olimex, our hardware partner, will continue selling the FreedomBox Pioneer edition hardware based on OLinuXino Lime 2 devices all over the world with a significantly lower price tag.