arstechnica.com — OpenMoko has announced plans to launch the Linux-based FreeRunner mobile phone on July 4. The highly-anticipated open source handset will be distributed through OpenMoko's web-based store and will begin shipping on July 7. The FreeRunner will also be available from several vendors in Europe and India.
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lzeppelinj0Jul 3, 2008
Does it even fit in a normal pocket?
janusthedoormanJul 4, 2008
What the hell? For months and months we hear about this thing, as it goes from looking like it would have had a launch to compete with the queen of proprietary software, the iPhone, and now they launch it after Apple's already rolled out a second generation, with an announcement hitting the proper channels less than 24 hrs before the official launch, and then sell out before the launch actually happens?I understand that professional reliability in product release is still an area that some sectors of the open-source movement have trouble with, but this is just embarrassing.
krisscofieldJul 4, 2008
lol Moko in Spanish = booger. OpenBooger to launch July 4th.
zwaldowskiJul 4, 2008
If you feel that way, just give me a first gen iPhone for free!
bieberJul 4, 2008
Holy s**t, they're already selling out. Does anyone know if they're planning to continue production of this model, or is it going to be a fixed run like the last one?
craterburnsuJul 4, 2008
I'd get one if i was on a GSM network. Sprint is the only thing i get decent coverage with in my area... so i put up with their terrible customer service.
earthmansurferJul 4, 2008
It is a bit odd though that Linux on the desktop has helped bring costs down and on a cell phone it's upper priced. I wish a manufacturer would put out something cheap and simple (and expandable to a point) that is under 100 Dollars or Euros.
dougs55Jul 4, 2008
not as bad as chevy nova
jo21Jul 4, 2008
symbian can do all you just mentioned.
diablo75Jul 5, 2008
I'm holding out for something a little nicer looking... I dig the linux though.
reaper527Jul 7, 2008
yeah, i paid around $300 for my n-gage qd the day it came out (i love it, and still use it today, although i am considering the openmoko). once you factor in inflation between then and now, this isn't too unexpected/unreasonable. the reason it seems expensive is that people are used to seeing subsidized phones, as you said.