In an unusual move, Via technologies has released the hardware design for a low-cost laptop under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 license.   As can be expected, the design of the OpenBook laptop is based on Via's C7-M processor.  It also sports an 8.9-inch screen with basic wireless modules for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

As long as the base design is attributed to Via, and changes to it are made available, the CAD files of the design can be freely downloaded, shared, and modified. The offered rationalization is that this will shorten the design time needed by system makers.  However, the cynic cannot help but think that this is but a thinly veiled attempt to promote systems based on the Via-made C7 processor.

For more about Via's open source laptpop:
- check out the Computerworld article [1]