Mecha Comet is a modular open source handheld computer that reminds me of the Indian PDA that may have inspired the iPhone

Date:
Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:31:00 +0000

Description:
You can snap on new extensions, like a keyboard or game controller.

FULL STORY ======================================================================The Comet is a blend of Raspberry Pi, Simputer and Project Ara with a hint of
Game Boy Its standout feature is the use of hardware extensions that can be quickly removed It launches on crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter, very soon

Developed in India in the early 2000s, the Simputer , (Simple Inexpensive Mobile computer) was a groundbreaking handheld Linux computer many people believe inspired the Apple iPhone (and by extension, Android devices). It featured a touch interface, stylus input with handwriting recognition, an accelerometer, and a USB master port - all innovations well ahead of their time.

I mention the Simputer now because Im reminded of it looking at a brand new modular handheld computer set to debut on Kickstarter soon - the Mecha Comet is a portable Linux device aimed at developers, makers, and tinkerers.

Running on open source software, the device features a magnetic snap
interface for swappable extensions, which currently include a game
controller, keyboard, and GPIO breakout board. Users can also design and
build their own extensions using Mechas open-source design files and
community support. Mechanix OS

The Mecha Comet is powered by a 1.8 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor with 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage.

Its 3.4-inch IPS LED touchscreen provides a compact yet functional display
for various tasks. Connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz/5.0 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, two USB 2.0 ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The device
also includes a 5 MP camera with autofocus, dual digital microphones, and an HD speaker.

Running Mechanix OS, a Debian-based operating system, the Comet is compatible with over 60,000 software packages from the Debian repository. Users can also port other Linux distributions. Mechanix Shell, built in Rust, supports GPU rendering on Wayland.

Mecha envisions the Comet as a versatile tool for diverse applications, such as a DIY Linux phone, drone launchpad, AI assistant, nanosatellite
controller, car diagnostics tool, radio transceiver, DIY robot controller,
and even a Tricorder inspired by Star Trek . Some of those ideas might just
be wishful thinking, however.

The Comet, which measures 150mm x 73.55mm x 16mm and weighs 220g, has a 3000mAh battery charged via USB-C and includes a gyroscope, real-time clock (RTC), and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for expanded project possibilities. Its security features include a Trust Anchor with CC EAL 6+ certification and accelerated cryptographic capabilities.

Kickstarter backers will be able to benefit from super early-bird rewards when the project goes live shortly, with pricing for the Mecha Comet starting from $159. You might also like These are the best portable SSDs you can buy And these are the best Linux distros right now Linux devices hit with
malware, this time from Chinese hackers



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/mecha-comet-is-a-modular-open-source-handheld-co mputer-that-reminds-me-of-the-indian-pda-that-may-have-inspired-the-iphone


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