> USB was meant to be universal. As was PL/I, to use a software example. Seriously though, USB just doesn't have the right features for certain applications.

> USB was meant to be universal. As was PL/I, to use a software example. Seriously though, USB just doesn't have the right features for certain applications. Not enough bandwidth for good graphics, for one. Finally, there's the issue of size. Yes, you could have a board with a bunch of USB ports and Ethernet adapters, etc. hanging off that. But you get a smaller device if you integrate your peripherals. On this board the video controller is in the OMAP chip, along with an Ethernet MAC. The board itself is just bringing these out to a physical interface. We are at a point where throwing more transistors onto a chip and making a built-in Ethernet module is much, much cheaper than manufacturing an extra board and putting it together.