Pandora (computer)
 Second-latest design rendering of the Pandora open-source game system (missing the Bluetooth indicator light). | |
| Manufacturer | OpenPandora. |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld game console / UMPC / PDA hybrid |
| CPU | 600 MHz OMAP3530 ARM Cortex-A8 (32 Bit) and 430 MHz TMS320C64x+™ DSP Core, NEON & TRADE SIMD CoProcessor[1] |
| Storage | Dual SDHC slots, 256 MB internal NAND, USB external storage |
| Graphics | PowerVR SGX 530 at 110 MHz |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Bluetooth |
The Pandora is a handheld game console, that is available for pre-order as of September 30, 2008 and will begin shipping around November 30, 2008. Designers have stated that it is a more powerful than any existing handheld video game console.[1]
The Pandora costs around £199 (including VAT), $330, €212 (excluding VAT).
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[2].
Overview
The Pandora system will have an open source, Linux-based OS. The Pandora is designed to be a handheld game console, with PDA capabilities.
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, and Sega Mega Drive software,[3] and the Pandora is thought by its developers to have the potential to emulate most if not all machines older than the PlayStation (notably including the Super NES, the Nintendo Entertainment System, and the Atari Jaguar).[4] 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 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 ARMEL (little-endian ARM) architecture.
Specifications
- Texas Instruments OMAP3530 processor at 600MHz (Manufacturer reports that it can be overclocked to 900MHz[5])
- 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) (Class 2, +4dBm)[6]
- 800x480 resolution touchscreen LCD, 4.3" widescreen, 16.7 million colors (300 cd/m2 brightness, 450:1 contrast ratio)
- Dual analog nubs; 15mm diameter, concave, 2mm travel from centre
- 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 kernel (2.6.x)
- 4000mAH rechargeable lithium ion battery
- Approximately 10 hours of runtime for video / general applications and 100 hours for music playback
- Dimensions: 140x83x27mm[6]
The unit is now available for preorder (as of September 30th) at http://openpandora.org