I’ve been around long enough that I remember testing Linux PDAs. I even had one set up to run an Apache server — carrying around a server in my pocket was pretty cool. Other than that neat trick, most of those Linux PDA devices were pretty bad. (That was the early days of handhelds, so they were all bad by today’s standards.)
Naturally, I was excited this morning to see an announcement about the Mecha Comet handheld Linux computer. This new device is powered by a Debian-based distribution called Mechanix OS; you not only get the stability of Debian, but you can easily upgrade the OS (unlike a lot of handheld devices).
Also: Thanks to Nvidia, there’s a new generation of PCs coming, and they’ll be running Linux
The really interesting thing about the Mecha Comet is that it’s all about hardware and software modularity. With the help of “snap-in” extensions, you can transform the Comet into a gaming handheld — or a more traditional handheld with the keyboard extension. There are also extensions for GPIO for a serial console over USB-C, which means you can connect the Comet to any sensor or device. Because the Comet is open source, you can build your own extensions. If you dream it, you can make it.
The Mecha Comet runs a full-blown version of Linux, so you can turn this device into just about anything that suits your fancy, such as a Linux phone (with the help of an LTE modem), a drone controller, an interface for your car, and more. Mecha claims you could even launch the Comet into orbit as part of a nanosatellite project.
The Comet runs on a 1.8 GHz quad-core ARM CPU, 4GB of LPDDR 4 RAM, and 32 GB of eMMC storage. There’s also a 3.4-inch LED touch display, 2.4 and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi, a 5 MP camera, 3000 mAh battery, an M.2 slot, and built-in sensors (gyroscope and RTC).
The sky’s the limit as far as what a little imagination and know-how can achieve with this device. The entire device can be broken apart, 3D printed, and more. This is a tinkerer’s dream come true.
Currently, the Mecha Comet is under pre-launch on Kickstarter with early-bird rewards starting from $159. No word yet on when the Mecha Comet will launch, but you can subscribe for project updates to stay informed.
Open Source
