Some of our readers may remember the first version of the VoCore microcomputer, which came with Linux preinstalled and was the size of a coin. Thirty months later, the team behind that project is back with VoCore2, a much more powerful and efficient version than the original. The VoCore2 started its crowdfunding campaign at just four dollars, but sold out all its stock within days.
Back to Indiegogo
With each new generation, it's inevitable that some products drop in price, or alternatively, incorporate more features while keeping the original cost. The most prominent example is the Raspberry Pi, whose third version includes a quad-core SoC at 1.2 GHz and wireless connectivity. However, the world of compact computers is full of options. Some are much harder to get than others, but that doesn't detract from their performance and price. If we go back a bit, in May 2014 the VoCore was revealed, a Linux-based microcomputer that could work as a router, among many other things. About twenty days ago, the VoCore creators decided to return to Indiegogo with the VoCore2.
More Power, Less Consumption
The VoCore2 repeats the router path to present itself, but it can actually do much more. With a handful of commands from a compatible terminal, VoCore2 can play music wirelessly, or become a development board. The presence of a full-size USB port allows it to accept a small webcam, and with a microSD slot, its software possibilities are very large. The VoCore2 leaves aside the Ralink chip at 360 MHz from the first version to adopt a MediaTek MT7688AN at 580 MHz. RAM goes from 64 to 128 megabytes, while internal storage is 8 or 16 megabytes. Average consumption is just 74 mA, almost 50 percent less than the first model.
The Lite version of VoCore2 (64 MB - 8 MB) debuted at a price of four dollars, and offering only 500 units, it was the first to sell out. Those who want a VoCore2 now will have to pay $12 for the superior version, although that doesn't include shipping costs. If all goes well (and if we go by the first campaign, it will), deliveries will begin in January of next year.
