On 09.09.2011. 00:32, ropers wrote:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loongson#MIPS_patent_issues
So does this mean that this platform is now to be regarded as
patent-encumbered and no longer completely free (libre)?
(That would kind of ruin the big appeal for me.)
The platform is free in software sense, i.e. there is no proprietary firmware or
other software. The hardware specification is also available to general public,
in the form of manuals (some in Chinese only, but they are being translated).
The Chinese didn't make a clone of a specific MIPS processor (although they
could have done that if they wanted, as there are no patents or laws or royalty
fees associated with that), but made a completely new processor. It executes the
MIPS instruction set, which is (IMO) a very wise choice (for many reasons).
They payed a fee to MIPS Technologies only as a sign of good will (and they
didn't want press to write (lie) about some patent nonsense associated with
their product). Officialy, the explanation is that that gives them right to use
the MIPS-compatible labeling.
I was very happy when I learned about Loongson processor, because this way the
MIPS continues to live. It is a great architecture and it unjustly disappeared
from market (together with other RISCs), because of Intel and its Itanium (which
turned-out to be a failure).
So, buy a Loongson system, and enjoy it! :) Not only it is a more elegant
architecture, but it gives you a much more performance per Watt than any
x86/x86_64. And if your primary motiff is "freedom", than it is also an
excellent choice.
