Pandora (computer)

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Pandora
Second-latest design rendering of the Pandora open-source game system (missing the Bluetooth indicator light).
ManufacturerOpenPandora.
TypeHandheld game console / UMPC / PDA hybrid
CPU600 MHz OMAP3530 ARM Cortex-A8 (32 Bit) and
430 MHz TMS320C64x+ DSP Core, NEON & TRADE SIMD coprocessor[1]
Memory256 MB low power DDR-333
StorageDual SDHC slots, 512 MB internal NAND, USB external storage
GraphicsPowerVR SGX 530 at 110 MHz
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USB 2.0, Bluetooth
WebsiteOpenPandora

The Pandora is a seventh generation handheld game console, developed by former distributors and community members of the GP32 and GP2X handhelds on open source principles. The designers have stated that it is more powerful than any existing handheld video game console.[1] It includes several features that no handheld game consoles have previously had, making it a stage between an ordinary handheld console and a UMPC. Four thousand pre-orders have been taken.

Development History

Development of the Pandora began when Craig Rothwell, Fatih Kilic, Michael Mrozek and (later) Michael Weston teamed up and planned a portable system that would excel in the areas where they thought the GP32 and GP2X systems (from Gamepark and Gamepark Holdings respectively) were flawed.[2] The Pandora was designed based on ideas and suggestions contributed by GP32X forum members, with the goal of creating the ultimate open source handheld device.[3]

The release of the console has been delayed many times. 3000 units were available for pre-order on September 30, 2008[2], but demand was so high that the developers chose to increase this number to 4000, which were all sold in under a week. The console was expected to begin shipping around November 30, 2008, but the creators report that it was delayed due to several compounding factors. Developers have now stated that all financial difficulties are sorted, all missing parts are on the way, the design is finalized and that the case will be going in to mass production by mid-March, 2009 at the latest. Production will be in batches of 400, which will be shipped as they are ready.[4]

On January 19, 2009, The lead developer explained that taking pre-orders is a necessity because that while money had already been raised to purchase the parts for the initial production run, the manufacturing costs had not been covered by their initial investment.[5] Additionally, because of unspecified problems with their bank, they could no longer accept credit card orders and remaining orders had to be paid by check or bank wire transfers.[6] After numerous delays, manufacturing is now estimated to occur in March of 2009, but April has been mentioned as a possibility.[7]

Overview

The Pandora is designed to be a handheld game console with high-end PDA capabilities, but may also be run as a low-powered full-featured Linux desktop.

The Pandora system by default come with an open source, Linux OS based on Ångström[8], running the minimal Matchbox window manager[9], both originally designed for mobile devices. The interface will be custom themed to fit the small form factor and unique usability requirements of the device, which comes with a stylus and a touchscreen, as well as analogue pads and keyboard for input. As with any Linux distribution, users will have the capability to install and run their own desktop environment, such as the light footprint Enlightenment and XFCE, or even fully featured ones like GNOME and KDE4. Users may even install other Linux distributions like Ubuntu themselves.[10][11]

One of the main uses of the Pandora is for homebrew gaming and the emulation of older computer systems and video game consoles, which is possible through efficient use of the resources made available by the Texas Instruments OMAP 3530 SoC. The Pandora developers have already shown working emulators for PlayStation, Amiga, Super NES, Atari Jaguar and Sega Mega Drive software,[12] and the Pandora is thought by its developers to have the potential to emulate most if not all machines older than the PlayStation.[13]

The high resolution screen, long battery life, mini-jack sound output, and capable CPU, in conjunction with the two SDHC slots that combined allow for up to 64 gigabytes of data to be stored on the machine (depending on the size of SDHC cards used), make the Pandora ideal as a portable media playback device.

The Pandora uses standard libraries such as OpenGL ES and SDL which are freely available, allowing anyone who wishes the ability to develop for the system. Many developers from the GP2x community have publicly stated that they will be developing applications for the new system.

