Latest News

Happy new year of the Pandora!

Hello everyone and a very happy new year!

We wish to thank you all for your ongoing support and tell you a big sorry for all the delays we had so far.

2008 had been a very exciting year for us. With a lot of stepping stones. First we had the PayPal issue, then the banking problem with all those credit cards (and Amex is still troubling) and because of this we needed to reroute money from various other accounts to pay for the production... which caused delays, especially for the LCDs (though that issue is solved now, the last LCDs will ship soon, thank goodness).
And if that wasn't enough, we a bit trouble with the rechargeable battery, as it was pretty hard designing a battery with that high capacity that also FITS into the case. This delayed the case - but I'm happy to announce that the final battery is already being prototyped. As soon as we get it (which should be within the next week), the case design will be ready a few days later (we set the deadline for the case design to January 15th). Prototyping shouldn't take too long - and then it will only be a matter of a few weeks more until everything is ready for delivery.

So, while we're really sorry for those delays (believe me - we didn't expect THAT much problems - especially not from the banks... we couldn't have found a worse time to start this than that of a worldwide economical crisis.

However, we also got some good news for you AMEX guys: We know you didn't get your money back yet (we're having another meeting with the bank in the near future), however, we assure you that EVERYBODY WHO ORDERED AND PAID will get a Pandora, even if you didn't get the chance to reorder yet!

But, oh well, we did learn a lot - and now, after 2,5 years designing the system, the end of the trip is coming to an end. All thanks to you guys! Without your support, all this wouldn't have been possible!
Stay tuned for final prototype pics within this month!

So, here is a mini-roadmap:
* Case Design: January 15th
* Case Prototyping: approx. 1-2 weeks later
* Final production and delivery: approx. 2 - 4 weeks later

2009 will surely be the year of the Pandora.

Also, as you do know that this site is not updated with every step we do, we do post a lot of mini informations at the forums. As a lot of you don't have time to read the boards frequently, people did create an unofficial blog with a lot more updates. Keep in mind that the information there is NOT directly from us, so some stuff might not be completely accurate, but it's a very nice site.
Head over to http://openpandora.wordpress.com/.

Updates for December

The credit card reordering which is required for some customers has not yet started, we will email you all when it does and we will try to make it as close to the actual shipping of the Pandora consoles as we can.

Remember to add your name to the newsletter mailing list if you want to order a Pandora when more are available, it's possible this may be sooner than you think as we will probably have 200-300 spare from the first batch.

Also we now have a dedicated press relations guy, if you need anything press related please email chip@openpandora.org and he will do his best to make wonderful things happen.

Sold out!

The first batch of the Pandora is now sold out.

Thanks to everyone for the support so far, we should have some tasty new photos on the blog soon.

Final Preorders

The cut off for Pandora preorders is the end of the 5th of October worldwide (so that is just before Noon UK/Europe time on Monday).

Please make sure you place your order before then.

Order via your local distributor.

We will update the site on Tuesday with the final sales figures and next week you will be seeing the very first of the mass production PCBs.

Thanks Everyone - and we look forward to the next step! Catch us on the new (temporary while the old ones are fixed) forums.

October 2nd News

We will continue to accept Pandora orders for the first batch until the end of SUNDAY - we will increase the first batch manufactured to match these orders.

After that it will be from the second batch in 2009.

We recommend you order as soon as possible as we must start production next week.

We are also answering as many emails as we can, but if possible can you check the new forum we have set up (see blog) as the old forum is still dead from being overloaded.

Questions and Answers

How did this system come to be?
The Pandora is a unique machine. It was designed based on the input of thousands of forum users with one goal in mind - to make the ultimate open source handheld device.

How powerful is it?
It is by far the most powerful handheld in the world both in terms of raw CPU power and 3D graphics capability, it will be able to handle things such as Firefox3 or Quake3 with ease.

When and where can I buy it?
It is already available to selected developers and preorders on September the 30th for casual users via UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Turkey.

How much will it cost?
Around £199 (inc VAT), $330, Euro212 (Ex.VAT).

What is the device designed for?
It is designed as an ultra portable open source computer with gaming controls, it is very small, around about the same size as a DS. It can easily fit in your pocket.

Why such a radical design?
The design is actually a simple clamshell which gives maximum protection, maximum control layout and of course maximum battery size.

You can see a size comparison photo here.

I have an idea / Will you please change Xyz...
Head over to the OpenPandora Forums and tell us your idea...

You may also want to check the Pandora Wiki (off site link, we are not responsible for content).