Modular phone
From Openmoko
A number of manufacturers produce modular components suitable for embedded systems. Some of these components are suitable for a hobbyist to put together a modular phone. This page is intended as a starting-point for building an OpenMoko compatible phone.
The major problem with this approach is that the resultant phone tends to be larger than a normal phone.
This is because though they may be designed to be compact, internal connectors add lots of volume compared to a PCB, where everything can be in one unit.
Component Suppliers
Possible configuration 1
- Gumstix verdex (600MHz Intel Xscale PXA270, 128MB RAM, 64MB flash) - $170USD
- Goliath-vx GSM/GPRS/EDGE module
- Lassen IG GPS module [1] - $50USD
- Auidiostix2 LCD/audio/USB - $40USD
microSD breakout board *[2] - $15USD
- 480 x 272px LCD [3] - $70USD
- Battery, holder, charger circuitry - $20USD
- Case - $40USD
- Speakers, mic - $10USD
- Buttons - $5USD
The prices for the Goliath daughter cards are realeased on monday 16th July 2007, and should be around $100USD, giving a total of around $500-550, which compares with the Neo1973 at $450. If the GSM card is the same price as the most inexpensive sparkfun GSM module [4] thiw would add another $50] for a total of $550-$600
though with no graphics accelerator, accelerometer, or touchscreen. All the modules listed have Linux kernel modules supplied by their manufacture.
