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Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

mecha.so

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Re: Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

#91

Post by dpoloncsak »

Realman78 wrote: post #67

I’m planning to build something like this over the next few months. Think Nintendo 3DS-sized, but as a tiny laptop. The goal is extreme portability while still being able to program on it reasonably well. I travel a lot and manage servers, so I’ve been wanting a dedicated “SSH machine” that I can always carry with me. With how good AI tooling has gotten, doing real work on a tiny device is suddenly very viable. The o…

I've been wanting to build something similar, but can't shake the feeling I'd just stick with the SSH client on my phone.

Any reason really to have a separate device for this?

Re: Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

#92

Post by t-3 »

deadbabe wrote: post #7

Small gimmicky computers seem to attract so much attention and people who can’t help themselves but buy it, play with it for a while, then toss it into a drawer and never use it again.

A powerful-enough pocket computer that can run a "real" OS with good input is the holy grail. Specialized types (gaming platforms mostly) seem to be converging on a few specific designs, but full general-purpose computers with keyboards etc still haven't really produced a "good enough" model. I used my GPD Win 2 daily when I was traveling often and frequently found myself in situations where it wasn't convenient to carry or use a full laptop due to weight/size, and even that thumb keyboard is 10000x better than a touchscreen keyboard in termux etc. There's definitely a niche to be served by either a better design or reimagining of the interface.

Re: Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

#93

Post by shoaibmerchant »

bdcravens wrote: post #73

Any screenshots or videos of it running? All I'm seeing are renders. As someone who has been burned by crowdfunded "engineering" (where something seems good on paper, and then there's a year or two of posts about all the challenges that were "unforeseen" before a heartfelt postmortem) I feel like that's a requirement.

Creator here,

There are a bunch of them added to the Kickstarter page, check them out!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mecha-systems/mecha-com...

We are updating them on Kickstarter

Re: Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

#94

Post by shoaibmerchant »

999900000999 wrote: post #90
shoaibmerchant wrote: post #85

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Creator here We are currently testing with LTE modem (Quectel EM05). We are yet to test with 5G Modems but similar sized 3042 (M.2) are available albeit expensive.

So is the LTE modem included ? Or would I need to buy it later ? I'd still probably carry a main phone, but this could be a cool backup

The LTE modem will be available on the Pledge Manager. We are currently testing with Quectel EM05, works really well - calling, messaging, data all have been tested. PlaMo dialer app already works, there is a demo somewhere on the KS page. We need some time to design the internal flex pcb antennas but provisions have been made already.

Also, you are free to bring your own modem too - and only opt for the antennas pre-assembled in your unit.

Re: Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

#95

Post by fsflover »

pengaru wrote: post #81
fsflover wrote: post #60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

User of Librem 5 phone with this CPU here. It works fine as a daily driver. Firefox with Noscript works fine in desktop mode. See also: https://puri.sm/posts/the-danger-of-focusing-on-specs/

Off-topic but curious if you experience this issue my Librem5 exhibits - I use my L5 mostly just to play mp3s. Regardless of being powered over usb-c or running on battery, it frequently has audio blips reminiscent of some old laptops briefly going in and out of deeper sleep states long enough for an audio blip. Have you noticed something similar? do you listen to music on your L5? Edit: I should also mention it does…

I do not experience any problems while playing music (except initial buffering on Bluetooth). I recommend to ask for advice on https:/forums.puri.sm

Re: Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

#96

Post by 999900000999 »

shoaibmerchant wrote: post #94
999900000999 wrote: post #90

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So is the LTE modem included ? Or would I need to buy it later ? I'd still probably carry a main phone, but this could be a cool backup

The LTE modem will be available on the Pledge Manager. We are currently testing with Quectel EM05, works really well - calling, messaging, data all have been tested. PlaMo dialer app already works, there is a demo somewhere on the KS page. We need some time to design the internal flex pcb antennas but provisions have been made already. Also, you are free to bring your own modem too - and only opt for the antennas pre…

Esim or physical SIM ?

You've pretty much sold me on the device, but I might wait for retail.

Re: Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

#97

Post by Narishma »

aeve890 wrote: post #63
watusername wrote: post #55

Buyers beware: 4-core A53 is genuinely unusable (original Pinebook/PinePhone specs), A55 is better but I still wouldn’t recommend buying. You may expect performance similar to 15+ years old desktops.

First time I heard about this project what's wrong with the CPU? I mean what makes it unusable?

It's only unusable if you try running bloated modern apps on it.

Re: Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

#98

Post by solomonb »

Layogtima wrote: post #34
solomonb wrote: post #4

Stumbled across this thing a while back and thought it looked really cool but I have never been able to come up with an idea for how I would use it so I haven't pledged. I want to want it but I fear it would just sit on my desk. Does anyone have cool ideas for uses?

Added this y'day to make it easier to understand use-cases, https://mecha.so/comet#use-cases I'll add pictures/videos of the examples we've internally tested in a bit!

Thank you! I genuinely think its an awesome project and will probably end up supporting.

I didn't realize I could potentially use it as a highly hackable phone. Whats the battery life like?

EDIT: I just went ahead and pledged my support. I wanna see you guys succeed.

Re: Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

#99

Post by fuzzythinker »

jibbers wrote: post #20
solomonb wrote: post #4

Stumbled across this thing a while back and thought it looked really cool but I have never been able to come up with an idea for how I would use it so I haven't pledged. I want to want it but I fear it would just sit on my desk. Does anyone have cool ideas for uses?

I’d love to see a click wheel attachment for input, then it could become a neo-iPod.

Or just a touch sensing pad attachment that serves different purpose based on the app.

Re: Mecha Comet – Open Modular Linux Handheld Computer

#100

Post by Layogtima »

bdcravens wrote: post #73

Any screenshots or videos of it running? All I'm seeing are renders. As someone who has been burned by crowdfunded "engineering" (where something seems good on paper, and then there's a year or two of posts about all the challenges that were "unforeseen" before a heartfelt postmortem) I feel like that's a requirement.

Added a bunch to Overview and Use Cases;

https://mecha.so/comet#hardware

https://mecha.so/comet#use-cases

Bunch more are incoming as do more tests, will add them in soon

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