I've been using ARM machines as a desktop replacement for a few years now. Native applications run just fine on fairly modest hardware. However, for web browsing, a quad core Cortex-A9 around that frequency and with a 32 bit DRAM interface just crosses in the usable (but somewhat laggy) category. Cortex-A15 with a 64 bit memory interface feels much closer to modern x86 machines.
Novena's 64 bit memory interface might actually make a big difference. From my tests, a 1080p 32 bit framebuffer uses up around 1/4 of the system memory bandwidth with a 32 bit DDR3 interface.
I also get the feeling that desktop browsers (chromium, firefox) aren't very well optimised for ARM.
Just curious, which ARM machines have you been using as desktop replacements? And why bother, since, I presume, none of these are mass-market products? What advantages do they have over x86 machines?
I'm mostly working on software for ARM and since all the tools I need for work run well enough, why not? I still use x86 at home.
> which ARM machines have you been using as desktop replacements?
The ones I've used most were IMX53QSB, then ODROID-X2, ODROID-XU and I'm now switching to ODROID-XU3.
> What advantages do they have over x86 machines?
I was able to get rid of the x86 desktop while only using ARM hardware I would have used anyway. Also, the boards have a tiny footprint (you can tape several to the back of a monitor for example), they're very low power and can be passively cooled. They're very cheap too.
I've also used some RK3188-based mini PCs dongles for their portability. You can carry a reasonably fast GNU/Linux machine in your pocket and don't cost much more than Raspberry Pi, which I find way too slow.
Novena's 64 bit memory interface might actually make a big difference. From my tests, a 1080p 32 bit framebuffer uses up around 1/4 of the system memory bandwidth with a 32 bit DDR3 interface.
I also get the feeling that desktop browsers (chromium, firefox) aren't very well optimised for ARM.