Linux phone goes on sale

The site warns heavily that these phones are for developers not the general public.

It's based on an official standard for a Linux mobile called Openmoko, although FIC does appear to be driving this standard.

There's basically two versions of the Neo - a Base model for $300 and the Advanced version for $450. Each model comes in either black/silver or white/orange.

They're both very carefully described as 'developer preview' phones. That means that lots of bits haven't quite been integrated yet.

Perhaps the most important missing feature is integrated GPRS data access. The site also says that you shouldn't expect a reliable means of making phone calls, either.

Other fairly vital bits missing including an inability to send or receive texts; proper Bluetooth integration and an ability to set network preferences.

But - hey - this is the open source world and it shouldn't be long before people start to work out how to fix such things.

Slightly more worrying, however, is the fact that integrated GPS (satellite) isn't mentioned although it was a major feature when the phone was first announced.

So only the brave will be logging onto the official Openmoko site to buy one. µ

See Also
A truly open Linux phone with GPS debuts

L'INQS
Official Openmoko site