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Ubuntu Edge

indiegogo.com

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Re: Ubuntu Edge

#221

Post by morsch »

nobodysfool wrote: post #172
ealexhudson wrote: post #2

I upvoted this because I think it's an interesting experiment. Attempting to raise $1M+ every day for a month, though, I think is insanely ambitious. Asking people for $830 for a device that they won't get for a year is asking a lot, particularly since the specs aren't worlds away from current phones (two years time, and probably $500 would get you a device with those specs, unlocked). Worse, I just don't even get th…

There aren't much in the way of specs here. The screen will likely be 1024x768 or similar, seeing as how they say that they are shooting for around 300ppi in a 4.5in screen. The battery technology that they say they want is unproven, produced only in sample quantities, and has issues with the electrolyte expanding to 4x it's size (which they say will be fixed via carbon nanotubes, the latest 'magic pixie dust'). I am…

Here are the specs from the page -- were they added subsequently?

    Dual boot Ubuntu mobile OS and Android
    Fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC when docked
    Fastest multi-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage
    4.5in 1,280 x 720 HD sapphire crystal display
    8mp low-light rear camera, 2mp front camera
    Dual-LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, NFC
    GPS, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
    Stereo speakers with HD audio, dual-mic recording, Active Noise Cancellation
    MHL connector, 3.5mm jack
    Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery
    64 x 9 x 124mm

Re: Ubuntu Edge

#222

Post by Dewie »

danudey wrote: post #202
threedaymonk wrote: post #89

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you have any basis for thinking that? I ask because my perception is that the cost of OS is effectively zero for almost all computer users: Windows or Mac OS comes free* with the computer. * Free and bundled together at a sharply discounted cost (or the cost of R&D in Apple's case) to the manufacturer aren't exactly the same, but that's not apparent to the purchaser.

The cost of OS is zero when acquiring a new computer through a retail outlet, and zero only for Linux users when acquiring computers through donations, salvage, etc.

Wouldn't a lot of people just acquire some pirated version of a Windows OS?

Re: Ubuntu Edge

#223

Post by lsiebert »

achiang wrote: post #116
dkokelley wrote: post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm wondering if the ambitious goal of $32M is part of their strategy. Given that a higher goal is less likely to be met, I (and others who might consider backing) may be willing to adjust our risk function for the $600-800 such that we are more likely to back the project. Assuming that after 30 days only $20M is raised, then the outcome is as follows: 1: Nobody is actually charged for supporting the project 2: Other…

Manufacturing is expensive. The vast majority of the $32M goes simply to manufacturing. The remainder covers taxes, fees, shipping, certification, and returns. It does not cover the cost of the development team's time.

Money isn't static, and the interest isn't negligible.

Assuming you can get 1 % interest per month on the 32,000,000 before paying it out, that is still 320k. They can hold it for 2-3 months and pay their developers easily.

Re: Ubuntu Edge

#225

Post by DocG »

seabrookmx wrote: post #212
DocG wrote: post #166

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think video said if this thing succeeds, then there might be similar future projects. If not, there wont be next edge or similar projects. "The Ubuntu Edge is an exclusive production run, available only through Indiegogo" But there is no going mainstream, it is the whole point. This is not the mainstream pc/mobile. Good quote from comment section: "It's a premier, demonstration platform, not a mass market device."…

Except it's a horrible comparison, because an F1 car is orders of magnitude higher in performance than an everyday car. The Edge on the other hand, has a lower resolution screen than the Galaxy S4, a consumer device. They claim the performance will be amazing, yet don't even specify which CPU/SoC they will be using (only claiming it will be a quad, also available in the Galaxy series). 128gb of storage? Big deal. My…

I do understand why you think this comparison is off, but

if Edge would have magnitudes of better performace(and I mean magnitudes) they would have to develop one for themselvs(meaning cpu/soc, they are already developing their soft). No crowdfunding will ever cover that. So it is choice between reality and dream.

Lower resolution was explained here:

"We also believe the race for ever higher resolution has become a distraction. Beyond 300ppi you’re adding overhead rather than improving display clarity. We think colour, brightness and dynamic range are now the edge of invention so we’ll choose a display for its balance of resolution, dynamic range and colour accuracy."

I think, and this is just an idea that: they can't announce unannounced cpu/soc or they or they don't know(that would be bad)

your s3 has 64gb sd. They are talking about onboard storage. At the moment biggest onboard is 64gb, there are around 8 highest end phones that have that. This is probably the easiest thing to up if memory prices and size goes down. First 128gb phones should come out around the same time when Edge. Then you will have 128gb onboard+whatever sd you buy extra.