The Pandora will have an existing software base due to having a package manager that will accept Debian packages for the ARM (little-endian ARM) architecture. A GIT repository will be available immediately upon release of the system, allowing for download of the latest kernel source.[14]

Specifications

  • Texas Instruments OMAP3530 System-on-Chip with Cortex-A8 at up to 600MHz (Manufacturer reports that it can be overclocked to 900MHz)[15][16]
  • 256MB DDR-333 SDRAM[15]
  • 512MB NAND FLASH memory[15]
  • IVA2+ audio and video processor (based on the TMS320C64x+ DSP Core at 430MHz) using Texas Instruments's DaVinci technology[15]
  • ARM Cortex-A8 superscalar microprocessor core[15]
  • PowerVR SGX 530 (110 MHz) OpenGL ES 2.0 compliant 3D hardware[15]
  • Integrated Wi-Fi 802.11b/g[15]
  • Integrated Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (3Mbit/s) (Class 2, +4dBm)[15]
  • 800x480 resolution touchscreen LCD, 4.3" widescreen, 16.7 million colors (300 cd/m2 brightness, 450:1 contrast ratio)[15]
  • Dual analog nubs; 15mm diameter, concave, 2.5mm travel from center[15][17]
  • Full gamepad controls plus shoulder buttons[15]
  • Dual SDHC card slots (currently supporting up to 32GB of storage each, supports SDIO)[15]
  • Headphone output up to 150mW/channel into 16 ohms, 99dB SNR[15]
  • TV output (composite and S-Video)[15]
  • Internal microphone plus ability to connect external microphone through headset[15]
  • 43 button QWERTY and numeric keypad[15]
  • USB 2.0 OTG port (480Mb/s) with capability to charge the Pandora[15]
  • USB 2.0 HOST port (480Mb/s) capable of providing standard 500mA current to attached devices[15]
  • Externally accessible UART for hardware hacking and debugging[15]
  • Brick prevention with integrated bootloader for safe code experimentation[15]
  • Runs the Linux kernel (2.6.x)[15]
  • 4000mAH rechargeable lithium polymer battery[18][19]
  • Estimated 5-10+ hour battery life for games, 10+ hour battery life for video and general applications, and theoretically 100+ hours for music playback (with backlight off and maximum power management)[20][21]
  • Dimensions: 140x83x27mm (5.51x3.27x1.06 in)[15]
  • Weight: ~300 g[22]

Similar products

  • OSWALD - developed by Oregon State University students for computer science education, uses the OMAP3530.
  • Beagle Board uses the same Texas Instruments OMAP3530.
  • Gumstix overo uses the OMAP3503 to provide a similar single-board computer package.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Official OpenPandora Site
  2. ^ a b Why the Pandora came to be
  3. ^ ARM Press Release
  4. ^ [1]. Evildragon. Accessed on 05-01-2009.
  5. ^ [2].Craigix.
  6. ^ [3].
  7. ^ Update by EvilDragon
  8. ^ http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?act=ST&f=62&t=44171&hl=&view=findpost&p=648859
  9. ^ http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?act=ST&f=62&t=45743&hl=&view=findpost&p=679829
  10. ^ http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?act=ST&f=63&t=44937&hl=ubuntu&view=findpost&p=662800
  11. ^ Ubuntu on Pandora devboard (2) on YouTube
  12. ^ [4]
  13. ^ Official 'semi-speculative' emulator list
  14. ^ [5] OpenPandora Blog post, "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" by EvilDragon
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v MWeston's Site
  16. ^ Zodttd Status Report
  17. ^ http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=39774&st=0&p=574183&#entry574183
  18. ^ http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?act=ST&f=62&t=42757&hl=&view=findpost&p=622646
  19. ^ http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?act=ST&f=62&t=45798&hl=&view=findpost&p=685704
  20. ^ http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?act=ST&f=62&t=42454&hl=10+hours&view=findpost&p=615742
  21. ^ http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?act=ST&f=62&t=40478&hl=100+hours&view=findpost&p=615766
  22. ^ http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?s=&showtopic=45582&view=findpost&p=676768

External links

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