OpenMoko project future - Dreamliner vs. 737

Tue Apr 8 08:16:01 CEST 2008

To all those who are frustrated.

First of all, please note the recent message from Steve that the  
Freerunner is already in production rampup (PVT), i.e. the hardware  
engineering phase is finished. Usually this means just weeks and no  
longer months until sales can start.

But taking your picture of "liftoff", and knowing about all those  
eagerly waiting members on this list who have expected something  
different, I have worked on a solution for those who have different  
needs than the Freerunner will fulfill.

The best result so far is sort of a "737" Open Linux PDA-Smartphone  
(when compared to the Neo "Dreamliner"). While the alternate device  
lacks WiFi, GPS, USB-Host and the latest kernels, it comes with

* Quadband (800/850/1800/1900)
* a 1.3Mpix camera
* a builtin telescpoe pen
* weights just 90g
* is mature (i.e. end-user ready incl. power management) and
* runs Qtopia (not the latest one) out of the box.

I am in discussion with the manufacturer about the SDK and the  
limitations of openness. But what I have already tried with the sample  
devices is that it is really possible to install and run Sharp Zaurus  
binaries and cross-compile some code.

Since I don't know if discussing alternatives to the Openmoko fits  
into the rules of this list, please send me a private mail (mailto:hns at computer.org 
) if you are interested, or follow the links in the signature.

With kind regards,
Nikolaus Schaller

http://www.handheld-linux.com
http://groups.google.de/group/org-letux-discuss

PS: we plan to add both, the Freerunner and this alternate device to  
our shop so you have more choice

Am 07.04.2008 um 23:58 schrieb Ron K. Jeffries:
> OpenMoko is a brilliant concept. I hope to buy a Freerunner
> when it's relatively safe to go in the water.
>
> Before we jump down the throats of those who express
> some frustration about how the release schedule has
> taken longer than we all hoped, here's my non-emotional
> comment in support of those who are frustrated.
>
> I do no know why, but the OpenMoko project
> (Hardware and software) objectively is dragging
> out. From the sidelines, it is difficult to judge
> whether this VIRTUOUS project will or will
> not achieve liftoff, or will crash off
> the end of the runway.
>
> yes, absolutely, developing in a fully open
> environment means everybody knows each
> and every wart along the way. Apple and Steve Jobs
> did not have that burden, nor do Nokia, or LG,
> Samsung, Motorola.
>
> BUT the OpenMoko  project likely does not have
> enough financial capital and human
> resource to accomplish its lofty ambitions.
>
> I passionately hope I am TOTALLY WRONG. But the
> track record to date is "dodgy" at best.
>
> -- 
> Ron K. Jeffries
> http://blog.eronj.com
> http://twitter.com/rjeffries
>
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