Not content with having one of the most powerful ARM-based platforms out there, the Open Pandora team have decided to increase the RAM on the devices to accommodate Ubuntu after some successful tests by members of their community. (Video below)
“Expect to fly through the mobile Internet soon.” says one blog post. “RAM is very expensive but we have decided if we want a real UMPC style device which is pretty future proof for a few years we need it. Ubuntu is 20% faster already – not to mention you will be able to run several large apps now without worrying.” says a forum entry. It seems that adding Bluetooth to the spec wasn’t enough for the Open Pandora team. They want to add RAM, run desktop operating systems and take over the mobile Internet world. Well, sort of. It looks like there’s still a lot of work to do to get a decent OS and UI layer organised but judging by some of the passion in the forums, it shouldn’t take long.
I wonder if this is a response to the growing mobile Internet trend? Although the Pandora design may not be the most attractive due to its game controls, it wouldn’t take much to make a separate case for it if someone thought it was worth investing. Keep an eye on this grown-up smartphone because its looking more and more interesting by the day.
Fast forward to 2:30 for Firefox browsing action.
October 31st, 2008 at 9:47 am
Nice to see Pandora news in umpcportal, I thought it was missing some love from you people. Anyone interested in the device please check http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=43063&st=0 for a list of the updates on Pandora, I can’t wait to get mine!
October 31st, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Oh, great! I tought to myself a few days ago “Damn, the new Gumstix embarks the same ARM A8-Cortex but with 256MB RAM, why won’t we have 256 in our dearest Pandora too!!!” Here’s the answer: it finally will too
October 31st, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I was hoping for the RAM upgrade but didn’t think it would happen.
The retro looks don’t put me off. Like a miniature old style Thinkpad.
10 hours use on a micro mini laptop with touch screen & 3D graphics acceleration for £200 can’t be beat.
Just how to get HSDPA in it, is there such a thing as an HSDPA SDIO card?
October 31st, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Thanks, Chippy….
Can’t wait to get my lil’ bad boy that I pre-ordered….
ArchiMark Reply:
October 31st, 2008 at 7:27 pm
You got it, Chippy!
October 31st, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Make sure you send pics!!
Steve
November 1st, 2008 at 12:07 am
You would use a USB HSDPA modem if it has linux drivers.
I’m really looking forwards to this. I’ve got a pre-order asw well.
November 13th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
ooh…it may already be in the works with pandora- http://tinyurl.com/5mh9ty