238 replies to this topic

[j.pickens]

And just so I'm not just complaining about the clamshell, I worked up a modified render for what might help out in the design.
In this render, I cut out the ridge above the SDHC slots, and keep the recess all the way to the top of the bottom case half. The top clamshell would then overlap the bottom by the depth of the front panel recess, and allow your thumb to easily pull up on the lid to open the Pandora.
Here's the render:

Please let me know what you think.

Edited by j.pickens, 02 December 2008 - 01:15 AM.

[sinoth]

This is a great update Not sure why, but it makes me feel better about the situation. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!

Definitely interested in the pre-release 'hacker' Pandoras, as long as we can get word the hardware IS the final spec other than OS/battery.

[dekutree64]

2 updates in one day? We certainly are spoiled around here. Thanks Craig and ED!

Love the new top. It looks like it will sit quite nicely in my pocket with the more rounded edges. I too like the sturdy look of that hinge. And hope that it's black. The logo placement makes it look even more like a DS lite, but I guess that will only add to peoples' surprise when I open the thing up

Can't wait to see the completed units in action, and to see what layout you settled on for the keyboard.

[Eternalodyssey]

I am definitely in love with this design! The rounded edges give it a really sleek look and I think it will slide in and out of my pockets quite nicely. I also think J Pickens made a good proposal to the case with that extra area recessed to facilitate easier movement of the cards in and out of the slots as well as opening the lid. I'm looking forward to further developments as they come.

[Kloplop321]

The bank are the ones doing the refunds and they are doing them in an erratic manner - so sometimes the email is out of sync with the refund.

It's a nightmare I tell you, it's taking up most of our time and it's all having to be done by hand - those emails are sent one by one...

That is just so unhelpful.
I have not gotten an email. But I would still like to have a message sent to every pre-orderee about their current status. I am a bit worried since I have not had any confirmation after the banking horror

[javaJake]

Wonderful update! Breath of fresh air, complete with artificial flower scents!

I'm starving for my Pandora, but I'm not sure about the "hacker" release of the Pandora. I'd want more details on that, but then again, you're very busy, that was an idea (versus a plan), and I've been patient for a year. I can wait another few weeks for more delicious meaty details.

[joseluisjazz]

It's Aaaaawesom. I felt too previous design as unique and distinctive, but I also think this one looks more practical and robust, and it'll definitely grow on me (if it's black, of course )

Oh, yes, and count on me for receiving a Pandora without battery, hell yeah

[Zoppe]

First of all, thanks for the info.

.....another ~15 dev kits
went out to some of the best developers on the scene in the last few weeks who are furiously working on software as we speak............

may we know who are those (gifted) people?

On that note I'm pleased to say next weekend we will be building the first fully working Pandora with controls and keyboard

do we already have an final keyboard layout?

In slightly better news it's possible we might be able to ship some units reasonably soon to those of you who are more the hacker
type, these units may come without a battery and with a beta OS installed, the battery could be sent on at a later date at the
postage cost.

will they have anithing different? what if it has flaws, can it be exchanged for an new one?
the battery is already being manufactured? did you have problems with the batteries?

thanks in advance and thanks again for all the info!

[aliking]

Thanks Craig. Great to have a new render, are the final dimensions any different now that there is a final design?

was 140 x 83 x 27 mm

[Olexxy]

Thanks for the infos! And I really like the new render too!
Don't know if it will be white or black, I personally prefer white (as is my ds lite), probably won't show as much marks / finger prints than on black... Not sure to understand how the stylus will be attached though on this final (?) design.

Thanks again for the infos! And looking forward to next weeks picts/vid then! Will be interesting to see your team decisions on the keyboard layout And on everything else as well actually

@j.pickens
Not sure I understand your worry about recess.. Have you tried to close / open a DS lite in shops ? I don't think it gives any problem for opening, and there is no recess ; imho having a recess could increase the chances of having something slightly opening the pandora while in your pocket / letting things go in...

Edited by Olexxy, 02 December 2008 - 02:37 AM.

[sverm]

I'm not sure I get it - They expect to have a completed Pandora by next weekend yet the case is still being tweaked? When you give your final specs to a plastic molding factory, how long does it take before you can get the first unit and all the teeny tiny parts off the assembly line?

[NeORomani]

OMG, white color and rounded!!! My dream has come true!!!!
GO PANDORA

[devhace]

Freakin awesome. JPickens I love your design, and the curved edges seal the deal for me. I wasn't sure what to think of the previous blocky design... I'd love this in black.

[aliking]

I'm not sure I get it - They expect to have a completed Pandora by next weekend yet the case is still being tweaked? When you give your final specs to a plastic molding factory, how long does it take before you can get the first unit and all the teeny tiny parts off the assembly line?

Ah no, you've made a classic mistake in interpreting a Craig update...

On that note I'm pleased to say next weekend we will be building the first fully working Pandora with controls and keyboard and
making some videos of it for you to see - this does not mean the work is finished - there is bound to be something which needs
adjusting, but it is a major near final milestone.

Basically, he doesn't say that it will be 'completed', but 'working'. It will probably be FDM rapid prototyped based on other updates from Chip.

He also doesn't say that you will see videos next weekend - just that they will be building it next weekend. Although I expect there will be some "where are the videos we were promised?" threads from the wee hours of Saturday morning.

[mcqfesijiba2]

Great news. I am still very optimistic about the Pandora. Seems news is coming out much faster lately and that gives me the impression some stability to the situation is forming compared to where it was at the beginning of the refund saga.