I do R&D for laboratory machines. We're trying to break away from the clunky old components (which also almost always use Windows). I started with the Pi but it was too underpowered. Now I'm using hardkernel's odroid u2, which has been a decent experience. But Hardkernel's support is spotty, site is shady, and shipping takes forever. Plus the dual ethernet and SSD are exactly what I was looking for (using usb replacements now which aren't as good). I used an Atom but had trouble with video drivers in Debian. Crossing my fingers on this one. Will pre-order if they offer. I'd love it if someone could offer touchscreens that would easily plug into it, as this has been tough for me.
One of the issues with arm is that its a whole separate world of compatibility and performance from x86— it's easy to get a order of magnitude less performance accidentally if you're not careful with what you're buying. I'm sure the same is true for x86 too, but people coming from that background have the experience to avoid it.
I'm really looking forward to getting a Cortex-A57 based U2 like device, aarch64 sounds fun.
Actually one is on the way and I'm hopeful. I found the odroid to be incredibly fast and the 2gb ram it provides is great since the machine runs a gui, web server, and other various things.
