OpenMoko FreeRunner to be available for $399 – Open-source Linux handset set to launch
By Will Park on Monday, April 14th, 2008 at 1:16 PM PST In Announcements, Devices, Linux
Fans of the OpenMoko Neo1973 open-source Linux handset will be glad to hear that they’ll soon be able to get their hands on the Neo1973’s successor in the near future. The OpenMoko FreeRunner sports a faster processor than its predecessor and adds three-axis motion sensors to the mix. As we saw previously, the overall aesthetic of the FreeRunner is largely unchanged from the Neo1973, and the glorious VGA touchscreen, Bluetooth 2.0, WiFi, and microSD card slot also make the cut.
The FreeRunner should alleviate the open-source Linux handset-drought caused by dried-up OpenMoko Neo1973 supplies. OpenMoko is considering its production options and will hopefully start shipping the $399 FreeRunner by month’s end. There will only be one version of the FreeRunner for sale – a departure from the Neo1973’s availability in basic and advanced trim options.
If you’re in the market for 10 or more FreeRunners, OpenMoko will even hook you up with a per-unit price of $369.
Finally! I’m definitely going to be picking one of these beasties up. I’ve had it up to HERE with Apple’s restrictions on what I can do with my iPhone.
Is this one ready for prime time? I wanted to buy a NEO1973 but the warnings on the website dissuaded me. I run Linux on everything I can, but I simply can’t afford to buy a $400 thing that may be usable as a phone someday.