720p? 1080p? 1440p?

[Askarus]

The pen could be sold as an optional extra - you could just use a 3rd party pen. I certainly do not suggest designing one just for the P2, so the pen would have to live in the carry case. (too big)

For me that's a no-go.

Pen has to be inside the Pandora.

 

[_wb_]

Maybe 5.5" would be nice. We can't go any larger than that unless you want a very wide aspect ratio, a larger device, or impossibly thin bezel.

Any improvement on the current 4.3" screen area would already be nice. I could live with 4.7", but 5" would be better and 5.5" inch would be best. This is all assuming we keep the same 5:3 aspect ratio.

Some people would prefer a more square aspect ratio (more suitable for emulation of e.g. 4:3 systems), but that just means we have to use a smaller diagonal, because we're mostly limited by the lid height anyway.

More wide (e.g. 16:9) could also be an option, and then maybe 6" would be possible if the bezel can be kept really minimal.

Anyway, we cannot make a custom panel so we'll have to take whatever is available and best approaches our ideal panel. It is likely that we'll have to compromise on something.

 

[Farox]

5" would be better and 5.5" inch would be best.

I was thinking the same

 

[pmprog]

5" would be better and 5.5" inch would be best.

I was thinking the same

Only if they don't really enlarge the case. I (personally) don't want the Pandora's dimensions much/any larger

 

[EvilDragon]

With a 5" you already need to increase the case by 1mm, so that's the maximum.

 

[thatgui]

5" would be better and 5.5" inch would be best.

I was thinking the same

Only if they don't really enlarge the case. I (personally) don't want the Pandora's dimensions much/any larger

With a 5" you already need to increase the case by 1mm, so that's the maximum.

Maybe choose another aspect ratio, making the Pandora a tad wider ?

 

[_wb_]

With a 5" you already need to increase the case by 1mm, so that's the maximum.

5" it is, then. The dimensions of the current Pandora are perfect. It could be more rounded (for ergonomy) and maybe slightly thinner, but its horizontal and vertical dimensions are just perfect.

Wouldn't it be possible though to change the hinge arrangement, so the lid gets the full vertical size and the base gets a bit smaller, instead of the other way around?

 

[sebt3]

Wouldn't it be possible though to change the hinge arrangement, so the lid gets the full vertical size and the base gets a bit smaller, instead of the other way around?

Probably patented, else it would be cool... if it allow for more screen real-estate

 

[_wb_]

A patent on a hinge between two objects? I think we can safely ignore that - it's pretty obvious that there is prior art on that. The ancient Greeks probably had it already.

 

[Binky]

Wouldn't it be possible though to change the hinge arrangement, so the lid gets the full vertical size and the base gets a bit smaller, instead of the other way around?

How would that work?

Surely the space will always be lost from Both sides?

The choice is  which of the two you want to be closer in to the corner.

 

[Mr_Loon]

If you decide on resistive, then the Andriod part of the P2 will be sub-par... Limiting potential user base. If Android isn't a priority, then resistive is perfect.   If Android *is* important, then I see no other option than having to include a digitizer of some sort with the capacitive screen.

What specific problems do you see if a simple software solution is implemented as suggested here?

I use android quite a lot and can think of only a handful of apps where multi touch is used for something other than pinch zoom, to select a mode by registering 2 discrete taps, or to allow the simultaneous use of onscreen buttons.

 

[b_o_b]

With a 5" you already need to increase the case by 1mm, so that's the maximum.

Why is that the maximum? Do you want to keep the Pandora size and re-use the current case?

I would like to see a device as large as possible without being too heavy or  uncomfortable to hold for gaming. Bigger is better imo.

PSX games with lots of details are now just too small. I don't even play pro-pinball on the Pandora - and that is really a game I like - because of the small screen size. Of course 5" is already a bit larger than the Pandora and a better screen might help too but still...

Bigger screen will also help with browsing and other stuff that depends on a gui (e.g. lots of java stuff)

You will not be able to please us all though. Certainly if you only have a few suppliers that can deliver the goods. Would be interesting to see some BOM examples with price and availability of components.

