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Can anyone estimate what it would cost to develop a new phone that's like the N900 with updated hardware (slide out keyboard, camera cover, maybe drop the input
by maufl 2y ago
Can anyone estimate what it would cost to develop a new phone that's like the N900 with updated hardware (slide out keyboard, camera cover, maybe drop the input stylus, a bit flatter and larger) and mainline Linux support for all components?
I'm sometimes wondering if this is something I could have Pine64 do if I accidentally get rich enough. I think I would spent the rest of my days just writing the software for this.
- asimovfan 2y agoI believe everyone has similar fantasies. Your best bet is a custom made mini laptop with a x86_64 SoC with perhaps 18650 batteries or thin easily replaceable battery packs.. I believe the GPD Pocket is also x86_64.
- mpol 2y agoFirst question is; which SOC would you want to use? Is there any SOC with full mainline support that you would agree to? There is a reason Pine64 and Purism went with SOCs out of the ordinary path.
- tmtvl 2y agoConsidering there's a bunch of stuff you'd have to manufacture from scratch I'm gonna say... 500 million USD? If you're okay with outsourcing a bunch of stuff to China and treading on gray areas where patents are concerned. Unfortunately it's gonna take a few more years before various mobile phone patents start expiring.