Why am I protective over this thing? Because I am the one who they are making this thing for. I like playing with tech and I would see the benefit for using this portable computer. .. altough, at the moment it is out of my budget.

EDIT: This does not mean it is all perfect project. There are already some unanswered legitimate questions in comment section.

Re: Ubuntu Edge

#226

Post by ender89 »

It sounds like it will only be available to people who support the crowdfunding. I'd love to buy one, but I'm on CDMA at the moment and committing to buying a phone 9 months out seems a bit idiotic, especially when you consider that I'd have to switch service providers before I can even use it. I think I would buy the phone (I love the concept) but its not something I can commit to so far in advance, even if it means missing out entirely.

Re: Ubuntu Edge

#227

Post by Guvante »

lsiebert wrote: post #223
achiang wrote: post #116

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Manufacturing is expensive. The vast majority of the $32M goes simply to manufacturing. The remainder covers taxes, fees, shipping, certification, and returns. It does not cover the cost of the development team's time.

Money isn't static, and the interest isn't negligible. Assuming you can get 1 % interest per month on the 32,000,000 before paying it out, that is still 320k. They can hold it for 2-3 months and pay their developers easily.

You can't get 1% interest risk free in a high-interest market, let alone the current one.

If you try really hard you can get 1% a year without taking on risk.

And you can't have any risk if you are going to be manufacturing phones with that money (sorry we don't have enough phones, we bet on Apple and their stock went down 20%).

Re: Ubuntu Edge

#228

Post by mhitza »

tuananh wrote: post #120
chimeracoder wrote: post #113

Earlier quoted context omitted.

On every[0] Humble Bundle so far, the highest average donations come from Linux users. On some, they've even donated the same amount or more in total dollars compared to OS X users - ie, Linux users have been more profitable even though they have a much smaller market share. In short, Linux users are very profitable (per-user). [0] I can't confirm that it's 100%, but it's been every Humble Bundle I've participated in…

I noticed that too and have always wondered why. Maybe the lack of games make Linux users appreciate it more?

I pay for bundles I don't even play, just to get the word out that there is a market, and I want more games in it.

Re: Ubuntu Edge

#229

Post by jfb »

DocG wrote: post #121
ealexhudson wrote: post #2

I upvoted this because I think it's an interesting experiment. Attempting to raise $1M+ every day for a month, though, I think is insanely ambitious. Asking people for $830 for a device that they won't get for a year is asking a lot, particularly since the specs aren't worlds away from current phones (two years time, and probably $500 would get you a device with those specs, unlocked). Worse, I just don't even get th…

The first paragraph explains it. let me quote: "In the car industry, Formula 1 provides a commercial testbed for cutting-edge technologies. The Ubuntu Edge project aims to do the same for the mobile phone industry -- to provide a low-volume, high-technology platform, crowdfunded by enthusiasts and mobile computing professionals. A pioneering project that accelerates the adoption of new technologies and drives them do…

It's an interesting project (not for me, personally, but hey, let a hundred flowers bloom and all that), but I think that they're overestimating the state of phone hardware commoditization, if they expect that they can pick and choose parts and hit their spec targets in less than a year. That seems insanely ambitious to me.

Re: Ubuntu Edge

#230

Post by jfb »

seabrookmx wrote: post #212
DocG wrote: post #166

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think video said if this thing succeeds, then there might be similar future projects. If not, there wont be next edge or similar projects. "The Ubuntu Edge is an exclusive production run, available only through Indiegogo" But there is no going mainstream, it is the whole point. This is not the mainstream pc/mobile. Good quote from comment section: "It's a premier, demonstration platform, not a mass market device."…

Except it's a horrible comparison, because an F1 car is orders of magnitude higher in performance than an everyday car. The Edge on the other hand, has a lower resolution screen than the Galaxy S4, a consumer device. They claim the performance will be amazing, yet don't even specify which CPU/SoC they will be using (only claiming it will be a quad, also available in the Galaxy series). 128gb of storage? Big deal. My…

A little hyperbole never hurt anybody. But they are off by at least one order of magnitude in terms of cost if they're thinking of doing really new things with a mobile device.

Actually, upon reflection, the comparison to F1 is completely spurious. They're not talking about doing any new hardware development; instead, they're looking at slapping commodity hardware in a box. That's doomed.

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