Pandora - upcoming handheld game console

Noja87 · September 30th, 2008

The Pandora is an upcoming handheld game console, that came available for pre-order on September 30, 2008 and will begin shipping around November 30, 2008. Designers have stated that it will be more powerful than any existing handheld video game console.[1]

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.

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.[3] In addition, concept renders and near complete specifications have been released on the official website.[1][4]

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 developers has already shown working emulators for PlayStation, Amiga, and Sega Mega Drive software,[5] 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).[6] 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 (Manufacturer reports that it can be overclocked to 900MHz[7])
* 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)[4]
* 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[4]

How did this system come to be?
The Pandora is a unique machine. It was designed based on the input of thousands of forum users with one goal in mind - to make the ultimate open source handheld device.

How powerful is it?
It is by far the most powerful handheld in the world both in terms of raw CPU power and 3D graphics capability, it will be able to handle things such as Firefox3 or Quake3 with ease.

When and where can I buy it?
It is already available to selected developers and preorders on September the 30th for casual users via UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Turkey.

How much will it cost?
Around £199 (inc VAT), $330, Euro212 (Ex.VAT).

What is the device designed for?
It is designed as an ultra portable open source computer with gaming controls, it is very small, around about the same size as a DS. It can easily fit in your pocket.

Why such a radical design?
The design is actually a simple clamshell which gives maximum protection, maximum control layout and of course maximum battery size.

---

What do guys think of this? I think is pretty orgasmic. I want one but is so expensive, $329.99

__________________

Last edited by Noja87; September 30th, 2008 at 17:40..

Innocence · September 30th, 2008

Looks like the child of a laptop and NES controller

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gamefreak94 · September 30th, 2008

Looks like a good successor to the PSP.

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Thanakil · September 30th, 2008

The layout of the buttons is kinda putting me off. It seems like they really just tried to cram everything in, even if they say that the design gives them "maximum control layout", it seems that the current layout may be more due to necessity than comfort.

It's kinda hard to tell without holding one in my own hands (so I can be completely wrong, only basing this off the pictures), but I'm just a little weary of how/where the controls were placed.

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Anyone in the area of effect must make a will save or suffer one of three effects: Confusion, Emotion of Hopelessness, or their head explodes. Blind targets are not affected. Dyslexic targets save at +3.

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**cottonvibes** · September 30th, 2008

looks like if benheck were to mod an Eee PC
(if you don't know who benheck is, the you need to checkout all his mods here The Official Site of Benjamin J Heckendorn)

i thought this Pandora thing was already out though...

but this is nothing more than a Eee PC with custom gamepad buttons.
any decent laptop would pwn it...

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Cheesus · September 30th, 2008

Looks cool... But the key layout is a bit 'iffy'. Till I see one in my hand, and check out its feel, I don't forsee a buy.

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Samor · September 30th, 2008

wasn't this the gp2x community's attempt at a new device? I still think gamepark's new device is more interesting/competitive in the market.

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**SCHUMI_4EVER** · October 2nd, 2008

...it looks creepy somehow...

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No$GBA DS FAQ 2.0

Get it right fools! The glass is HALF-EMPTY, not half-full!!!

!!! WARNING: Emulation requires a brain !!! WARNING: Emulation =/= Piracy !!!

Dennemark · October 2nd, 2008

pandora can be pre-ordered now. Actually, i think the things sold out already

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Exodus · October 2nd, 2008

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Originally Posted by SCHUMI-4-EVA

...it looks creepy somehow...

Agreed. I think the underdeveloped keyboard makes it look like a cereal box toy.

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snickothemule · October 3rd, 2008

It looks like a fun bit of kit, although the aesthetics of the body leave me feeling a little cold. I feel like they could do a lot better with the styling of the husk.

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Samor · October 3rd, 2008

funny, the concept pic with the white console does not have a Z key.

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Geometry Wars: 447850

Exodus · October 3rd, 2008

Poor Z key...

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No, I don't like anime, Street Fighter, Japanese music or download video game music. Yes, I know, I'm weird.

BigIg · October 3rd, 2008

this would be nice with some cellphone capabilities

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runawayprisoner · October 3rd, 2008

Half the size of a Eee PC... wow... now I have to wonder how hard it is to type. I can barely manage 60WPM with the Eee PC keyboard.

(not ten fingers, though. There's no way in hell you can fit both normal adult hands into that tiny keyboard...)

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PlipO · October 8th, 2008

I welcome the opportunity to have a portable computer which has been designed with emulation game in mind. I will think seriously about getting one in 2009, this is something I am very interested in. I am disappointed with how inflexible the DS is considering the potential it has, I do not want to play roms on my PDA even though it is very powerful because the controls are poor. Pandora combines a fully functioning computer with a gaming machine.

There will be a lot of support for this hardware in relation to emulating games, I doubt many organisations would attempt to develop a similar device. This device was developed with the consideration of the end users' community.
The layout of the controls are very similar to the DS, the keyboard would give most people trouble including myself however this is a touch screen device therefore there are a lot of possibilities for inputting text or commands.

Pandora was designed to be fully compatible with Linux - this means users will have a wide choice of free applications to choose from when developers understand the device better.

