Neo1973, the Linux Smartphone

Neo1973 is a large computer smartphone capable of high performances, although in a little attractive design which is not very well adapted to mobile phone using needs. This handset has been just launched at the inaugural "Open Source Mobile" conference.

Neo1973 works on Linux based OpenMoko platform, but is also capable of supporting Windows Mobile. The smartphone comes with a 2.8 inch LCD display which also has touchscreen. It comes only natural that this device exploits the touch possibilities, as recent releases of smartphones have showed this feature to be extremely popular among users.

One major drawback on this device is the fact that it comes in a difficult to handle size, at its 120.7 x 62 x 18.5 mm and 184 grams. That is more than many other devices out there which are also capable of higher performances. Even more, the oval shape of it fails in doing any good, as it only accentuates the large proportions.

Hardware aspects reveal the fact that Neo1973 has 128 MB of ram and 64 MB of Flash, which are completed by an extra 64 MB on a MicroSD card. Bit by bit, the available memory adds up, although it might turn out to be considerably inconvenient to have it fragmented like this.

Moreover, this handheld also comes with GPS capabilities, which provides for its user high resolution maps in order to help them get around easier. Even more, this has announced to be a 2.5G mobile phone, although no specifications have been made on the camera that it will come with, in the case one will be provided at all.

A pilot run of Neo1973 is expected to be available till the end of the year. The smartphone will be available to the general audience for purchase at the beginning of year 2008, for the average price of USD350.

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