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Linux Handheld Computer, Pyra, Available for Preorder

pyra-handheld.com

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Re: Linux Handheld Computer, Pyra, Available for Preorder

#42

Post by freddref »

dTal wrote: post #33
beardicus wrote: post #5

Is this just a rebranding of the Pandora computer? It looks like it has been updated (they probably didn't originally have SIM card capabilities in the Pandora, which was gaming-focused I believe), but I haven't really kept track of the project, and it's not obvious from the linked page. I have absolutely no need for this computer, but really want one. What would you use it for?

At the moment I find myself carrying around a netbook (EeePC 901) and a smartphone (Xperia Mini Pro, slidey keyboard). I'm going to replace both of them with one of these - it's well over twice as powerful as them put together. You might think it's a wee big to use as your main smartphone, but I'm psyched by the ability to run desktop software comfortably on something that fits in a jacket pocket (apparently the nubs…

I too use a netbook (Lenovo x120e) and an Xperia mini pro. I want to replace both and really like the look of the Asus X205TA but there doesn't seem to be any updare on the mini pro. The Pyra seems awkwardly in between the two, without the advantages of either.

Re: Linux Handheld Computer, Pyra, Available for Preorder

#43

Post by ParadisoShlee »

I own an OpenPandora, and I adore it.. 8 year old tech, originally sold by a fraud (not involved in Pyra) and supported by a small team of super passionate fans running a community as a hobby.

I've preordered and cannot wait to upgrade my Pandora, which I use every few days.. even if it's just playing PS1 games on the train.

Re: Linux Handheld Computer, Pyra, Available for Preorder

#44

Post by ParadisoShlee »

kodfodrasz wrote: post #27
chadlavi wrote: post #17

Is this a joke?

Modular, Open Source hardware may seem to be a joke to some people. :S I'm looking forward to developing full stack ES6 application on the go on my Pyra! Finally the power of Linux at my fingertips even on the BART! Though I hope the Debian can be changed to Arch...

There is no reason ArchARM shouldn't work out of the box... I might even consider branching off a release

Re: Linux Handheld Computer, Pyra, Available for Preorder

#45

Post by dTal »

freddref wrote: post #42
dTal wrote: post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

At the moment I find myself carrying around a netbook (EeePC 901) and a smartphone (Xperia Mini Pro, slidey keyboard). I'm going to replace both of them with one of these - it's well over twice as powerful as them put together. You might think it's a wee big to use as your main smartphone, but I'm psyched by the ability to run desktop software comfortably on something that fits in a jacket pocket (apparently the nubs…

I too use a netbook (Lenovo x120e) and an Xperia mini pro. I want to replace both and really like the look of the Asus X205TA but there doesn't seem to be any updare on the mini pro. The Pyra seems awkwardly in between the two, without the advantages of either.

Advantages of the phone:

  Works as a phone
  Small enough to carry always
  Has GPS
  Socially acceptable to use in a pub/restaurant
  Touchscreen allows rapid interface navigation
Disadvantages of the phone:

  Annoying OS
  Low spec, not enough RAM
  Browser forgets tabs
  Tiny screen
Advantages of the netbook:

  Runs a real OS, easy to control
  Mature software ecosystem, real web browser
  Faster CPU
  Clamshell form factor protects screen, acts as stand
  USB ports, can read flash drives and SD cards
Disadvantages of the netbook:

  Showing age, 1gb RAM and replacements are too large (901 was the last 9 inch netbook)
  Battery won't last a full day
  Still awkwardly large for some scenarios, not easy to hold and type standing up
  Screen only 1024x600, some websites cramped
Advantages of the Pyra:

  all advantages listed above
Disadvantages of the Pyra:

  none of the disadvantages listed above
So where you see awkwardness, I see the ideal middle ground.

Re: Linux Handheld Computer, Pyra, Available for Preorder

#46

Post by fit2rule »

dTal wrote: post #40
fit2rule wrote: post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>I'd like to have a go at controlling a wifi quadcopter with it though :) I have two Pandora, and have done just this, albeit BTLE instead of Wifi (Edit: see http://flexbot.cc for a compatible device)! The nubs are superlative for the job - quite high resolution - and very ergonomic. I daresay the Pandora/Pyra are a perfect reprogrammable wifi controller for RC hobbyists .. I've considered trying to wire up a FrSky i…

That's seriously awesome. You can get tiny FPV wifi quadcopters for pocket change from China these days, seems like the Pyra would be a perfect companion device. Regarding CRRCSim, that's fantastic news. I'd never even heard of that sim. I got my first full-size CP helicopter last year and have only managed to not crash it by extensive sim practice in "HeliSimRC". It looks like CRRCSim can handle helicopters - if so,…

Yeah you're really going to enjoy CRRCSim on the Pyra, I promise! Probably the best sim setup for RC hobbyists around .. at least in terms of hardware integration.

If you do get into FPV wifi+Pyra, let me know ..

Re: Linux Handheld Computer, Pyra, Available for Preorder

#47

Post by chadlavi »

Paul_S wrote: post #19
chadlavi wrote: post #17

Is this a joke?

No. Why do you think it could be a joke?

Because it looks like a cell phone from 2005? because it has a small screen running what, if the product image is accurate, seems to be an unmodified desktop version of the OS? It's a usability nightmare.
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