The Pandora handheld computer is being marketed as the ultimate open source portable computer. It runs Linux (‘natch) has super powerful graphics capabilities, features a 10 hour battery life, twin SD slots, full game controls and is around the size of a Nintendo DS. What makes it different is the fact that it’s being crowdsourced developed with a team of people and lots of community input. Hence the focus on gaming as well as boring old conventional computing. The current order price is £199.00 and the first batch should be shipping before year end.
Looking at the site, videos and specs I have to say that while it looks like a nice piece of kit, there are some things which would have me worried. First, the keyboard looks really naff. It may sound weird, but a bad keyboard can really turn me off a computer fast. Second, the pricing is likely to come under intense pressure soon, as the first wave of ultra-cheap ultra-portables like the $98.00 HiVision Mini-Note – which is also a Linux box – hit the streets. Sure there’s no comparison between the graphical/game power capabilities of the two, but still…
What is the device designed for? It is designed as an ultra portable open source computer with gaming controls, it is very small, around about the same size as a DS. It can easily fit in your pocket…How powerful is it? It is by far the most powerful handheld in the world both in terms of raw CPU power and 3D graphics capability, it will be able to handle things such as Firefox3 or Quake3 with ease.
It’s being marketed as a gaming device first, a portable ARM computer second. The keyboard is for old home computer emulation and occasional web browsing/PIM stuff; it’s not the focus of the console.
Well, actually, the keyboard in that render is not the final keyboard. Just wait until the real shots of the prototype before you decide whether or not you’re gonna buy it. :)
Well, actually, the keyboard in that render is not the final keyboard. Just wait until the real shots of the prototype before you decide whether or not you're gonna buy it. :)
I am very interested in all these wee efforts, as frankly when I am out about all I want is to check my mails and do a bit of surflng. And using a mobile to do this seems plain daft.
However, one thing I am really hooked on is my ‘3’ wireless dongle, which seems to need Windows.
Is there any chance of such as ‘3’ working with Linux or these much more sensibly-priced portable PCs getting an affordable OS that will work with these devices?