A new, Linux-powered Pocket PC has started production
A 5" slab computer that fits in your pocket? Yes, please.
This last week, Popcorn Computer announced that they have commenced production on their hand-held “Pocket PC” — with the pocket-sized computer moving closer to shipping.
From the update: “Once the plastics are finished being injected, our manufacturer will schedule the painting which they have informed us will be completed 2-3 weeks after.”
This particular handheld is one I find highly interesting. Apart from being Linux-powered, it has a 5” screen on a slab style form factor that I find absolutely delightful.
The specs of the machine may not be earth-shattering from a performance standpoint… and that is 100% fine with me as it has enough under the hood that it should make a truly delightful “carry anywhere” computer.
The Popcorn Pocket PC Hardware
1.2 GHz Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU
2GB DDR3 RAM
32GB eMMC Memory
4.95" Full HD 1920x1080px IPS LCD
Internal microSD Card Connector
3200mAh Removable Battery
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi / Bluetooth 4.0
Infineon OPTIGA TRUST M Secure Element
Built-in Programmable USB Keyboard w/ Backlight:
STM32F103C8T6 ARM Cortex-M3 MCU
25x RGB APA102-2020 LEDs
59x Silicone Buttons
4x USB-C Connectors:
1x Device Port w/ Power Delivery (PD)
2x Host Port (1x w/ PD, 1x w/o PD)
1x USB-to-Serial Converter for Console Output
The big downside to this lovely little machine? Pre-orders are closed. And I didn’t pre-order one.
Fingers crossed the team can open up sales of the Popcorn Pocket PC after they ship their pre-orders.
I like it, but I still prefer the DevTerm. Mainly, the DevTerm has USB-A ports (USB2 speeds, but still more convenient IMO), and it is extremely hackable. The only downside is that the Clockwork team leaves most software up to the community. Maybe these folks will do a better job on that side? If someone gets one, do report back!
A 5-inch display??? The great movie “Brazil” had displays of about that size which were under a large Fresnel lens so it appeared much larger (ie, readable). Some of the target market for the Linux Thumb Piano will need something like that to see a 5-inch display. That’s about 2/3rds the size of my iPhone. Sigh.