2006 Nov 07 - Tue

OpenMoKo: Open Source Cellphone

As of this writing, you can't google for it, but the Inquirer has an article on a Open Source Linux based Cellphone with built-in GPS. There isn't much information there, but then I remembered that the key site for Linux based devices would be from the people at LinuxDevices.com who have an article with some real details in it regarding the OpenMoKo. They talk about the development platform being in pre-release, I'm wondering when hardware becomes available. After a bit more reading, I see that the development platform Funambol Mobile Open Source is more of a synchronization platform. I'll have to come back to that site and see how well they can connect up with Microsoft's Exchange server. Linux Journal gave the software two thumbs up in their editor's choice awards for 2006. Dig the chic chain loop so you can't loose the darn thing.

Linux Devices has a Second Article regarding the phone. The phone is making it's debut tomorrow/today in Amsterdam. They say the first run is due in December with general availability in January at a price of around $350 directly from FIC.

In the meantime, since my existing Imate PDA2K is falling apart from way too much usage, I'll go and pick up HTC's P3300 with Microsoft Windows Mobile 5 and Built-in GPS. In the US, I've heard that the unit is available from Smart Mobile Gadgets as well as Phone Source USA. I just wish they had more accessories. I guess one will have to head over to Mobile Planet for the add-on bits.