I see that a few prototype SmoothBrainz boards are running around now. Was wondering if anyone was planning on making a production version of the board or something similar?
There’s something bigger, better, and badder on the way that will do what you want. Check my profile for some clues.
When will this new board be out? Will you also have spots for terminal posts for using external stepper drivers?
We’ve had some good results with rev1 of prototypes, rev2 boards are on the way (added features and fixed a few small bugs). There will be a board more feature-powerful than any existing product in the 32 bit/ smoothie category and a mini that sets a new low price point. Both have sockets for pololu drivers which is where you can plug in your external driver wire connections (STEP, DIR, EN, GND). There is also a design for a quick adapter board +Peter van der Walt made that would break out those 4 connections into an easy header. We’re testing these boards on a large variety of machines as we speak and gearing up for a kickstarter in 6-8 weeks, as soon as we can make a video and spread the word.
I hate open source because there’s always something bigger, better, and badder on the way… How should I decide what to get? 
@Thomas_Balu_Walter it all depends on your expectations and requirements. If you have a conventional machine and want a simple, proven design, get a smoothieboard. If you want something a little more cutting edge, message me regarding testing my boards, or wait for the kickstarter.
@raykholo I don’t have enough experience with boards to be a good tester, but I will definitely have a look at the Kickstarter.
@raykholo can’t wait to know more about it, I think a 2 parts solution make sense, main board with ethernet but no stepper driver, and specific 2nd boards to plug into. like K40,CNC, 4-5-6 steppers drivers, etc…
the first one being low price entry (large production), 2nd being specific margin one (add value).