Compulab EM-X270 Wireless PDA Module

[Dr. H. Nikolaus Schaller]

Hi all,
we all love choice and openness.

Currently, there is only the GTA01 available for OpenMoko and the  
GTA02 still needs some time. This has raised the search for  
alternatives. Especially the Wireless PDA module EM-X270 from  
Compulabs was discussed positively - except for its missing  
availability to single individuals.

Therefore, we have decided to start a Group Purchase. The target is  
to reach 100 ordered units so that the price remains reasonable for  
everyone.

Well, it *is* more expensive than a GTA02 will be. It *is* more  
expensive than an iPhone (subsidized). But it is superior in some  
(not all) aspects, quite open and you can install Angstrom Linux.

More details can be found at these links:

General Info:
http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Compulab_EM-X270

Manufacturers page:
http://www.compulab.co.il/x270em/html/x270-em-datasheet.htm

About Linux:
http://www.compulab.co.il/x270em/download

A device comparison:
http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Compulab_EM- 
X270#Comparison_with_the_FIC_Neo1973

Group Purchase:
http://www.handheld-linux.com/wiki.php?page=CompuLab%20PDA%20Module

Please don't be scared to death by our price of EUR 649,- compared to  
the $122 written in the data sheet. We can't do magical cloning or  
beaming of hardware (only with open source software :-).

First of all, the $122 is the naked board with minimum memory and CPU  
clock, no display, no battery, no keyboard, no GPS, no GPRS, etc. We  
have choosen to bet on the most powerful version (so that it is still  
a competitive device in 2-3 years). Next, Compulab has a multiplier  
factor for orders below 1k units. Finally, this price includes all  
our handling, shipment from the manufacturer to our stock, some  
import duties, warranties, risk reserve funds, stock management and  
handling cost, credit card processing cost, etc. And finally some  
compensation for the time we spend doing this instead of other  
things. The largest single cost component is the German VAT of 19%.  
If you are ordering from outside Germany there are options that we  
ship with no VAT (i.e. 545,38 EUR).

So, our target is to reach 100 ordered units by end of January 2008.  
You can help to get choice into the OpenMoko world by either ordering  
a Compulab Module or at least spreading this information and  
directing those who are interested to us.

One more thing ...

... if Angstrom works, OpenMoko should also work with some  
adaptations. And QuantumSTEP as well.

Nikolaus Schaller


Am 13.11.2007 um 01:50 schrieb Robin Paulson:

> On 13/11/2007, Peter Naulls <peter at chocky.org> wrote:
>>>     My requirements are:  640x480 (for suitably transcoded movies),
>>>
>> [snip broken up requirements]
>>
>> Yes, I'm quite aware that the GTA02 meets these requirements, as does
>> the UTC universal.
>> The question is, do any _other_ phones also fall into this  
>> category?  Of
>> course, I do want
>> to run OpenMoko, and will do the necessary work if really required to
>> make it do so if
>> it already runs linux.
>
> some of us have been talking off list about a module from Compulab
> that may be suitable. it is an ARM device, has a ready to go Angstrom
> linux image, 640 x 480 screen, gprs, wi-fi, bluetooth and gps. all it
> needs is a case. see:
>
> http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Compulab_EM-X270
>
> _______________________________________________
> OpenMoko community mailing list
> community at lists.openmoko.org
> http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community



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