This is a continuation of a discussion started here in the client software beta testers thread:
viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2913&p=28666#p28666 (http://dangerousprototypes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=2913&p=28666#p28666)
The idea was 'should there be a mobile client for iphone and android so the unit is more standalone.' That became 'well, it'd be easier to port the software if we just used a linux board with a graphic lcd'. My feeling is that the later basically constitutes making a bench top unit, which I have a couple feelings on and would like to discuss here.
My thought is that, personally, I would like a nicely-made kit-style open source bench logic analyzer - that'd be pretty darn cool. But the real point of the USB LA is that much of the cost and *complexity of development* is shifted off the LA device itself and into a device most everyone already has near their bench, a full computer. Because of this, the OLS is only a small, $50 assembled board. My thought is that it's already difficult for the community to coordinate development of one good interface and one good firmware/FPGA design, I'd be extremely surprised if we could successfully maintain a full bench instrument.
The other problem is that I think it could pretty easily be kept under $500, but even $500 is a TON for most hobbyists, especially when they can get a professional USB based LA with few to no bugs, or a used HP bench unit for a similar price. The concept of paying that much for a unit as buggy as OLA currently is probably won't be palatable to most.
What do you guys think on the matter?
I agree, a "standard" communication port with a porting to several OS grantee freedom to everybody. Somebody choose a old or new laptop connected to the OLS, other can build a mini-ITX computer with screen or other can use his favourite device to talk with the OLS. I prefer respect the full independence of the actual OLS.
A benchtop unit is unfeasible for us, period. There is too much development work in the hardware and software, and the current design borders on a toy compared to the isolation and other features of a pro unit. We can't even get the Bus Pirate in a case, let alone design a case for totally integrated and embedded device with screen, buttons, etc. And you can't get that equipment manufactured in batches of 100, and if you do it will cost $5000, not $500. A android or iphone client might be feasible to connect to a bluetooth-enabled OLS.
adding... not that a hobbyists couldn't do a 1-off as a labor of love, but it's not something you'll be buying Seeed.