Powered by the Raspberry Pi 5, the incoming pilet devices from soulscircuit look like a chunky retro-tech enthusiasts wet dream and I want them. I have absolutely zero need of them, but I want them badly. Originally going under the code-name of consolo, I almost let out a little squeal of excitement when seeing them today.
Both versions are modular, that they say are "built by open source software for the open source community" with various schematics and other files freely available. They say the "design will be open-sourced once the product is fully completed" too.
Split across two versions, one is a handheld mini-PC with a keyboard, the other has a bigger screen acting more like a tablet:
Click picture to enlarge. Those with a keen eye may spot a Godot Engine and Bevy Engine folder.
They say you'll get dual 8000mah batteries giving you a 7 hour battery life. The tablet sounds like the most fun of the two with you being able to attach a keyboard, gamepad, camera and more. They even showed it off acting like a games console in one picture:
As for pricing, that's still to be decided according to their website but they're aiming for around $250.
They have multiple videos of prototype devices in action on their YouTube channel, like the one below:
Direct Link
You can follow it on their website and their upcoming Kickstarter campaign.
Quoting: JarmerOMG I want that one with the keyboard. It even has an ETHERNET PORT!!!!!!!!!!
& it's gigabit ethernet because it's a complete Raspberry Pi 5 inside.
There are similar projects, by the way, (and open-source 'flip phones' based on the RPi Zero) many of which involve soldering the keyboard assembly, sourcing the display, 3d printing the case, etc. (even fanciful 'cyberdeck' type things ); this one looks like it's for people who want the device 'just to work', and I hope they succeed.
Last edited by wvstolzing on 4 December 2024 at 9:15 pm UTC
Quoting: Purple Library GuyI don't have a cell phone [...]
Living the dream :P
Quoting: Purple Library Guy(Canada--some of the most expensive cell phone plans in the world)
I am excited at the prospect that StarLink will breakup communication monopolies with "Direct to Cell" and force telco companies to finally raise the bar and have fair pricing for customers.
I've had internet friends in Canada and the prices are super not cool,
Similarly, 42.5 billion was spent in the states "allegedly" to improve internet but the red tape, telcom territories and bureaucracy balkanize and monopolize the market.
We need low cost global internet on portable devices so we can welcome all of the other people in the world and begin working together towards common goals like technological innovation and software freedoms.
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