It appears to be an embedded processor running linux (from reports) so this would make it very similar to many smartphones, more specifically Android smartphones (80% of the smartphone market despite the hype from Apple).

Yer and smart phones and tablets are so much more reliable than a PC.
you wanna talk about throw away tech? talk about Smart phones and Tablets.



Your Rant was about how hard it is to repair main boards for the regular guy.
 the regular guy doesn't fix tablets or Smartphone boards do they?
And those boards on Smart phones and tabs are so easy for the regular punter to fix, because they fix them by opening the lid of the bin

What data is out there to say Sterns new boards are more reliable than a PC board anyways?

Its easier to fix a Pc than a smart phone, eg loss of sound  on a pc board then you can replace a sound card.
if sound is lost on a board that has everything built into it whats the fix?  A full board?

Video dies on a Pc, well you replace the video card you could even upgrade the video card at the same time
WHat do you have do to fix dead video on a board that has everything embedded into it like this? buy a full new board?

Everything you used as an argument on your rant is a problem on this board and even more so because it is all embedded onto one board.