14 DAY TRIAL // OpenMoko will start selling its Linux-based touch phone, Neo FreeRunner, in the US tomorrow. The device comes with a limited number of applications for calling and text messages, but software can be created or installed for free without paying other taxes (and it has a large community behind it, so you will surely get your hands on the apps you might need).
OpenMoko have equipped their phone with hardware that can use future applications which might be created by the company itself or third-parties. Neo FreeRunner comes with 802.11g WiFi capabilites, 256MB of flash for storage, assisted GPS and an accelerometer that makes the device responsive to motion. The storage can be extended, as the product features a microSD slot. Its 128 of RAM and ARM 9 processor at 400 MHz allow it to multi task and also offers 2D/3D graphics acceleration.
Neo FreeRunner features tri band GSM capabilities, functioning on 850 MHz North American networks like AT&T and T-Mobile, and 900MHz networks from Europe and Asia. As it is a Bluetooth enabled device, the FreeRunner will work with most Bluetooth headsets available on the market at this moment. The battery used by Neo FreeRunner is an FIC 1200 mAH Li-on battery, but in case you have a spare one from Nokia, like BL-4C, BL-5C or BL-6C you can use that one, too.
The new device will cost $399 and can be bought from OpenMoko's website. On July 7th, it will be available through a network of resellers. New features will be added to Neo FreeRunner in time through software updates offered by OpenMoko, like the update promised by OpenMoko for August, with location-based services. Separately, you can buy Neo FreeRunner's DBoard, or Debug Board with which you 'play' around, hack it and modify it as you like.