[Poll] Additional hardware for the P2

[Binky]

<compulsory jabber about the P2 being a long way off, expensive etc> (I have no expectation that the Team will act on any results here, but it is worth having the information.)


I am not trying to turn the P2 into a phone, however, as a portable multipurpose computer, (similar) additional hardware could be useful>


This is working on the assumption that the P2 will be a clamshell very similar to the P1.


Simply, I would be interested what (if any) added hardware features people would like.


Here is a brief summary of why anyone would want the above:

1. Allows internet access anywhere, also phone functionality with a headset (or as speakerphone). Perhaps you like texting?
   
2. Would boost the Pandora as media player, would work anywhere (without expense) Linux-compatible Digital broadcast receivers are very hard to find (if such was available as an expansion unit, it would have a market across the Linux community)
   
3. Some like thin gadgets, some like long battery life. Best of both?
   
4. If you carry your Pandora around with you, you might want a camera (?)
   
5. Might increase compatibility with Android, and some interesting use would be made of it...
   
6. As the Pandora has a nice, big battery (also nubs for scrolling), it would make a good navigation device?
   

If something you would like is not on there, I can add it. <excluding giant lasers etc>


What could be a suitable expansion card/module arrangement for the Pandora?

 

[diligentcircle]

Erm, I can't vote on this, because it requires something to be checked in every category. I don't want anything new built-in.

 

[Binky]

Erm, I can't vote on this, because it requires something to be checked in every category. I don't want anything new built-in.

Fixed.

 

[Binky]

How good are phone style cameras these days? Is the zoom any good? Are they particularly fragile?


An external camera module with real moving optics might be fun...

 

[FRZ]

I'd say thow in as many things as possible and make it a mini super computer. Just don't put android on it. I can't stand that crap. I don't care how much apps they have for it. Its friggin annoying.

 

[Prometheus]

Sorry for not posting right after I voted, but I voted for a built-in camera, and opted not to vote in the other two categories. I'm really not interested in any further additions, myself, as I think the balance is just about right with the first one, as it is.

 

[WizardStan]

I voted on for the accelerometer because one could be added to the board (assuming there's room, it's a pretty small chip) to the existing i2c lines for as little as a dollar, though you'd probably want a 3-axis one for a little bit more. Couple more dollars gets you a gyro and/or a compass. At most $10 to add all three, and that's retail without bulk pricing.


GPS would be cool, but it is neither trivial nor cheap to add.

 

[bismuthdrummer]

Any internal stuff that won't significantly impact the price of the unit, and maybe even if they do a bit.


Camera for webcam would be dandy I suppose. An outward facing camera would annoy me, even though I can't think of a legitimate argument against one.

 

[Fworg64]

Id really like to see something that would allow the pandora to replace my phone entirely. Yes keep it a computer, not a phone. But some long range/constant internet connection and some good VoIP software would be amazing. Which should be feasable in the present if im not mistaken...

 

[Askarus]

Id really like to see something that would allow the pandora to replace my phone entirely. Yes keep it a computer, not a phone. But some long range/constant internet connection and some good VoIP software would be amazing. Which should be feasable in the present if im not mistaken...

Yeah. I agree.


I also would like little improvements like USB 3.0 Support


Faster SD


Better W-Lan


I don't like a camera. Where should it be. If it'd be on the same place the Nintendo Sd Camera is I don't like the appereance any more. If It'd be beside the charger it'd be ok.


I voted for UMTS and GPS.

 

[Binky]

Do you think there is room for the Pandora to grow as a portable media player?


I think a combination of battery life, sound quality, xbmc, and Radio/digital TV hardware could attract quite a few people.

 

[gadgetoid]

I'll take the Pandora exactly as it is, only with a faster CPU, more RAM and a decent WiFi chip.


Extras like USB 3.0 and SDXC might be nice, but I could live without them... I already do!


I guess I'm not one of the folks who uses the Pandora as a mini PC.


As for expansion packs- some sort of expansion port and the ability to connect a dock with all sorts of gubbins in it might be nice. Most people would say this already exists in the guise of a USB hub, though.


R2/L2 would be nice, too... somehow. Fitting decent shoulder buttons onto a hand-held is seriously tricky stuff.


Any sort of 3G connectivity is redundant, IMO, I just have a MiFi to share between all my gadgets.

 

[Binky]

The main problem with expansion units is that they mustn't stick out to much, otherwise the Pandora looses its pocketability.


I would like to take my Pandora then use it as a media player/receiver, games console, netbook, navigation device etc.


Plugging in Hubs&Dongles every time would be frustrating; Hunting for Linux-compatible devices would be offputting.


However, manufacture of such devices, even if they are based around a single chip would be added work for the hardware guys here (although spread out when compared to everything being on one board?)(external units might reduce the returned Pandora count?)

 

[Binky]

If I asked whether neat expansion modules are a possibility in/on a P2, would I get an enigmatic answer from Craig?