This is true with ARM in general. There's no "standard Linux" to boot because every board needs its own device tree and set of core kernel modules for detecting important things like local storage. It's fairly intractable due to how different the hardware is.
I've heard this argumane before but that doesn't change the fact that some socs work out of the box and require no proprietary software or custom configs
Wow, I was sure Raspberry Pi were pretty good about mainline support, especially since multiple distros support the platform.
Software support is still very good compared to pretty much every other arm board.
Currently, and I could be wrong, the alternative to a Pi 4 from Pine64 now would be a Pine64's Quartz64 Model B. A Star64 might be interesting, but that's RISC-V so who knows what OS you could boot on it currently and if it would even be stable.
Plus with the Quartz64 Model B, who knows if you'll able to get a good case for it. There's the $28 “Model B” ALUMINUM WATERPROOF ENCLOSURE, but, eh, no thanks. There's the open enclosure, but that's also a no for me. I want a case I can hide the device itself, the cables, put a heatsink and fan on, be able to use an SSD with USB connect and connect a power supply all stuffed in a case. Which you can find plenty of for Raspberry Pi's.
Not to mention the Pi 5 isn't even out yet, and it's entirely possible it'll be better than the Quartz64 Model B, on top of having a ton of accessories. Plus, I can Pi up practically any Pi at the Microcenter or similar store near me as opposed to having to pay for good shipping.
I'm totally for having alternatives to the Pi, heck I might pick up a Quartz64 Model B if I can find a case, but a lot of alternatives don't have the same support and accessories the Pis do.
Don't go for a Pi. They don't run stock Linux anyway.
I would get a board from pine64. There are also plenty of other options that are cheaper
Used mini PCs are also an option
Define "stock Linux."
I guess he means that raspberry pi doesn't run a mainline kernel
Precisely. You can't just boot up any arm image
This is true with ARM in general. There's no "standard Linux" to boot because every board needs its own device tree and set of core kernel modules for detecting important things like local storage. It's fairly intractable due to how different the hardware is.
I've heard this argumane before but that doesn't change the fact that some socs work out of the box and require no proprietary software or custom configs
Yeah for the majority of standardized hardware solutions sure. But the Pi is an one-off, as well as all the other single board computers. IANALOSD.
Wow, I was sure Raspberry Pi were pretty good about mainline support, especially since multiple distros support the platform.
Software support is still very good compared to pretty much every other arm board.
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They can, just need correct drivers. We have mainline Fedora, Debian and Ubuntu for them now.
Currently, and I could be wrong, the alternative to a Pi 4 from Pine64 now would be a Pine64's Quartz64 Model B. A Star64 might be interesting, but that's RISC-V so who knows what OS you could boot on it currently and if it would even be stable.
Plus with the Quartz64 Model B, who knows if you'll able to get a good case for it. There's the $28 “Model B” ALUMINUM WATERPROOF ENCLOSURE, but, eh, no thanks. There's the open enclosure, but that's also a no for me. I want a case I can hide the device itself, the cables, put a heatsink and fan on, be able to use an SSD with USB connect and connect a power supply all stuffed in a case. Which you can find plenty of for Raspberry Pi's.
Not to mention the Pi 5 isn't even out yet, and it's entirely possible it'll be better than the Quartz64 Model B, on top of having a ton of accessories. Plus, I can Pi up practically any Pi at the Microcenter or similar store near me as opposed to having to pay for good shipping.
I'm totally for having alternatives to the Pi, heck I might pick up a Quartz64 Model B if I can find a case, but a lot of alternatives don't have the same support and accessories the Pis do.