We believe in standardization bottom-up (defined and implemented by the community), instead of top-down (defined by a consortium).
For a more thorough introduction see this announcement
Openmoko is supposed to run on all kinds of Linux-capable mobile phones. The first fully supported Openmoko phones are the Neo 1973 and Neo FreeRunner.
This initative has been initiated by FIC Inc. and Openmoko, Inc.
The Neo FreeRunner (internal codename GTA02) is the second phone designed to run Openmoko software and is the direct descendant of the earlier Neo 1973.
Contents[hide]
1 FreeRunner is released!
2 Specifications
3 What is the price?
4 Intended use and users
5 How usable is it?
6 See also
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[edit] FreeRunner is released!
The FreeRunner can be purchased from the Online Store as of July 3, 2008. The software available on the phone makes it suitable for power users and developers only, it is not ready for the general consumer yet. Email announcements and found on the announce mailing list. For frequently asked questions please check FAQ and GTA02 FAQ.
[edit] Specifications
Very high resolution touch screen (1.7" x 2.27" - 43mm x 58mm) 480x640 pixels
128MB SDRAM memory
Internal GPS module
Bluetooth
802.11 b/g WiFi
400Mhz ARM processor
2 3D accelerometers so that the phone can know its orientation for example switching to landscape mode automatically
2 LEDs illuminating the two buttons on the rim of the case (one bi color [blueorange] behind the power button, 1 uni color [red] behind the aux button)
Tri-band GSM and GPRS
USB Host function with 500mA power allowing you to power USB devices for short periods (will drain the FreeRunner battery faster)
uSD slot supporting up to 8GB SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards
Versions: The Neo FreeRunner is available in two versions, one for the GSM bands of North America (850/1800/1900 Mhz), and one for the GSM bands in the rest of the world (900/1800/1900 Mhz). Unless you explicitly discuss this, a local reseller may by default send you the version appropriate to the distributors location.
A full list of the hardware specs and components of the Neo FreeRunner can be found at Neo FreeRunner Hardware.
A comparison between Neo 1973 and Neo FreeRunner is available at Neo 1973 vs Neo FreeRunner.
[edit] What is the price?
The device is being sold through multiple channels (including Openmoko.com), the official price has been set to 399$ but it could slightly vary in some countries (due to taxes).
[edit] Intended use and users
The Neo FreeRunner is a Linux-based touch screen smart phone ultimately aimed at general consumer use as well as Linux desktop users and software developers.
Linux users and software developers will appreciate the total freedom they have to use and design software for the FreeRunner.
General phone users will eventually appreciate the high spec and performance of the phone and the wide range of free software packages expected to emerge. These will allow users to make the maximum use of the hardware and tailor it to their particular needs. Since launch, the pace of software tweaks and improvements has increased as both the Openmoko team developers and the wider community work together.
[edit] How usable is it?
As the hacker's dream toy: it is fully functional. As a GSM phone: some people have been using it to receive and place phone calls and SMS for months, but with currently shipping software the battery life is only one day. As a GPS device: critical bugs have been ironed out and there is nice software to know where you are using OpenStreetMap. As an alarm clock, media player, internet browser, game console, email reader and contacts manager: software is not stable yet.
If you want fully functional smart phone, then download the Qtopia distribution. If you want to help OM develop it's end user applications, then download 2008.8. It's still "Alpha", which means its not feature complete, but it will give you an idea of the direction we are headed. Read more about these and other distributions, then choose for yourself.
Please see the FreeRunner: Selected Blogs and Articles to get more reviews. The Freerunner Hardware Issues page may also be of interest.
[edit] See also
Neo FreeRunner (GTA02) FAQ
Getting Started with your Neo FreeRunner
3D model of Neo FreeRunner, click and drag to rotate
Retrieved from "http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Neo_FreeRunner"
for more visit http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Main_Page
