Lets create the PineCom

[RTP]

Hello everyone,

We’ll soon be starting work on the PineCom - a privacy-oriented handheld communicator that shares the PinePhone’s pedigree but offers a distinct and different feature set. We hope to achieve a high degree of software compatibility between the two devices - indeed, we expect the PineCom to run all existing PinePhone OS images out-of-the-box. Unlike the PinePhone however, the PineCom will not feature a modem but rather rely on WiFi, IoT LoRa and LoRaWan for communications. The device will also be smaller at (5” LCD panel or less), and will not feature a USB-C alt mode for video output. 

Everything else is still up in the air at this point, and we therefore invite you to brainstorm ideas with us regarding the remaining design features of the PineCom. More specifically, we’d like to know your opinion on the following:

1. Do we need both a front and back camera on the PineCom? In fact, do we need any cameras at all? 
   
2. Should we bring over all sensors present on the PinePhone? If so, which do you think we can do without?
   
3. 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?
   
4. Should the device feature a GPS (and compass) or are those features redundant in this type of device? 
   
5. Should we include SPI flash?
   
6. 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.  
   
7. 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? 
   

We are completely open to any and all suggestions at this point. That said, we’d appreciate it if you’d keep in mind that the targeted price range for this device is $99-149 when offering your insight. 

As always, thank you for your feedback! 

Cool idea. I  was thinking just the other day Pinephone itself has capability to use LoRa addons to become an open source encrypted comms device (for those not using as a phone/wanting options).

Maybe a less hardware intensive (no cellular modem but radio/WiFi/ble communication device) could save more of the battery life compared to Pinephone's LTE modem (to extend use cases)?

As our devices become more surveillance/tracking/data collecting intensive, I see Pinephone and devices respecting user continuing to get more popular as software continues stabilizing (I really love my Pinephone and use as daily driver).

For this device to be as successful as possible (given Pinephone's $150 price) this device having a goal max price somewhere around $99-110 w/be ideal imho (considering as I see it, most buyers would have to justify buying it over a 2nd Pinephone for similar use; keeping this low as possible would maximize sales. Another thought to add: Many would likely get 2 of these for 2 way encrypted communications).

Single band is fine for a comms device (in order to keep price noticeably lower than Pinephone unless dual band won't effect final price). The focus could be on the maximizing communication capabilities/addons.

In many ways I don't see most sensors as necessary (especially if able to lower price). Camera could be good for QR codes maybe bitcoin related and video comms if capable.

Just some thoughts.