Lets create the PineCom

[Arwen]

One thing that I have seen in my current tablet, (a Samsung 10" bought last spring), is a edge mounted connector for power. This allows it to be charged while sitting on a docking station.

So, at the very least, I would suggest 4 gold contact points on the edge, (which edge open for discussion), that includes GND & +5v power, plus USB 2.x D+/D-.

Ideally, we would have multiple places, like back side, and edge. With different ports to the SoC, so they can be used at the same time.

Unless we use something like USB C's bi-directional power feature, each port would have to be either charging/power for the device. Or supply power to external add-ons.

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Next idea, is allow multiple M.2 cards internally. Not the long ones for NVMe, but perhaps something Key A, B or E at common 30mm or 42mm lengths. With 2 slots, you can then choose a WiFi module, (with or without Bluetooth as desired), and still have a slot for LoRa or SDR.

This may make the device slightly thicker than the thin phones of today. But, better to have the communication options than have to jury rig one.

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One thing that could be useful, is a range finder LED. Perhaps along the top edge. You point at an object, and push the App button for a new reading. It may not be perfect for mapping a site, but if someone tries hard, they might get good results. Like putting the bottom edge on a wall, and then pointing the top edge to the far wall. If you got back 10 feet & 4 inches, add the length of the PineCom device, (5"?), and you get a virtual tape measure. With fancier software, you can even map your whole house or office.

The range finder hardware should not add too much to the cost. Though, I could see many people never using it. So perhaps it can be designed as a multi-function device. Like IrR, (InfraRed light), comms too.