The $300 Linux-Powered 'iPhone Killer' Arrives

After seemingly endless delays, the OpenMoko phone is here. The first version of the NEO 1973 mobile phone, which carries the Linux kernel inside and is not locked to a specific network, is available for purchase from OpenMoko.com. It's not as jaw-droppingly pretty as the iPhone, but it shares a design philosophy -- no buttons, just a screen -- and it's ready to be loaded with any number of open-source software applications. (Though, according to Gadget Lab, so is the iPhone).

The base version of the NEO sells for $300. It has a 2.8" VGA touch screen, a micro SD card slot, a USB port and 2.5G GSM quad band capability.



Keep in mind that this unit (the GTA01) was pushed out early so developers could begin writing device drivers, custom GUIs and some cool apps for the phone. The next revision (GTA02), which will be available starting at $450 in October, will be ready for the mass market. It will have wi-fi, 3-D motion sensors and added graphics accelerators. So this phone isn't exactly an iPhone killer -- the next one will be a contender. AptUsTech has a nice comparison of the NEO 1973 and the iPhone.

When it comes to devices, more choice is almost always "a good thing." But will consumers respond to the NEO? We all know developers are going to dig this phone. But what's more important to consumers -- a super-sexy status item that's locked to one carrier and one set of functions, or a less sexy look-alike with a fully free and open software system?

More:
http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2007/07/the-linux-power.html

a stylus to activate, and this is supposed to be a good thing?

it made me question my resolve to not buy one, it's so freaking cool.

But the absence of iPod would kill any appeal for me with this product. The all-in-one is critical!

can hold out until MacWorld 2008, that's for sure!

Thanks...

the idea behind Apple revolves around creating artificial demand through product image and advertising. In the 1980's Apple failed to adopt the "clone" approach and as a result component prices fell for PCs as competition increased.

What is the profit margin for Apple on the Iphone? Does it really take $600 worth of material and Chinese labor to construct one?


All profit is waste. Either redistribute the earnings or lower the price of goods to reflect their value as commodities. I am not anti-business but any profits beyond nominal are obscene. We get mad at big oil but not other business sectors?


Let us observe the effect of competition on price.

I should think that's obvious.

I just feel they are inherently expensive and contrary to the spartan frugality and shrewdness on this side of the political spectrum.

That is probably the least of my concerns about my purchases.

I don't think frugality is as universal to the left as you may believe it to be.

on objects that are obviously overpriced, they're only helping to drive up those prices. Apple thrives off such things..

Is a item worth that price to YOU?

I would never pay what some people spend on a sports event.

They might never pay what I would spend on travel or on an iPod.

The experience of an item's worth is subjective.

Apple made clones after Jobs left the company. Upon his return he put a stop to it.

My Mac clones still work even ( had them upgraded to G3's os ) though I have newer Macs.

I'd love Apple to have more competition - but they seem to be the only ones that don't screw up the user interface, particularly on small devices.

It's a rather awkward way to control a cursor.

NSFW!

I have one phone - my cell. Its primary use is to make phone calls. There's no camera, no mp3 player, etc. Its secondary use is to serve as an alarm clock. Its tertiary use wouldn't even be used if it wasn't for one friend who prefers to text me questions instead of calling me to save on her minutes.

TlalocW

status symbol, just like the iPhone..


Does it baffle anybody else as to why people say "iPod" when they mean "MP3 Player" ?

wonderfully designed machines that just work really well.

iPhone in a blender.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg1ckCkm8YI