Linux-Based Pandora Ships with 600 MHz ARM
It's a pocket computer that looks like the Nintendo DSi XL.
Back in December we reported that the open-source, Linux-based Pandora pocket computer was close to completion, facing a final testing with the FCC by the end of the year. Now the device has entered mass-production, with the Pandora team currently building the first batch of 4,000 units. Private pre-orders have even begun to ship.
Pandora appears unchanged since December, sporting a small, Nintendo DS XL-like clam-shell appearance while retaining the usefulness of a netbook. It still uses the ARM Cortex-A8 600 Mhz+ CPU and a 430 MHz TMS320C64x+ DSP Core. Additional hardware includes the 110 MHz PowerVR SGX GPU, 256 MB of RAM, and 512 MB of flash memory. The device's 4.3-inch resistive touchscreen provides a native 800 x 480 resolution and 16.7 million colors.
Although Pandora is promoted as "the most powerful gaming handheld," the specs lean more towards an ultra-portable, pocket-sized PC. This portable rig can surf the Internet thanks to a built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g wireless adapter, allow users to compose email using its 43-button QWERTY keyboard, and perhaps even export high-quality video to a TV thanks to its S-Video output jack. The Pandora sports a battery with a 10+ hour duration.
On the gaming front, Pandora supposedly runs Quake 3 Arena rather well, however it's promoted as a device capable of running older games and console ROMS via emulators--heck, the Motorola Droid can do those equally as well. Currently pricing is unknown, and general consumers are unable to pre-order as of this writing.
Is this just a glorified smartphone?
USB support means you can plug wi-fi or 3G adapters.
Linux means you are free to modify the software, and the large base Linux has means tons of content available to it and people working on it.
It weighs only 335 grams.
I. Want. One.
This is what the next PSP should be.
Bit underpowered though, even the Cowon S9 has a dual core 500MHz ARM... and it's a music player.
Linux FTW
USB support means you can plug wi-fi or 3G adapters.
Linux means you are free to modify the software, and the large base Linux has means tons of content available to it and people working on it.
It weighs only 335 grams.
I. Want. One.
That being said, this product was designed to accommodate a small niche of a niche market. Originally it was limited to just 3000 units for it's investors, but by popular demand was extended to 4000. Who knows if they'll even make any more.
Even at this point of time where the specs seem so dated, this product will still be one of the best, if not the best, devices for what it was designed to do. For instance, I'm one of the first people in the US to have an HTC T8282 (Touch HD) and this phone has served me very, very well. Aside from making phone calls, checking my e-mail, and browsing the web, I can also run a multitude of games and emulators. Problem, I don't have any hardware buttons, and even if I did, would they be located in such a way that makes my phone comfortable and practical for such an application? How about any other phone out there? Even the "devine" Apple phones are not practical for such applications. The best games that can be run on our phones are touchscreen based.
As far as the Skype arguement goes, Pandora can do it. When I make my international calls with Skype on my HTC T8282, I specifically use a wifi connection.
This device is for a niche market, and not only will it not appeal to everyone, but it won't be understood by everyone. It's the same thing as 3dconnexion devices. I always found it humorous to read comments about these devices asking what the point was for having a supplemental $600 trackball. Of course it's not for games, but as an engineer I can't live without one.
Now I only wish I was one of the few proactive people that pre-ordered this device...
I was waiting for the second production run but now I wish I'd pre-ordered from the first batch, back when I had money.
It's the same OMAP3 Chip as in the Nokia N900. Do you consider the N900 so much underpowered ?
It might not be the fastest chip out there but it's still pretty good IMO. Beside the OMAP3 DSP and GPU is just beginning to be exploited properly.
Also with over-clocking most should probably be able to run @700 or @800mhz without much trouble and that's without changing the voltage.
What's true however is that the ARM market is evolving very fast. Just because you see a announcement for an OMAP4 chip doesn't mean it will be in device straight away. Especially with TI it can take about 1-2 year from initial sampling to device shipping.
This device is mostly aimed at ppl who what to have proper gaming control and are into emulation. It's very open nature might also inspire some hacker.
So if you really want a Smartphone buy one, the Pandora will probably not be for you.