Pandora creeps ever closer to production in latest round of photos
By Laura June 
posted Jun 2nd 2009 11:26AM
posted Jun 2nd 2009 11:26AM
[Via Gadgetoid]
Please note: If you're a current Engadget commenter, you do not need to re-register. Simply login and you will be prompted to select a username.
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.
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
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?
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".
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?
@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@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?
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.
atomicthumbs:
I guess it does. Good luck!
What the hell IS that?
A Pandora. Didn't you read the article?
Pandora's on first.
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)
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!
Seriously, man. That screen even looks like one of those 80s screens with the brightness slider on the chassis.
@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).
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.
Tarex: If you want to pay $50 each for big, NEW commercial games, buy a PSP. This isn't for you.
Really, whether it's based on CNC or not doesn't matter as long as that thing is like 5 inches thick...
And I really don't see what's wrong with paying 50$ for a great new game?
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.
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).
1. Interesting...
2. I know it isn't. I was saying the screen quality resembled one of those oldies.
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.
@AVG: The screen's the same one used in the Archos 605 wifi.
I keep trying not to, but I keep seeing a Zune logo on top there... Anyone else??
No, I keep seeing a gateway logo...
Sorry... should be more explicit: Gateway Logo + Compaq logo
I see the SGI logo
i dont see any label you guys are on crack...
This reminds me of the sony vio-span: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0
At least obfuscate the URL before trying to pull that one...
You can use big words, but you still fell for it. Dont deny it Joshy-woo.
2007 called and they want their rickroll'ing back.
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 ..
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.
you must be new to engadget
why did i think this was some device that played Pandora internet radio....Hello lawsuit?
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.
They should ask Apple Corps how that worked out for them...
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?
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.
Atomicthumbs, Shinratdr, and Tristan, I applaud you for your knowledgeable and insightful comments.
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.
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.
whats with the scotch tape on the front. This is BS...
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.
holly crap! its FUGLY
holly crap! you're FUGLY
@atomicthumbs
Boy you have all the answers don't you?
Answer this one, why come you're sucha tool?
If you go over the open pandora forums, you'd realize he spends a lot of time over there, and understands what exactly it is better then you. He's correcting mistakes in people's arguments. If anything you're the tool, for being so damn ignorant.
Hey thanks man for setting me straight. I mean I should have know that atomicthumbs was some kind of 'insider" that had all the info. And boy he is sure doing a good job correcting people's "mistakes" opinions. But what do I know I am just your average gadget guy, clearly this guy and you for that matter are way cooler than me...
Oh plaid, you're just the internet incarnation of Oscar Wilde, aren't you.
oh touche' Loonie, touche'
Cool idea. I dont like the design at all.
Don't you worry, atomicthumbs will let you know how misguided your opinion is in 3....2.....1
What don't you like about it?
I think he said the design.....
I mean what about the design?
It looks like a brick, with a lid.
The whole thing maybe?
I think the design is great, allowing for emulation of many different systems with one layout.
Keyboard for atari, amiga, zx
Gaming controls for ps1, n64, snes, gb
touch screen for linux environment for a full featured pocket laptop.
How else would it be possible to fit all those features together in any other way??
The design is intended to make it very easy to emulate older systems .. this is really the best system around for running emulators.
This thing is sexy. I defiantly going to pre-order this. Play all my favorite old games OTG, that just sit there right now.
If it weren't for people like me who have already preordered the first batch. Dont worry, i'll post pictures of it on your blog. :)
For something thats never going to make the makers any money, they've sure spent a lot of time preping it.
you do realise that to get something out very quickly costs more money, right? sure, pay a few guys a proper wage to get everything done smoothly and quickly. or like this project, do it in your free time, take time to do it properly, and dont pay a premium to push things out faster. yes they might miss out on the initial hype but the pace they are going at is the ONLY way to keep costs down. its pretty impressive that a device like this can be made internationally by a few fanboys and technologically piss over Sony and Nintendo. the last company that made a device as capable as this was the OQO and that cost 4 times as much. the place that the system will suffer most is lacking in commercial games with money to throw at development that will make the most of the hardware, but with many older games going open source or thinking about allowing pandora ports to be made we could see a whole plethora of titles. hell we already know it can run Quake 3, the question is where can it go from there? and yes i am buying one, but i am under know illusion that it is flawless or perfect for your every day gamer.
