Pandora creeps ever closer to production in latest round of photos

We keep hearing about how Pandora's "almost" in production... and we don't like to be naysayers, so we're not going to get sarcastic about it now. And while it is taking it's sweet time in getting to us, the evidence of progress just keeps piling on, day in, day out. The newest photos that have emerged show a nearly final casing, and we have to say, we do like what we're seeing. We're assured that video is en route, and we'll let you know as soon as it turns up. Because, you know: we want to believe. There are another two shots after the break, hit the read link for the full set.

[Via Gadgetoid]

[TareX @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:32AM]

Trumps the new PSP is every single way.... design wise.

Games-wise? well I "want" to believe that it does.... but I don't think any of the big gaming companies will be behind it. And it doesn't emulate PSP, so I'd say you're better off buying a used PSP-2000 off ebay... which can emulate almost everything.

[atomicthumbs @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:52AM]

1. What PSP games would you be wanting to play on this?
2. It's for homebrew , open-source, and indie games, not major commercial games (though those are a possibility).
3. This can emulate almost everything, and you don't have to hack it. Also, it has a keyboard. And a big touchscreen. And SD storage, runs Firefox, has Bluetooth, etc. etc.
4. One person is working on a PSP emulator: http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=47270

[TareX @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:01PM]

Don't you have a smartphone for mobile web browsing? Speaking of that, my 3 year old phone emulates SNES, GBA, and SEGA Genesis.
About the psp-project, as I'm sure you read: IF it is able to run commercial psp games, it will be at no more than 2-6 fps = unplayable.

Why pay $399 for crappy homebrew games when u can get a psp2000 for $130, play the entire high-end psp library + homebrew + flawless emulators?

[atomicthumbs @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:15PM]

Like I said, if you want Linux and something designed for homebrew and emulators, get this. Otherwise, you'd be better spending your money on a PSP.

Note: Most homebrew games aren't "crappy".

[superhobo @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:36PM]

atomicthumbs:

Are you, in some way, involved with this device? You're like a Pandora fanboy, almost.

Anyway, who would want the responsibility of opening the box?

[reece @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:42PM]

@TareX

the psp...a good library!? HAHAHAHA!!! loco roco, patapon, GoW...oh wait, I'm running out of "quality" titles...

As for emulators...the psp emulates about two N64 games that are playable(with frameskips I might add)...oh and Dreamcast, don't even get me started that will NEVER happen. Seeing as the Pandora will more than likely be able to emulate both of these platforms+PS1 at very playable speeds...I'd have to say the Pandora sweeps with Emulators...oh and quality titles

Another thing you crappy PSP fanboys need to know, in case you haven't noticed...ABOUT 75% OF ALL PSP EMULATORS WERE BASED OFF GP2X EMULATORS...which the pandora will run perfectly(So basically all of your PSP Emu's came from the exact same online community that helped make the Pandora...way to bite the hand that feeds you noob)

"Don't you have a smartphone for mobile web browsing" I mean really...did you just find out what a browser was...like did it not dawn on you that they run on things other than your phone and PC. In fact, the Pandora runs full fledged firefox...so it'll be about %100 better than your phone.

So go ahead...wast your money on a device with on 64mb of RAM.

[Tristan King @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:51PM]

Well at least, unlike the psp, this "HAS" dual analogue sticks.

By the time you buy about 4 games this and the psp are the same price, its a no brainer really

Plus the pandora will have up to 10 hours battery life.

Think of it more as an open source netbook with gaming controls, and about the size of a ds lite.

[cyborgtroy @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:55PM]

I'm just getting it as a portable Linux device for now.
I think once they ship a few batches and get things rolling with homebrew and emulators, the big commercial companies will take notice.

I mean, it's not like the cost of dev licenses are going to keep anyone out.
Even if you don't have a computer, it can [slowly but usably] compile its own programs onboard.

[mister_timid @ Jun 2nd 2009 1:23PM]

I would like to add that the Pandora isn't really intended to be a direct competitor to the PSP. It's directed at a very specific niche market.

I enjoyed my GP2x and it met all of my gaming needs. It had a couple games from developers that were fairly good, it was a reasonable emulator for older console systems, but what was really fascinating was the homebrew developers. I think they have the freedom to be innovative in ways that larger developers can't afford to be.

I'm interested in the pandora because (I'm hoping) the controls will be improved and the keyboard will allow for acceptable Apple/C64/DOS emulation.

