Dear all,
this is just a reminder and info about the status of the group buy.
We have got 11 orders so far - and approx. 6 weeks left to fill the
gap to reach the target of 100 units. This means that we need a
little more speed.
But I know that it is difficult to come to a decision, as the GTA02
is also expected to be available in February. And, I assume that many
of you are still in the decision process which will not come to a
conclusion before Christmas and New Year. So, I would not draw too
much predictions on the outcome before end of January...
Some FAQ:
Q: Is there a case?
A: No. We need to develop one. There are ideas for 3D printers which
looks as if one can reach approx. US$ 40 for a case.
Please refer to the ideas/discussions/links on http://
wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Compulab_EM-X270#Case
If you are capable of developing/making a case please let us know and
discuss openly.
Q: Is the module still available after the group buy or is this a one-
shot?
A: If the group buy is successful, i.e. we reach our target, we will
decide to buy more units and/or start a second round.
Compulab promises to have all their modules in production (at least
components in stock) for approx. 3-4 years. Please
refer to their home page for details: http://www.compulab.co.il/sales-
and-support/life-cycle.htm. So if you start a development
project on this module you can be sure that the module is available
for longer time and we will try our best to make it
really available to small scale projects.
Q: Who is doing support?
A: Compulab does not provide direct support beyond their public home
page. To get technical support, you must buy it
in addition. We will bundle the issues and handle warranty exchanges
ourselves. And, the openmoko Wiki page
http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Compulab_EM-X270 , this mailing list
and perhaps other resources (dedicated mailing
list, OESF forum, etc.) can be formed by the user community.
If you have questions about the module or the buying process, please
contact me.
Nikolaus Schaller
Am 05.12.2007 um 13:07 schrieb 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 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 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
