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Anonymous Coward or just a Lazy Bastard? [n] writes:

For those of you who don't know what either of them is, the TL;DR follows:
- Pyra is a Linux-based handheld computer equipped with a keyboard and gaming controls.
- It is an open and modular design which can be easily disassembled and upgraded.
- The official OS is Debian based.

It bears repeating that this is a handheld, not a notebook.
Fans of the Nokia N900 and of the clamshell Sharp Zaurus models now finally have a modern replacement.
There are two main variations: one with the phone hardware, one without.
The phone hardware goes on the mainboard so you have to take that into account right upfront.

Oh, and yes, it's expensive. There's also nothing like it.
I remember paying just as much for my Zaurus and the support was not even remotely comparable with what OpenPandora received.
Before anybody points out it is 2016, bear in mind this is mostly the work of a small group of enthusiasts who intend to stick around for a while. Kickstarter and the like are not really a good comparison either.

Expectations being set, warnings given, you can read more here:
    https://pyra-handheld.com/boards/pages/pyra/ [pyra-handheld.com]

or to selectively quote from the product page:

"The more modern our devices get, the more is left out.
It's rare seeing devices with a physical keyboard or replaceable battery these days.
...
Below the battery is also a SIM-Card slot (for the 4G/LTE version) as well as a MicroSDXC slot, which is very useful if you want to experiment with different OS setups or need more than 32GB internal storage.

For even more features, you can get the 4G version. Besides mobile internet (and turning the Pyra into some sort of telephone), it adds GPS, a 6-axis digital compass, a pressure, humidity and gas sensor as well as a Barometer and Hygrometer.
...
Easy to hack and fix: Nothing is glued, the full unit can easily be fully disassembled with just a few screws!

We protect your privacy: The OS OpenSource, you don't need to register anywhere to fully use the unit, the device will not send any of your data or statistics to us!

Full schematics will be available: You could. i.e. design your own custom mainboard and use Pyras CPU board to run it.

Long time support: Thanks to the community, the Pandora (which is from 2008!) is still receiving updates. This is possible due to the OpenSource system.

Replacement parts available: We still offer replacement parts for the Pandora. We will do the same for the Pyra, so you will be able to mod or fix it anytime.

Awesome community! Just check out the boards on this page and you know what we're talking about."

"Versions and final prices of the Pyra:

ALL versions have the same technical specs like CPU, LCD, storage, WLAN, etc. You can check the specs at the product page and on the official Pyra website.

The Mobile Edition adds mobile internet (3G/4G), GPS as well as different sensors (Altometer, Hygrometer, Barometer, Compass). There exists a version supporting the US-Frequencies and one supporting the EU (and mostly worldwide) frequencies.

* Pyra Standard Edition, 2GB RAM: 500 EUR without VAT (=595 EUR incl. VAT)
* Pyra Standard Edition, 4GB RAM: 529,41 EUR without VAT (=630 EUR incl. VAT)
* Pyra Mobile Edition, 2GB RAM: 600 EUR without VAT (=714 EUR incl. VAT)
* Pyra Mobile Edition, 4GB RAM: 626,05 EUR without VAT (=745 EUR incl. VAT)

In case you buy 2 or more Pyras, you will receive a 5% discount for the final payment.

If you live within the EU, you have to pay the prices including VAT.
If you live outside the EU, you pay the prices without VAT, however, depending on the country you live in, you might be charged some import tax."

Technical Specs:

        Texas Instruments OMAP 5 SoC
                2x ARM Cortex-A15 @ 1.5Ghz with NEON SIMD
                2x ARM Cortex-M4
                PowerVR™ SGX544-MP2
                Vivante GC320 2D Accelerator
        4GB RAM, 32GB int. storage
        720p 5" LCD
        High-Quality speakers, analog volume wheel
        Headset-Port, Built-in-Mic, HDMI Video Out, Vibramotor,

        Ultra-portable: approx. 139 x 87 x 32 mm*
        Huge battery for a long battery life (6000mAh)
        Gaming controls (DPad, 4 shoulder buttons, 6 face buttons)
        Two accurate analog controls with push-button
        QWERTY keyboard with backlight
        Integrated Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0*
        Dual SDXC card slots
        2x Full-size USB Host (one can be used as eSATA-with a small adaptor), 1x Micro USB 3.0, 1x Micro USB (Debug and Charging)
        Fully configurable RGB-LEDs for notifications
        Optional: 3G/4G and GPS module, various sensors

On May 1st, 2016 dragonbox.de started taking pre-orders. If interested, read very carefully and you'll avoid disappointment.
https://www.dragonbox.de/en/45-pyra [dragonbox.de]

If all continues as expected, it will be Christmas in July!

Original Submission