If you like low cost boards by Hardkernel such as ODROID-U3, but the add-ons required, and/or shipping costs put you off, an alternative will soon be available thanks to FriendlyARM NanoPC-T1, a tiny computer designed and manufactured by CoreWind Tech FriendlyARM Guangzhou , and powered by Samsung Exynos 4412 quad core Cortex A9 SoC with 1GB RAM, and 4GB built-in flash.

FriendlyARM NanoPC specifications:

SoC – Samsung Exynos 4412 quad core Cortex-A9 @ 1.5GHz + Mali-400MP4 GPU

System Memory – 1GB DDR3 RAM, 32bit data bus

1GB DDR3 RAM, 32bit data bus Storage – 4GB eMMC Flash + SD Card slot

Connectivity – 10/100M Ethernet (RJ45)

Video Output – HDMI

Audio – 3.5mm Audio Out jack

USB – 1x micro USB OTG, 2x USB 2.0 host ports

Expansions and I/Os: UART – 4 x TTL UART LCD – TFT LCD interface, support Capacitive/Resistive touch driver 2x Digital sensor input CMOS CAMERA Interface MIPI interface – Support HD Camera 30x GPIO

Misc – 2x User keys, 2x User LEDs

Power Supply – DC 5V/2A input

The company will provide support for Linux + Qt, Ubuntu 12.04, and Android 4.2.2, and the source code will be available in a DVD sent with the board.

Compared to ODROID-U3, NanoPC uses a slightly slower processor (Exynos 4412 vs Exynos 4412 Prime), has less RAM (1GB vs 2GB), only 2 USB ports (vs 3 for ODROID-U3), but it does come with 4GB eMMC (only eMMC socket for U3), has much more available I/Os, and the case is included in the price.

NanoPC will be available on the 25th of February 2014 for 399 CNY / $69.95 + shipping?. Accessories (PSU, Ethernet, Serial, and USB cables) and a Universal RS-232 adapter included free for the first orders. There’s no clear information yet about shipping cost, but checking on CoreWind eStore they have 4 shipping methods: DHL/Fedex ($36), EMS/Post Express ($16), ARAMEX ($31), and “pickup” charged via your courier account. So you may not save much compared to the $25 charged by Hardkernel. When I tried to order an existing board via Paypal it defaulted to $36 on FriendlyARM.

You may also find more information FriendlyARM NanoPC-T1 page, and pre-order via andahammer.com.

Thanks to Dave for the tip.