[derek @ Jun 2nd 2009 1:28PM]

The day I can log into freaking eBay without and "out of memory" error on the PSP is the day I may take it seriously. Until that day, I'm in line for a Pandora the very second they are finalized and actually available for purchase.

My God, even my Centro can get into eBay with no trouble. I ran my side-business from it for a month. I can't even log in on the PSP, which is a shame because the screen is a lot bigger and therefore easier to see.

With a Wifi connection and an SD card-equipped camera, I could run my business from the Pandora. I guarantee it. Even printing shipping labels is supported.

A PSP is great for games. I love mine! It's one of the originals with the Sharp branded LCD. Even music and videos work great. But it can't do anything else well at all and I only have one pocket so the Pandora wins.

But again, I would never trade my PSP for a DS. Set that in stone.

[atomicthumbs @ Jun 2nd 2009 2:42PM]

@superhobo: I've preordered one, written most of the Wikipedia article, know a whole lot about it, and am learning Python so I can write a game for it. Does that count?

[iofthestorm @ Jun 3rd 2009 3:11AM]

Heck, I just want one as a good alternative to a netbook. SSH would be freaking sweet on a Pandora, and I could probably use vim pretty well on that keyboard. It'd be awesome to just bang out some code whenever I feel like it, instead of having to boot up a laptop, wait for the IDE to load, and then finally write a program.

[superhobo @ Jun 3rd 2009 6:28AM]

atomicthumbs:

I guess it does. Good luck!

[Dan Easton @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:38AM]

What the hell IS that?

[atomicthumbs @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:50AM]

A Pandora. Didn't you read the article?

[To: Hell @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:57PM]

Pandora's on first.

[birder @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:40AM]

from their webpage:

OMAP3 Powered Linux handheld
* ARM® Cortex™-A8 600Mhz+ CPU running Linux
* 430-MHz TMS320C64x+™ DSP Core
* PowerVR SGX OpenGL 2.0 ES compliant 3D hardware
* 800x480 4.3" 16.7 million colours touchscreen LCD
* Wifi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth & High Speed USB 2.0 Host
* Dual SDHC card slots & SVideo TV output
* Dual Analogue and Digital gaming controls
* 43 button QWERTY and numeric keypad
* Around 10+ Hours battery life

In other words, a pocket Linux computer designed for gaming (emulators)

[Dan Easton @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:42AM]

Or in other other words, something that looks like it was designed in 1985 and has been sitting in someone's attic ever since. Open source or not, powerful or not, that thing is downright ugly!

[AVG @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:46AM]

Seriously, man. That screen even looks like one of those 80s screens with the brightness slider on the chassis.

[atomicthumbs @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:49AM]

@Dan Easton & AVG:

1. This is a CNC-machined case. It's not injection molded. CNC milling machines work by basically scraping the plastic into the proper shape with a scraping wheel; this is why it looks crappy.

2. There is not brightness slider. The things on the front are two SD card slots (middle) and the volume dial (right).

[TareX @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:50AM]

We know about the "in your face" specs. It's every handheld gamer's dream come true. It's hardware heaven.

BUT, if it doesn't get NEW, modern impressive games/software that make use of those specs, it just won't work. Sorry.

I mean looking at the DS, it's easy to realize it's all about the games and the companies behind it.

[atomicthumbs @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:54AM]

Tarex: If you want to pay $50 each for big, NEW commercial games, buy a PSP. This isn't for you.

[L @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:01PM]

Really, whether it's based on CNC or not doesn't matter as long as that thing is like 5 inches thick...

And I really don't see what's wrong with paying 50$ for a great new game?

[jack @ Jun 2nd 2009 3:49PM]

It's hardly 5 inches thick, it's roughly the size of a DS Lite, do your research before you start typing with your nooby little fingers.

[atomicthumbs @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:21PM]

Jack: Actually, it's about the size of the original DS. DS lite would be too much to ask for in something this powerful (as long as you want any semblance of battery life).

[AVG @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:56PM]

1. Interesting...

2. I know it isn't. I was saying the screen quality resembled one of those oldies.

[VampireHunter Z @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:57PM]

The specs are great. The top portion of specs sounds a lot like a Dreamcast. If this thing can run GGPO and tether via Bluetooth 2.0 it's a dream come true. Right now I only play roms on my PSP and rarely ever play a new game. Someone needs to figure out online gaming on the go. WiFi is useless since you still have to be at home. If I'm at home I just turn on my XBox 360.

I'll keep an eye on this thing. Looks promising.

[atomicthumbs @ Jun 2nd 2009 2:44PM]

@AVG: The screen's the same one used in the Archos 605 wifi.