 

[TrashyMG]

Why is that the maximum? Do you want to keep the Pandora size and re-use the current case?

I think a smart (cheaper) way forward would be to use as much existing hardware as possible. designing a new PCB that fits into the current case design may be a cheaper solution.. 


Instead of designing a whole new case, just redesign the part with the back ports to allow HDMI etc or any other changes needed. Another idea redesign the back portion of the case to use a slide in plate, design two plates one with the current PCB port layout and one for the the new (pandora 2) port layout.. I know some are not happy with the nubs, keyboard etc.. maybe those can be addressed too..


Who knows this may not save as much money as I think it does.. It's just an idea.


PS:

I would like to see a device as large as possible without being too heavy or uncomfortable to hold for gaming. Bigger is better imo.

Well when does it stop being a handheld and edges into the netbook realm?

 

[Askarus]

If we'd keep all the shit we have then there's no need for a successor.

Don't you like our Nubs as well?

 

[FaeMinx]

If you decide on resistive, then the Andriod part of the P2 will be sub-par... Limiting potential user base. If Android isn't a priority, then resistive is perfect.   If Android *is* important, then I see no other option than having to include a digitizer of some sort with the capacitive screen.

What specific problems do you see if a simple software solution is implemented as suggested here?

I use android quite a lot and can think of only a handful of apps where multi touch is used for something other than pinch zoom, to select a mode by registering 2 discrete taps, or to allow the simultaneous use of onscreen buttons.

 

Honestly, I foresee the most logical option being resistive with a software work-around for multitouch.

 

If it can be implemented successfully, then I see no real problems... provided we *also* have mapping software for onscreen buttons - for apps as well as games.

 

[TrashyMG]

If we'd keep all the shit we have then there's no need for a successor.

Don't you like our Nubs as well?

Well with completely new innards and a new LCD screen it can be a different animal in familiar package.


Personally the nubs generally work fine for me, although my 1Ghz unit needed more breaking in than my other units.


I see things in terms of manufacturing.. Also it's just an idea, perhaps the one no one wants.

 

[WizardStan]

Why is that the maximum? Do you want to keep the Pandora size and re-use the current case?

Keeping the same case or not, the Pandora is pretty much on the limits of pocketability. 5" is probably the maximum because if it were any bigger it would have to make the case bigger which, as suggested, is already at the limits of comfortable pockets. In fact, a number of wishlists have asked for something just a little bit smaller, so there's significant interest in not making it any bigger if it can be avoided.

 

[milkshake]

We really should be going capacitive if you ask me with digitiser for those few that need precision and pressure levels.

 

[EssoAir]

We really should be going capacitive if you ask me with digitiser for those few that need precision and pressure levels.

Ya I dont even use the resistive screen as it is cuz I use the nubs to navigate

 

[b_o_b]

Well when does it stop being a handheld and edges into the netbook realm?

What is the problem with a small netbook with good gaming controls? I just took my Asus eee pc with 7" screen in my hands and I can see a lighter and smaller version - but the same screen size and gaming controls - work. The eeepc has a huge bezel. So make that smaller, smaller keyboard and no touchpad and voilà.

Keeping the same case or not, the Pandora is pretty much on the limits of pocketability. 5" is probably the maximum because if it were any bigger it would have to make the case bigger which, as suggested, is already at the limits of comfortable pockets. In fact, a number of wishlists have asked for something just a little bit smaller, so there's significant interest in not making it any bigger if it can be avoided.

Never understood the 'need to be able to carry it in my pocket' argument. Pandora is already much too large and heavy to do that, carrying it will ruin your trousers and makes you walk funny. Maybe this is an argument for kids playing games on the school yard but that is a period I can't even remember anymore .

I think from a gaming device point of view there is already quite some competition (e.g. Shield). The real advantage of the Pandora is its ability to be more than a gaming handheld. It is a Linux mini-pc with gaming controls.