• Freerunner

    Freerunner

    Aniket Kadam, Sep 12, 2008 1355 hrs IST

    Portable linux computers hit the mainstream with the Neo Freerunner

    Easy to program, Lots of free software, Excellent maps application, Debian support.

    Short battery life, Expensive, No EDGE, No camera.

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Design and features



The first point to note here is that since the CAD files for the phone are free to download and use, the design of the phone can be altered. It's larger than you would expect, with dimensions of 120.7 62 18.5mm but still fits nicely into your pocket. Nearly the entire phone, except for two lengthwise strips, is coated in rubber making it highly resistant to scratches and provides a decent grip.



To the right we see the USB port, which can act as a host and provide power to any peripherals that you connect to it; a speaker or the power button along with the external GPS antenna.




To the left is another speaker but unfortunately has a non-standard 2.5mm audio jack. The provided headphones fit into this but without a standard jack you wouldn't be able to use your own headphones. Also. Available is the AUX button on the upper side.



On the inside is an unusual arrangement of the battery. There is a
little empty area to the left of the battery, which when opened, makes it easier to get the battery out and also provides easy access to the SIM card and memory slot.

The 1.7" x 2.27" touchscreen seems small on paper but in actual use is quite comfortable and you never feel constrained for space. It is capable of a high resolution of 480x640 pixels, which brings across clear images and sharp text. The semicircle shaped hole here houses a mic. Overall the device feels solid and could take a few knocks.

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Freerunner review free software Debian support.



Discussion Board
(6) Comments
Rakshat
,Jaipur, on Sep 21, 2008 02:28 PM
Thanks for the balanced review. The battery life issue is something that is being worked on and is expected to improve with newer software releases. As far as the price goes it includes all taxes and shipping to an Indian address.e There is also a rs 2000 discount for individual developers and students. That price is just below our cost price after taking into account freight to India, customs duty, VAT/CST and shipping In India
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julian correa
,belgaum KARNATAKA, on Nov 30, 2011 09:04 PM
thanks a lot .. im only worried abt the value for money ... is it worth it for the bundle ?
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Octavian
,Eindhoven, on Jan 05, 2009 09:57 PM
Battery life has been improved. In my case it is beyond 70 hours for standby.
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okanlawon olawa
,lagos, on Oct 13, 2008 11:45 PM
nice
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Ani
,Bangalore, on Sep 12, 2008 06:11 PM
hmmmm....22000 is too much....was waiting for this...open source linux interface had got me excited....but no camera either....was expecting it to be cheaper since its open source and was wishing they changed the design from the 1973 model...ideally around 10000
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Arvind
,Atlanta, on Sep 13, 2008 07:50 PM
I understand your point.....but guess what....you could probably run android on this one.....Android phone is to be released this month end in US......it could be fun,......as Android is being launched in US only....through HTC Dream only on T Mobile network 23rd Sept.
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