Si:
I just don't get the Due concept. I just feel I must be missing something obvious. Someone please explain it to me.Surely, if I need more processor, then its because I'm doing something fundamentally unsuited to an operating system-less device like the Arduino. I.e., image processing, DSP, MP3 playing etc. If I need an OS I'd have Linux on a Raspberry Pi.
Arduino is a device for electronic hobbyists. 16 million things a second is faster than I've ever needed an Arduino to perform.
I agree that 8 bit AVR chip based boards would still be the best entry point into the arduino world for most begineers, especialy for those new to the electronics side of the hobby. However the small SRAM space and limited clock speed on the 8 bit AVRs does rule out many valid hobbyist level projects that really can't be performed on the existing arduino hardware. A ARM based arduino board will open up new applications that simply can't be performed with a existing AVR based board without external harware required that a ARM based board may not require. It not a one or the other based choice, but rather matching the avalible hardware to the task.
My fear is that too many begineers will choose a Due over a Uno based on their possible future requirements rather then picking the best board for their entry into this hobby. The experts will already know how to select the best board for each specific project or application, but too many begineers will 'over buy' based on the wrong reasons.
Lefty