10-10-2020, 01:57 AM
Firstly, really like the idea of this device. I'll put some additional ideas below, but first to answer your questions:
I would suggest that one moderate camera is enough. People who want a really feature complete device have the PinePhone. I would do what you can to keep the price point of this device as low as possible (within reason).
Unsure. Generally keep the costs low.
Either, but again try to keep the price point low. I don't think this device would be something that should cost the same as a phone.
That would really be nice for some map based features. As far as I know, GPS based features tend to up the price and complexity...
Personally I would just suggest booting straight from an SD card. People could choose to request a pre-flashed SD card, but most people can quite easily source one locally and flash it with ease.
If you have more space inside try to offer more than one USB2 port (likely a micro). USB3 is a pain in the a** and the processor really won't be able to make use of the speeds.
I would also suggest a HDMI mini-output to allow it to be used as a mini-computer.
Whatever is easiest and cost effective. A lower resolution display also puts less stress on graphics, so you could get away with 720.
--Extra--
Generally I see this potentially as a stand-in for a modern PDA and/or MP4 player and/or WiFi phone and/or navigation device.
The question you need to answer is "why this device and not a PinePhone?". To me the answer is increased battery life, decreased size and decreased price.
(10-09-2020, 06:13 PM)Luke Wrote: [*]Do we need both a front and back camera on the PineCom? In fact, do we need any cameras at all?
I would suggest that one moderate camera is enough. People who want a really feature complete device have the PinePhone. I would do what you can to keep the price point of this device as low as possible (within reason).
(10-09-2020, 06:13 PM)Luke Wrote: [*]Should we bring over all sensors present on the PinePhone? If so, which do you think we can do without?
Unsure. Generally keep the costs low.
(10-09-2020, 06:13 PM)Luke Wrote: [*]Should we use the same single band/11n/BT4 WiFi module in the PinePhone (for compatibility sake) or change it out for a dual band/11ac/BT5?
Either, but again try to keep the price point low. I don't think this device would be something that should cost the same as a phone.
(10-09-2020, 06:13 PM)Luke Wrote: [*]Should the device feature a GPS (and compass) or are those features redundant in this type of device?
That would really be nice for some map based features. As far as I know, GPS based features tend to up the price and complexity...
(10-09-2020, 06:13 PM)Luke Wrote: [*]Should we include SPI flash?
Personally I would just suggest booting straight from an SD card. People could choose to request a pre-flashed SD card, but most people can quite easily source one locally and flash it with ease.
(10-09-2020, 06:13 PM)Luke Wrote: [*]We are currently considering following the PinePhone’s general design and aesthetic for the PineCom, but if there is some sort of physical (within reason - also financially) that you think would fit this type of device well then make sure to let us know.
If you have more space inside try to offer more than one USB2 port (likely a micro). USB3 is a pain in the a** and the processor really won't be able to make use of the speeds.
I would also suggest a HDMI mini-output to allow it to be used as a mini-computer.
(10-09-2020, 06:13 PM)Luke Wrote: [*]We’re currently thinking of using a 5” LCD panel for the PineCom; what do you think about this - is there a reason to go bigger or smaller?
Whatever is easiest and cost effective. A lower resolution display also puts less stress on graphics, so you could get away with 720.
--Extra--
Generally I see this potentially as a stand-in for a modern PDA and/or MP4 player and/or WiFi phone and/or navigation device.
The question you need to answer is "why this device and not a PinePhone?". To me the answer is increased battery life, decreased size and decreased price.