Modular phone

From Openmoko

Revision as of 03:18, 16 July 2007 by Myfanwy (Talk | contribs)

Jump to: navigation, search

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.

This is more than likely true. Gumstix produce 3D models in Sketchup format, of all their components - I will produce a 3D mockup using the components listed below, upload it here and make a size comparison.

Component Suppliers

Possible configuration 1

  • Gumstix verdex (600MHz Intel Xscale PXA270, 128MB RAM, 64MB flash) - $170USD
  • Goliath-GPS-vx GSM/GPRS/EDGE/LCD touchscreen/audio/3D accelerometer module - $100
  • microSD breakout board *[1] - $15USD
  • 480 x 272px LCD [2] - $70USD
  • Battery, holder, charger circuitry - $20USD
  • Case - $40USD
  • Speakers, mic - $10USD
  • Buttons - $5USD
  • USB WiFi dongle (forthcoming gumstix modules will add wifi to the verdex mobo range) - $20

The prices for the Goliath daughter cards are realeased on monday 16th July 2007, and should be around $100USD, giving a total of around $450+, which compares with the Neo1973 at $450.

Capabilities wise, this compares well with the Neo - there is no accelerated graphics and the screen is smaller, but it does have EDGE and a faster processor. Otherwise specs are similar.

All the modules listed have Linux kernel modules supplied by their manufacture.

Retrieved from "http://wiki.openmoko.org/index.php?title=Modular_phone&oldid=11898"
Personal tools

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.

This is more than likely true. Gumstix produce 3D models in Sketchup format, of all their components - I will produce a 3D mockup using the components listed below, upload it here and make a size comparison.

Component Suppliers

Possible configuration 1

  • Gumstix verdex (600MHz Intel Xscale PXA270, 128MB RAM, 64MB flash) - $170USD
  • Goliath-GPS-vx GSM/GPRS/EDGE/LCD touchscreen/audio/3D accelerometer module - $100
  • microSD breakout board *[1] - $15USD
  • 480 x 272px LCD [2] - $70USD
  • Battery, holder, charger circuitry - $20USD
  • Case - $40USD
  • Speakers, mic - $10USD
  • Buttons - $5USD
  • USB WiFi dongle (forthcoming gumstix modules will add wifi to the verdex mobo range) - $20

The prices for the Goliath daughter cards are realeased on monday 16th July 2007, and should be around $100USD, giving a total of around $450+, which compares with the Neo1973 at $450.

Capabilities wise, this compares well with the Neo - there is no accelerated graphics and the screen is smaller, but it does have EDGE and a faster processor. Otherwise specs are similar.

All the modules listed have Linux kernel modules supplied by their manufacture.