A new smartphone hit the market yesterday, July 4. Yup, Taiwanese gadget developer, OpenMoko, celebrates U.S. Independence Day by unleashing the Neo FreeRunner handset. You can get the impression that it is a unique device simply by its name. This new handset is really unlike any phone in the market today. Highlighting the difference is the fact that it makes use of GNU/Linux. Operating the device seems not difficult at all because it has built-in core software that’s meant for recording contacts, dialing, and SMS. Neo FreeRunner is going to be available in two versions – 900MHz and 850 MHz models.
Aside from that, it has 128MB WSDRAM and 256MB NAND flash memory. Making it more competitive is the 2.8-inch VGA touch screen having 480 x 640 resolution. Yes, anything you want done can be achieved with a touch of finger. Connectivity available is 802.11 b/g, AGPS, and GPRS 2.5G. Bluetooth is also provided.
OpenMoko hopes that by using open source software other developers can also make something unique out of the FreeRunner handset.
OpenMoko’s Neo FreeRunner phone can be availed at a retail price of $399.
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Ok great so how do I find a local provider? Local cellular service wanted. When can we expect Open Moko to place those listings on their site?
For that matter why wasn't the Open Moko site linked here?
Hi!
OpenMoko has a list of distributors in their site. You can check out http://www.openmoko.com/product.html.
You can buy directly from their store or you can go to a distributor near you. For U.S., the distributor listed is First International Computer America located in 5020 Brandin Court, Fremont, CA.
Hope this helps.
Small but important correction: I was amazed that the phone would only support 850 or 900 MHz bands. But on the web site they mention that they have to options: either 850/1800/1900MHz or 900/1800/1900MHz. So no worries, it supports the 3G network as well.