> A disadvantage is that a Linux + initrd payload takes up quite a bit of> space. A fairly stripped down kernel + initrd takes up ~6.9M in the> current Buildroot + Linux configuration I have. So a large flash chip or> replacing the flash with a larger one is recommended.
I see here PROs and CONTRAs.
One huge PRO is that petit/smallboot is excellent for consumer electronics. For the ones which will NEVER change SW as current release of the device. With the new device release (new version), the new enhanced SW will be put into device. Excellent for ASICs.
One CONTRA is that it is impossible to upgrade SW in the current ASIC context. If there will be another SW (kind of EC) with HW extension which can control flash upgrade, which will make this device substantially more expensive.
In other words, petitboot mainly targets consumer electronics. :-)
Best Regards,
Zoran