I wonder how many of those prior-owned GBAs were GBA-SPs... It was my GBA-SP that inspired me to want a pandora-like handheld, long before the pandora itself was even conceived...
- Neelix
I didn't get a GBA until the SP. At the time I felt my choice was the better when compared to someone I worked with that had the original version, as I didn't have to mess with batteries, I could play in pretty much any lighting conditions, the SP is smaller (which mattered at the time) and, of course, the screen is protected. Now I prefer the original GBA since I have the option of using rechargeable or disposable batteries if I don't have access to other electricity, I can replace the display with a backlit display (which is really the only weakness I still see in the original design), the overall size when holding it and controls are better even if it takes up a bit more space, older carts don't stick out as awkwardly (not that it bothered me much with the SP, and generally I play games with the intended GB version), and I generally take pretty good care of my electronics, and it isn't too expensive or hard to replace the screen cover thing, and the original version is really the more durable design if that is a concern. The biggest benefit of the SP (I wish I still had mine) is that mine, in silver, resembled a later timeline tricorder. I wish it functioned as one.
I was really not aware that the GP2X was THAT popular and THAT important as an introduction to people into Linux handheld gaming emulation.
I was aware of the earlier open source handhelds, however the Nintendo ones were keeping me happy. I couldn't justify the expense for what it offered, and I could play most of what I was interested in with my GBA SP and a flash cart. Eventually someone I worked with bought one (not sure which of the GPs, or even precisely what year...between 06 and 09). I was very interested, but not particularly impressed. When he showed it to me it reinforced my earlier decision, and by then I was still happy with my DS.
When I first came across the early info about the Pandora I knew I wanted one. The keyboard made all the differnce to me. I remember feeling uncomfortable with the idea of preordering. I eventually checked in again and remember that there were issues, and I figured the project was doomed, and was glad I had saved my money. Some time after the Rebirth units were shipping I looked in again and was very happy, but couldn't afford it or think of why I would need one, rather than just want it. I figured things would get better for me financially, and I could either get one soon, or something that was a bit more powerful that was about the same size without the gaming controls, but with larger keys. Other things took priority and I was going to pick up a newer midrange laptop, but a few interests (Linux, pocketable computers
with keyboards, my obsession with gaming handhelds, networking and security related stuff) all converged at the same time, and I was encouraged by someone I discussed several of these interests with to buy a Pandora since I was so interested in it. I probably would have been able to do more with the laptop, but the only real benefit over the others I have would have been some newer games, which I have neither the time to play nor the desire to buy (there are hundreds of older games I still want to play that are free or much cheaper, not to mention all those I own and never play). I can carry my Pandora with me and do most of what I want/need to do, and it is lighter and smaller, has better battery life, and I don't look as odd to others. I don't care if my Pandora isn't as small, "powerful", or flashy as a smartfone, or as cheap as a raspberry pi. It has pretty much everything I want, and I think the Pyra will improve the things that are lacking for me. As was mentioned in the article, the community is fairly significant to some of us. I typically don't get involved in gaming, Linux or technology communities because I always feel like I am in the wrong place. That is not the case here, and I just wish I could be more involved and give back in a significant way.
ekianjo, I wanted to compare my responses to a couple things to the overall results, however I forgot my response. I have since forgotten what it was I wanted to compare. My memory isn't as bad as I am making it sound. Do you still have the original individual results, and are they easily searchable?
