For all the sophisticated equipment on this rover, the computer seems surprisingly underpowered. Surely, they are going for quality of quantity, but these specifications are somewhat lackluster - 256MB of DRAM, 300 MIPS processor. Maybe they just spec'd it out for only what they need?Anyone have insight into this? I'm sure there is a very good reason for this - I'd just like to know.
http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/mission/rover/brains/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Science_Laboratory#Rover