Are Linux Based Super Phones
Just Around the Corner?

Linuxslate.com

18 August 2008

Several manufactures are readying new, feature rich Linux-based mobile phones.  This guide will mention a few notable ones, and speculate about whether any of these could potentially be the much anticipated "iPhone-killer".

Phones are listed in order that, based on my research, they may actually be available for consumer purchase.

OpenMoko Neo FreeRunner

This is the only phone we will explore that is already being sold as of this writing.  I purposely did not say available, because the first retail batch is sold out.  More should be available shortly, putting it in line with the others in this guide.

With no 3G, No camera, and not much functionality as of yet, this one is not likely to be the iPhone-killer.  It does however have a few things going for it - 1.  It is actually out there and people are using to make calls, 2. It has a 480x640 touchscreen.  The hardware so far is definately a start, and with both the software and hardware being open source, it is possible that other manufactures will add the missing features.

Motorola "MOTOZINE" ZN5

Expected to be available shortly in at least some Asian markets, this seems to be the most "Real" as far as an actual consumer product.  Some would argue that with no 3G, only a 2.4 inch screen, and an "old fashion" numeric keypad that it could not be an "iPhone-killer" either.  The arument form the other side goes: With a basically non-functional bluetooth, no MMS, no voice dialing, no flash, and no movie capability how can an iPhone be were it is?  At least the above features (should) work on the ZN5.  The lack of 3G may be a blessing in disguise, as it avoids 3G charges.   If Motorola does release this phone, and it follows through with good quality, a competitive price, and no serious bugs, it should at least put Motorola back in the game.  While Motorola's support for open source development on this phone may be luke warm at best, geeks wanting a do-it all phone without paying 3G service plan prices should take a serious look at this one.

e28 E2882

OK, e28 does not have the name recognition that Apple or Motorola do, but don't be too quick to underestimate this accomplished Chinese company.  They have released two, real, Linux based phones.  Even the venerable e2821, which has been out for years, had WiFi, Bluetooth, and a nice touch screen.  IMHO, it has more features and functionality than any Motorola Linux offering to date.  The e2831 seems to be an incremental improvement, and has also been available for quite a while.  Additionally, Android, Google's Linux based mobile OS idea, has actually been shown running on an e2831.  The E2882 does not seem to be available yet, but sports a large, stylus touch screen, along with the features seen on e28's previous offerings.  

e28 E2891

Two Linux smartphones with QWERTY keyboards have been shown at different times on the e28 website.  Unfortunately, during the writing of this article, the one shown here, the E2891 has been removed from the information on e28's website.  With the right screen, well implemented features, and a reasonable price, it could have become the ultimate Linux business smartphone.

HTC Dream

The Internet is abuzz with hype over rumors an any tiny bit of news about the HTC Dream.  A Scratchy YouTube video, a partial drawing from the FCC website (Link to PDF file), any tiny bit of news, almost seems to cause palpitations.  The hardware, and what little we have seen so far does look promising, but of course actual specifications, as well as a review of the actual device will be needed before we can be sure, but this looks like it could be the closest thing to a real alternative to the iPhone yet.  With a large touchscreen, which slides to reveal a QWERTY keyboard, it certainly seems to have the needed hardware.  Mixed in with all of those other rumors, are rumors that it will be available via T-Mobile in the latter part of September or October.  The initial offering may be of a limited number, and only available to current T-Mobile customers.

Since you can't buy any of these phones today, all you can do is look a the chart and specifications I've compiled here, and discuss this article in the Linuxslate.com Forums.

Linux SuperPhone Reference Chart

Linuxslate.com is not affiliated with any mobile device manufacture.  Information is this chart is most likely inaccurate by the time you see it.

* Information gleened from FCC public records.

Links:

• Openmoko Neo FreeRunner website

• E28's website

• Motorola ZN5 "teaser" page

• HTCDream website  (unofficial - from mobileroar)

  • FCC documents on the HTC Dream

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Picture of the phones from the manufacture's web resourves.

Used here to educate the consumer.