Gumstix has started shipping an LCD expansion board for its tiny, Linux-oriented, PXA270-based Verdex single-board computer (SBC). Combined with the cellular networking and GPS daughter cards shipped last month, the “consoleLCD-vx” could help the Verdex board appeal to OEM, educational, and DIY mobile phone hobbyists.

(Click for larger view of the consoleLCD-vx)

The new consoleLCD-vx measures 3.1 x 1.4 inches (80 x 34mm), or about 14mm wider than the Verdex board, to which it connects via a 60-pin Hirose connector. It is said to add “plug and play” support for Samsung's 4.3-inch LTE430WQF0 LCD module, which measures 4.2 x 2.6 x 0.2 inches (105 x 67 x 4mm). The LCD module itself is the same size as the Verdex's cellular networking and GPS expansion boards, which shipped last month.

Samsung LCD
(Click to enlarge)
In addition to an LCD touchscreen controller and interface, the consoleLCD-vx expansion board adds a USB mini-B connector with USB host signals, GPIO, and three RS-232 ports on miniDIN8 connectors. It can be used with 5-Volt wall adapters; power-over-USB is not provided.

Gumstix's Verdex board is based on an XScale PXA270 — probably the most popular mobile phone processor in today's crop of Linux-based mobile phones. It is available with on-board Bluetooth, and a variety of other expansion boards. It ships pre-installed with “the latest 2.6-series Linux kernel,” and U-Boot bootloader.

Availability

The consoleLCD-vx is available now, priced at $50. Gumstix also resells Samsung's 4.3-icnh LTE430WQF0, priced at $85. Verdex boards start at $130.

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