[ANN]: GTA04 (Beagleboard inspired Openmoko Upgrade) - Early Adpoter Program

Dr. H. Nikolaus Schaller hns at computer.org
Wed Dec 22 02:08:51 EST 2010


Hi Neil,

Am 21.12.2010 um 23:11 schrieb Neil Brown:

> On Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:41:37 +0100 "Dr. H. Nikolaus Schaller"
> <hns at computer.org> wrote:
> 
>> The price has been set very low so that it just covers component
>> and production cost at a reduced feature set (there are not all
>> peripherals installed but UMTS and GPS will be). It might be
>> possible to retrofit some of them.
> 
> What is the rationale for leaving the sensors out?  I particularly find the
> lack of accelerometers unfortunate - the rest I can live without.

> 
> How much of a 'maybe' is that 'might be possible' ???
> Is it just  a matter of sourcing, soldering, testing?
> I guess sourcing in small quantities after production would be the hardest
> part?

The rationale is to keep the entry barrier low, i.e. make it cheaper.
So that it more community members can afford it.

But since you are not the only one who has asked that we have
added a upgrade option, i.e. if you want the sensors, you get them.
Please see the updated page [1].

Soldering them is possible but a little tricky since some components have
quite a small pitch.

> .... because I'm very tempted to pre-order, but only if there is some
> possibility of it making a usable phone in a year or so, and without
> accelerometers I would find the functionality severely reduced (I turn my
> phone upside-down to lock it, and tap on  various sides for various
> functions).

Oh yes. That is a very important functionality. So I hope the upgrade
option will satisfy your needs (which are very plausible).

Best regards,
Nikolaus

[1]: http://www.handheld-linux.com/wiki.php?page=GTA04-Early-Adopter&referer=GTA04-Early-Adopter



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