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Pandora (computer)

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Template:Future product

Pandora
Latest design rendering of the Pandora open-source game system.
ManufacturerOpenPandora.org
TypeHandheld game console / UMPC / PDA hybrid
CPU600MHz OMAP3530 ARM Cortex-A8 (32Bit)[1] and
430MHz TMS320C64x+™ DSP Core, NEON & TRADE SIMD CoProcessor[2]
StorageDual SDHC slots, 256MB internal NAND, USB external storage
GraphicsPowerVR SGX 530 at 110MHz
ConnectivityWi-Fi, USB 2.0, Bluetooth

The Pandora is an upcoming handheld game console, due to be available for pre-order in August of 2008 and shipping approximately one month later. Designers have stated that it will be more powerful than any existing handheld video game console.[2]

Development

Development of the Pandora began when Craig Rothwell, Michael Weston, and Michael Mrozek teamed up and planned a portable system that would excel in the areas where the GP32 and GP2X systems (from Gamepark and Gamepark Holdings respectively) were flawed. 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].

Overview

The Pandora will have an open source, Linux-based OS. The Pandora is designed to be a handheld game console, with PDA capabilities.

The exact date at which development of the Pandora began is not publicly known. There has been clear evidence of activity since at least March 2008, with the release of photographs of the first printed circuit board.[4] In addition, concept renders and near complete specifications have been released on the official website.[2][5]

One of the main uses of the Pandora will be homebrew gaming and the emulation of older computer systems and video game consoles, which will be possible through efficient use of the resources made available by the Texas Instruments OMAP 3530 SoC. The Pandora has the potential to emulate the Sony Playstation and most, if not all, older machines. Other systems that the Pandora will have the resources to emulate at full speed include, but are not limited to, the Super Nintendo, the Nintendo Entertainment System, Commodore Amiga and the Sega Mega Drive. The Pandora's keyboard and touchscreen should allow interaction with Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, MSX, Atari ST and other classic home computer emulators.

In addition, the powerful processor and GPU may provide the potential for development of emulators of more advanced systems such as the Nintendo 64.

The Pandora will use standard libraries such as OpenGL ES and SDL 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 ARMEL (little-endian ARM) architecture.

Specifications

  • Texas Instruments OMAP3530 processor at 600MHz (can be overclocked to 900MHz[6])
  • 128MB DDR-333 SDRAM
  • 256MB NAND FLASH memory
  • IVA2+ audio and video processor (based on the TMS320C64x+ DSP Core at 430MHz) using TI's DaVinci technology
  • ARM Cortex-A8 superscalar microprocessor core
  • PowerVR SGX 530 (110 MHz) OpenGL ES 2.0 compliant 3D hardware
  • Integrated Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
  • Integrated Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (3Mbit/s)[5]
  • 800x480 resolution touchscreen LCD, 4.3" widescreen, 16.7 million colors (300 cd/m2 brightness, 450:1 contrast ratio)
  • Dual analog controllers, possibly with center pushbuttons[7]
  • Full gamepad controls plus shoulder buttons
  • Dual SDHC card slots (currently up to 64GB of storage)
  • Headphone output up to 150mW/channel into 16 ohms, 99dB SNR
  • TV output (composite and S-Video)
  • Internal microphone plus ability to connect external microphone through headset
  • 43 button QWERTY and numeric keypad
  • USB 2.0 OTG port (480Mb/s) with capability to charge the Pandora
  • USB 2.0 HOST port (480Mb/s) capable of providing standard 500mA current to attached devices
  • Externally accessible UART for hardware hacking and debugging
  • Brick prevention with integrated bootloader for safe code experimentation
  • Runs the Linux operating system (2.6.x)
  • 4000mAH rechargeable lithium ion battery
  • Aprox. 10 hours of runtime for video / general applications and 100 hours for music playback
  • Dimensions: 140x83x27mm[5]

Notes & References

  1. ^ http://pandorawiki.org/Pandora Pandora - Pandora Wiki
  2. ^ a b c Official OpenPandora Site
  3. ^ ARM Press Release
  4. ^ Engadget: First Pandora PCB
  5. ^ a b c MWeston's Site
  6. ^ Zodttd Status Report
  7. ^ [1]

See also

External links

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