geckojsc
The Team
Computer Geek
Posts: 65
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Post by geckojsc on Sept 5, 2009 13:02:01 GMT
While browsing through the PAlib forums, I descovered and amazing new handheld console coming out, called the Pandora. It's supposed to have more power than any other handheld on the market, and the best thing is that it's completely open for homebrew developers. It runs on linux and is like a mini laptop and a games console crossed together. This is something I'm definitely adding to my christmas list (if it's out by then).
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Post by OpenCoder on Sept 5, 2009 20:59:16 GMT
And lo, hell did freeze over.
Explanation: A few years ago, I wished for something like this. I came to the conclusion that it would happen only when hell froze over.
Edit: Just checked the price.
Live rates at 2009.09.06 09:34:54 UTC 330.00 USD = 201.626 GBP £200. Ouch.
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geckojsc
The Team
Computer Geek
Posts: 65
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Post by geckojsc on Sept 6, 2009 11:52:52 GMT
It's a lot of money, but if you think about it, in the long term it's actually cheaper than a DS or a PSP, because once you buy it, everything else is free since all the software is homebrew (otherwise you'd end up paying £30 for every game you wanted).
It really is the perfect thing for me though, because I love the idea of programming on the go, even though I'm not an experienced programmer.
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Post by OpenCoder on Sept 6, 2009 13:25:26 GMT
fair point, i've pumped over £500 into my DS in 2 and a half years, so.... and the potential 64GB of storage isn't too bad either. and the processor is awesome. i would definitely show this off in college if i got one, provided a protective case gets made for it. Edit: continuing from your point about the games being free, i would love this, because then any rubbish games you get won't have cost you anything if you don't play them. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, i'm looking at you.... Edit 2: did I mention already? ...NEED...THIS...NOW....
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Post by Blackiris on Sept 7, 2009 4:41:34 GMT
Damn, and I thought that I'd be fine with a GP2X, but now I see something even better...I can't say I'd get it for developing purposes because the last thing I programmed was QBasic Now it's all about what this can do that the GP2X can't. EDIT: Although, looking at the specs, the Pandora clearly is capable of much more...now it's up to my wallet.
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geckojsc
The Team
Computer Geek
Posts: 65
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Post by geckojsc on Sept 7, 2009 16:14:35 GMT
The other day I asked about buying one, and this is the reply I got: Hello, At this time we only have a few pre-orders available, therefore you can only place a pre-order through email. Payment is by credit card through Google checkout. The first release - 4,000 consoles - is the final console and will be released in batches. Expected release date is October. If you wish to place a pre-order please forward your full name and address details so we are able to generate an order number for you. Please confirm the items you wish to purchase and the shipping method. We will then forward a Google Checkout request for payment. Prices listed below. Kind regards Jacquelyn
The Pandora includes a battery, power adaptor and stylus
USD PRICE
Pandora $330 Accessories: TV OUT $19.99 CARRY CASE $19.99 BATTERY $28.99 Power Adaptor $7.99 Stylus $7.00 Dev Fund $20
Air Mail shipping $20 UPS 24/48 hr shipping $49
UK GBP PRICE
Pandora £266.20 (includes VAT)
Accessories TV OUT £13.72 CARRY CASE £13.72 BATTERY £19.88 POWER ADAPTOR £6.30 Stylus £4.38 Dev Fund £10
Special Delivery shipping £7.20 (UK)
EURO PRICE
Pandora - 298.22 (includes VAT at 15%) TV OUT - 15.37 CASE - 15.37 BATTERY - 22.28 ADAPTOR - 7.29 DEV FUND - 15.00 STYLUS - 5.08
Air Mail Shipping - 15.56 UPS 24/48 Hr - 36.97
2009/9/6 Gecko <gecko.jsc@hotmail.co.uk>
I'd really like to get a Pandora at some stage, but I'm very confused about how it is being released (the FAQ in the wiki don't make things clear for me). I heard it's being done in batches, but is that just for testing or will the final product be sold in batches? On the OpenPandora website, the to do list looks like this: * Get the final Prototype case * Build a test device and check if everything is okay * Create the keymat mould (takes 20 - 25 days) * Design the final keyboard layout (needs to be finished when the mould is ready) * Create mould of final case (can be done once the case fits, takes 30 - 35 days) * CE / FCC testing (can be done once the prototype case is here) * Mass Production testrun for the final boards * Stability testing (this will be fun) * Wait for the last remaining pieces for mass production (LATEST deadline is second week of March) * Mass Production * Test the boards * SHIP THEM! When they say "Mass Production" does that just mean creating a batch, and if so, how many will be made and what are my chances of getting one? And how will I go about getting one? Will they be available in shops, or will I have to order it online? Thanks in advance, I'd just like some things to be a bit clearer for me.
-- OPENPANDORA LTD www.openpandora.org Tel.No. +44 (0)191 2432253 (10am - 4pm GMT - Monday to Friday)£266 pounds! Wow... Well, at least I have more information now, and it's not too late to order some from the first batch! I'm sure it would be worth it though, evin if it is a bit pricey.
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Post by OpenCoder on Sept 7, 2009 18:44:23 GMT
Accessories TV OUT £13.72 CARRY CASE £13.72 BATTERY £19.88 POWER ADAPTOR £6.30 Stylus £4.38 Dev Fund £10
what's the dev fund?
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geckojsc
The Team
Computer Geek
Posts: 65
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Post by geckojsc on Sept 7, 2009 20:19:03 GMT
Extract from the developer's blog: On another note we are planing to set up a Developer Fund for Pandora software development.
When ordering your Pandora you will be given the option to donate $20/£10 to the Pandora development fund.
This will give you access to a (voluntary) beta testing zone (where you can try software early) and the money donated will be used to reward Pandora software developers for their work.
Developers of course don't have to use this system, but I think it is a good way of rewarding them all, no matter how they release their software it will qualify to be rewarded from the fund. The Pandora team will throw in several thousand dollars to start it off.
Exophase summed up this idea in a nice way on the forum:
"The way I'm seeing this (and craigix please correct me if I'm wrong), this isn't meant to just provide a way to reward developers of software that you like. Instead it's supposed to strengthen the software library on the Pandora as a whole, acting as a motivator for good software in general. Which is why it's being offered with the purchases of the Pandoras themselves."
Well, back to work for us, we should be posting more videos in July.
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