[squeeg @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:40AM]

I keep trying not to, but I keep seeing a Zune logo on top there... Anyone else??

[Kevin @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:00PM]

No, I keep seeing a gateway logo...

[Kevin @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:02PM]

Sorry... should be more explicit: Gateway Logo + Compaq logo

[awlllwa @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:49PM]

I see the SGI logo

[goingdeaf @ Jun 2nd 2009 5:42PM]

i dont see any label you guys are on crack...

[edwardlockyer @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:43AM]

This reminds me of the sony vio-span: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0

[Josh @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:05PM]

At least obfuscate the URL before trying to pull that one...

[edwardlockyer @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:23PM]

You can use big words, but you still fell for it. Dont deny it Joshy-woo.

[cloud858rk @ Jun 7th 2009 1:39AM]

2007 called and they want their rickroll'ing back.

[Jay Vaughan @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:44AM]

It emulates (or will do shortly) PSX games, plus .. about 15,000 other games from various systems, MAME, C64, Atari, Gameboy, etc.

I mean, come on .. it maybe won't have the support of all the 'major' game shops as of today, but lets not get the cart before the horse .. its not going to be easy for game shops to support this if its *not even released to the public yet*.

All they have to do is sell out the production runs 2 or 3 times - like they have already - and it'll start to get the attention of the major game makers. Plus, there is a little-known fact: its possible to start a new game company, targetting systems like this directly, and make big $$$ .. if your game is good enough and you don't screw up the execution.

Lest ye forget: pretty much *every* major game developer today started off small, having to put their faith in the available hardware like this system. We're witnessing a brand new event horizon, people ..

[Adam @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:47AM]

I just did a Google search on this and I'm ticked I never heard about this before today because this is my hand held console\netbook\pocket pc dream come true.

[NickNick @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:51AM]

you must be new to engadget

[Limp Noodle @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:49AM]

why did i think this was some device that played Pandora internet radio....Hello lawsuit?

[atomicthumbs @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:55AM]

They've already talked to them, and Pandora said it was fine as long as the OpenPandora guys didn't start an Internet radio station or music service or whatever.

[Limp Noodle @ Jun 2nd 2009 12:01PM]

They should ask Apple Corps how that worked out for them...

[shinratdr @ Jun 3rd 2009 12:53AM]

Thanks atomicthumbs. For having a clear vested interest in this topic, yet clearing up misinformation instead of being a snarky dick (looking at you apple & anti-apple fanboys).

You should know that engadget is quickly becoming the youtube of technology sites. I applaud your effort, but seriously, these people are writing it off completely because they think a rough preproduction model (which already looks almost exactly like a DS Lite, a fine design) is how its going to look in its final iteration.

People are also writing it off because apparently emulators are old news. N64 on the go is not old news. The DS is alright, but Conkers Bad Fur Day on the go is an amazing prospect. Most portable devices around right now run emulators really poorly. I've tried them all. WinMo, S60 3RD, PSP, DS, iPhone. Nobody can do it properly. Actually having an open device to work with is quite a motivational tool to get developers to listen up.

I don't even follow this project that closely, but when you look at the case can't you see the cleaned up version in your mind? Isn't it pretty f**king impressive for an open source hardware project?

Why is the Engadget commenting base so negative about everything now?

[Tristan King @ Jun 4th 2009 5:47AM]

People use negative opinions to make it appear as if they have an ounce of credible knowledge about a subject.

I could not possibly see how any of the people here could have the intelligence and design finesse to pull off a project like this, but in their own small minds their criticisms reinforce the reasons why they didn't bother making their own.

Its quite pathetic really.

[cloud858rk @ Jun 7th 2009 1:45AM]

Atomicthumbs, Shinratdr, and Tristan, I applaud you for your knowledgeable and insightful comments.

[zenstylejunglist @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:51AM]

WTF is taking so long? They need to release it already & let the community continue the development of the software. 600Mhz ARM. Pfft! They should be putting an 800Mhz or 1Ghz OMAP3 in there.

[BaDZeD @ Jun 2nd 2009 6:05PM]

Its not locked at 600 mhz. Cortex A8 can run on many frequencies between 600 mhz and 1 ghz. Which means this thing can have plenty more juice if you need it.

[Phil McCraken @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:52AM]

whats with the scotch tape on the front. This is BS...

[atomicthumbs @ Jun 2nd 2009 11:56AM]

The CNC-machined prototype case is too weak to use screws (they might break it). He's using tape to keep it together. The final (injection-molded) case will have screws.