September 30th, 2008	#1 (permalink)
Noja87 White Void Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: The End Has Come Posts: 1,931	Pandora - upcoming handheld game console The Pandora is an upcoming handheld game console, that came available for pre-order on September 30, 2008 and will begin shipping around November 30, 2008. Designers have stated that it will be more powerful than any existing handheld video game console.[1] 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. 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.[3] In addition, concept renders and near complete specifications have been released on the official website.[1][4] 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 developers has already shown working emulators for PlayStation, Amiga, and Sega Mega Drive software,[5] 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).[6] 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 (Manufacturer reports that it can be overclocked to 900MHz[7]) * 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)[4] * 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[4] How did this system come to be? The Pandora is a unique machine. It was designed based on the input of thousands of forum users with one goal in mind - to make the ultimate open source handheld device. How powerful is it? It is by far the most powerful handheld in the world both in terms of raw CPU power and 3D graphics capability, it will be able to handle things such as Firefox3 or Quake3 with ease. When and where can I buy it? It is already available to selected developers and preorders on September the 30th for casual users via UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Turkey. How much will it cost? Around £199 (inc VAT), $330, Euro212 (Ex.VAT). What is the device designed for? It is designed as an ultra portable open source computer with gaming controls, it is very small, around about the same size as a DS. It can easily fit in your pocket. Why such a radical design? The design is actually a simple clamshell which gives maximum protection, maximum control layout and of course maximum battery size. --- What do guys think of this? I think is pretty orgasmic. I want one but is so expensive, $329.99 __________________ Last edited by Noja87; September 30th, 2008 at 17:40..

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September 30th, 2008	#2 (permalink)
Innocence Engrish is the great! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: UK Posts: 207	Looks like the child of a laptop and NES controller __________________

September 30th, 2008	#3 (permalink)
gamefreak94 Die anime!! Die!! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: پاكستان <--- Urdu Posts: 6,266	Looks like a good successor to the PSP. __________________ How to configure uTorrent for maximum upload and download speed?

September 30th, 2008	#4 (permalink)
Thanakil Overheating. Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The internet, ma'am. Posts: 2,198	The layout of the buttons is kinda putting me off. It seems like they really just tried to cram everything in, even if they say that the design gives them "maximum control layout", it seems that the current layout may be more due to necessity than comfort. It's kinda hard to tell without holding one in my own hands (so I can be completely wrong, only basing this off the pictures), but I'm just a little weary of how/where the controls were placed. __________________ “Wall of Text” (Illusion, Bureaumancy) Upon casting this spell the mage bathes a 10'x10' cube/lvl. area with mindless mutterings, ranting, copious formulaic backstory, or repeated iterations of “Romani ite Domus!” Anyone in the area of effect must make a will save or suffer one of three effects: Confusion, Emotion of Hopelessness, or their head explodes. Blind targets are not affected. Dyslexic targets save at +3. Counterspell: Erase

September 30th, 2008	#7 (permalink)
Samor racing gamer Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NL Posts: 6,051	wasn't this the gp2x community's attempt at a new device? I still think gamepark's new device is more interesting/competitive in the market. __________________ YouTube Channel Current consoles: Xbox360, Playstation2, Dreamcast Geometry Wars: 447850

October 2nd, 2008	#8 (permalink)
SCHUMI_4EVER Hackin 'n Slashin Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Corrupt Rapist run South Africa Posts: 11,327	...it looks creepy somehow... __________________ Intel Core2Quad Q9550 (2.83Ghz stock) \| ASUS P5Q \| 2x2GB Transcend JetRam DDR2-800 \| ASUS ENGTX260\HDTP\896M \| Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 The Champ has retired but may his Legacy live on FOREVER !!!! No$GBA DS FAQ 2.0 Get it right fools! The glass is HALF-EMPTY, not half-full!!! !!! WARNING: Emulation requires a brain !!! WARNING: Emulation =/= Piracy !!!

October 3rd, 2008	#11 (permalink)
snickothemule Shennanigans since 1987 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Coffs Harbour, Australia Posts: 2,046	It looks like a fun bit of kit, although the aesthetics of the body leave me feeling a little cold. I feel like they could do a lot better with the styling of the husk. __________________ The ngemu Ghetto Art competition 2009 - now with real prizes!

October 3rd, 2008	#12 (permalink)
Samor racing gamer Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NL Posts: 6,051	funny, the concept pic with the white console does not have a Z key. __________________ YouTube Channel Current consoles: Xbox360, Playstation2, Dreamcast Geometry Wars: 447850

October 3rd, 2008	#13 (permalink)
Exodus ...and now they do. Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Null Posts: 16,911	Poor Z key... __________________ No, I don't like anime, Street Fighter, Japanese music or download video game music. Yes, I know, I'm weird.

October 3rd, 2008	#14 (permalink)
BigIg I tell you what. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 2,272	this would be nice with some cellphone capabilities __________________ Arrogance and ignorance go hand in hand

October 3rd, 2008	#15 (permalink)
runawayprisoner Mobile Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 6,206	Half the size of a Eee PC... wow... now I have to wonder how hard it is to type. I can barely manage 60WPM with the Eee PC keyboard. (not ten fingers, though. There's no way in hell you can fit both normal adult hands into that tiny keyboard...) __________________ cChip interpreter WIP - current status: Release Candidate LRx Filter RC - current performance rating: 9/10

October 8th, 2008	#16 (permalink)
PlipO Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: UK Posts: 3	I welcome the opportunity to have a portable computer which has been designed with emulation game in mind. I will think seriously about getting one in 2009, this is something I am very interested in. I am disappointed with how inflexible the DS is considering the potential it has, I do not want to play roms on my PDA even though it is very powerful because the controls are poor. Pandora combines a fully functioning computer with a gaming machine. There will be a lot of support for this hardware in relation to emulating games, I doubt many organisations would attempt to develop a similar device. This device was developed with the consideration of the end users' community. The layout of the controls are very similar to the DS, the keyboard would give most people trouble including myself however this is a touch screen device therefore there are a lot of possibilities for inputting text or commands. Pandora was designed to be fully compatible with Linux - this means users will have a wide choice of free applications to choose from when developers understand the device better.