STM32MP2 performance - usable as basic notebook computer?

[DMårt]

I'm very proud of STM32MP1 and I want to continue to learn more about the STM32MP products.

So, I'm planning to create another single board computer such as the open source project STM32-Computer. My next project will be STM64-Computer, which will use STM32MP257.

I have some questions that are refering to the STM32MP2 series.

1. Can I surf on Youtube with that?
2. Can I stream with that?
3. Can I use regular programs such as Libre Office, Putty, Java, VS Code on that?
4. Are there any limitations?
5. How powerfull is the GPU? E.g can it do facial recognition?
6. Is the setup, configuration, hard ware etc. almost the same as STM32MP1? I mean, if I have made a single board computer with STM32MP151, then a STM32MP257 will be exactly the same, just another more expensive and power full processor?
7. Why is STM32MP257 so difficult to get? I can only see DigiKey have some few in stock.
8. Is it possible to route the conductors on the PCB with 4 layers PCB, or do I need 6 layers or more for the STM32MP257? I know the getting started manual shows 6 layers. So I assume that 4 layers has been tested? The getting started manual for STM32MP1 shows 4 and 6 layers as an example and I have routed STM32-Computer with 4 layers. It works like a charm. Will it do the same for STM32MP257?
9. Does a STM32MP2 really suit me as a personal computer?
10. Where can I purchase STM32MP251? I don't need CAN or 3 different Ethernet. Only one.

Thank you!

[Ozone]

I have very superficial knowlede of the STM32MP257 device, but according to the specs, I would expect a performance roughly equivalent to an Intel Atom processor.

Would that suffice to run desktop application like OpenOffice or video output (YT) ?
I think this depends on your patience.
I still have Atom-driven Netbook, which can do all this stuff (running XFCE Mint) - with significant load times and delays.
Not a very pleasant experience, but it works.

[DMårt]

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@Ozone wrote:

I have very superficial knowlede of the STM32MP257 device, but according to the specs, I would expect a performance roughly equivalent to an Intel Atom processor.

Would that suffice to run desktop application like OpenOffice or video output (YT) ?
I think this depends on your patience.
I still have Atom-driven Netbook, which can do all this stuff (running XFCE Mint) - with significant load times and delays.
Not a very pleasant experience, but it works.

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Thank you @Ozone 

Can you stream Netflix and login to youtube with that?

I also wonder which software have you a performance surprise when you run that on the processor?

[Ozone]

Sorry, I have no Netflix.
But I tried Youtube, and it basically worked ok. Which means, the video did play without visible stutter, including the audio.
However, video resolution plays a role. The (netbook) display doesn't allow more than 720p.
Loading times are somewhat painful, i.e. the delay until video replay actually starts.
I currently use this netbook only for mobile data acquisition use. I have some Cortex M applications to capture a variety of sensor inputs, and record it "in the field" with this netbook via serial interface. For that purpose, it is more than sufficient.

Keep in mind that that target application for MP1/MP2 devices is not a desktop PC, but rather embedded devices with GUI, industrial automation, and communication devices. It is not intended to rival an i5/i7/i9 processor, and surely will not.

As for facial recognition - I'd say the question is somewhat vague.
Basically, this is image processing and pattern matching algorithms. You can run it on a Cortex M3 or M4, provided you have enough RAM, use a relatively small resolution, and don't demand realtime speed.
A MP2 has enough resources and performance for realtime operations in this field.
But for achievable resolutions and frame rates, you would probably need to experiment. This is not my field of expertise, to be honest.

[DMårt]

@Ozone 

You think MP2 can be equal as a Raspberry 4?

A simple computer where you can surf on youtube and use regular small programs?

I basically are only going to use MP2 as a web browser.

[Ozone]

Honestly, I don't know. You would need to try it out.
While I would expect it to work, I don't think this A35 can keep up with a quad-core A72.

That's all I can say.

[DMårt]

@Ozone 

As long I can use MP2 as a simple note book, then I will buy MP257.

[DMårt]

@Ozone 

Can you describe more how YouTube works on MP2?

I want to know:

• Which web browser are you using 
• Does HD 1080p works well, or is 720p the total limit?
• Are there any time delay or lagging?
• Your own opinions about surfing on Youtube with MP2? What works and what did not work?

My goal is to build a simple notebook for surfing purposes only. Google Docs, youtube, ge force now must work. 

[Ozone · Accepted solution]

> Can you describe more how YouTube works on MP2?

No, I can't.
At least not in more than superficial terms. Not my field of expertise.

Nor do I have any intention to re-purpose a Cortex A7 targeted at industrial automation and embedded systems for desktop use or home entertainment. This is like trying to compete in a Formula One car race with a VW Beetle.

> Your own opinions about surfing on Youtube with MP2? What works and what did not work?

I tried dual- and quadcore ARM systems (ARM11 and A5x). 
The performance is tolerable for VGA sceen size or smartphone sreen resolutions. But not for 720p or more, at least not for serious work.

[DMårt]

@Ozone 

Thank for your reply. 

But MP2 is Cortex A35, not A5x.

I understand that MP2 is to slow for youtube.

That's sad.