The original XBox didn't make Microsoft any money either, in fact, they lost a fortune. These guys should at least turn enough of a profit on this to follow up with something even better later on down the road. The cool thing is that, when the time comes, we'll all have our say in what we want in the next version...and I already have a few ideas for them.
But yeah, I'm really hoping that they get the lead out and get this thing out already. It feels like it's been forever.
Oh MAN!
This might be the thing to trump my Dingoo A320.
We'll see.
I really like this idea and am excited to see it in action....... Sadly by the time I do OLED/e-ink newspapers will be all the rage by that time...... This thing could make a killing now.... Right now and make itself have a second machine within a year or two and begin the dynasty of the pandoras...... Instead I think they might be spending too much time on perfection since theyre a small company.
It runs QUAKE II y III Arena and Descent I y II ;-)
Why the dual SD slots? I understand having one, but two? Couldn't that space be used for something else?
There's two SDHC slots because that's what we asked for. I'll admit that the feature was much cooler two years ago than it is now but I won't scoff at having the choice of up to 64GB of storage space. Plus, I can't really think of anything else to put there anyway.
Linear: Well it HAS just about everything. It's essentially a high end Linux netbook in a tiny form factor. Since it has so much capabilities you're going to want to have lots of storage space. You could have two 32GB cards in there for all your games and programs.
I see, well just to elaborate on the point of space use, I'm really referring to real-estate consumed by individual components internally, not so much the physical space on the exterior casing. My understanding is that when engineering portable devices like these, even a few centimeters of additional space can affect the overall design; such as creating room for a slightly larger battery, or allowing other components to run a little cooler, or just plain allowing for the shuffling of internals around to make for an equally capable but slimmer overall design. Anyway, I see your points about added capacity, especially if this is what people actually requested back when they started designing the thing.
Maybe a year from now? By then we will have better stuff, too bad they couldn't bring this to market sooner. Now it's just a little bit late in the game, but i hope it does well!!!
This still hasn't shipped??? I gave them my money back in Sept 08... casue they promised shipment by christmas.... I guess they didnt say WHICH christmas.
I think we have a spiritual successor to Duke Nukem.
Only two more months to go.
Sorry, inside joke. :D
looks like my crappy psone lcd screen.
Actually, Archos 5.
Hey, AtomicThumbs. Aren't you supposed to be handling all of these?
I guess. :P
It's the same screen as the Archos 605 WiFi. Really bright, sharp, and high-resolution.
My bad. That's why you're supposed to be handling these. :)
why pay $399 to get a crappy open source hand held gaming system when you can pay $300 for a Dell Vostro A90 that will run all the emulators this thing can and more, plus it's an actual computer that can be fairly easily upgraded and modified...
I can't wait to see you try to squeeze that in your pocket, Chachi. :)
Does it have gaming controls? Can you fit it in your pocket? Didn't.
Meant to say didn't think so.
What a clunky looking roughshod POS. For being so impressive technologically you'd think they'd make it look sleeker than a word processor.
rabbit guy, I see you post on all the Pandora articles here and at giz minutes after they are posted. Don't you feel a little negative after al the delays.
I for one love everything about the Pandora, except being over a year late from the original release date. I'm going to wait until I can order one with a creditcard and get it one week later.
Anyway, a year ago it would have been something of amazing power, now it is just going to be like a highend ARM MID with an amuture UI and sweet gaming controls to make it all worth it.
I want Android on it with 3g modem and I dont need pc anymore ROTFL
Android will be able to run on it, (it allready runs on the Beagleboard, almost the same hardware) it will probably be ported within weeks after it has been released. If you have a bluetooth/wifi 3G phone, you can tether through that. And there is always the option of a 3G USB modem which i think has also been confirmed to work, or, again,. will very quickly after release
If you want to see some videos of the prototypes running programs/games there are quite a few posted on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL4VtAg_xzo
I think Atomicthumbs is doing a great job of protecting the honour of us Pandora customers. Personally I don't get it, but a lot of you guys care more about style over substance. What you're missing out on is refreshing example of function over form - it offers the people who bought it a package of features not found anywhere else (and much wanted).