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Comment by beardicus | Hacker News Reader

Is this just a rebranding of the Pandora computer? It looks like it has been updated (they probably didn't originally have SIM card capabilities in the Pandora, which was gaming-focused I believe), but I haven't really kept track of the project, and it's not obvious from the linked page.

I have absolutely no need for this computer, but really want one. What would you use it for?

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Its not a re-branding - its more like the next version. It'll run the same software, but its a new generation of the same concept.

Pandora -> Version 1. Pyra -> Version 2.

(I use my two Pandora for gaming, Linux hacking, and as a portable console/interface to other larger systems. Its an amazing, amazing device..)

At the moment I find myself carrying around a netbook (EeePC 901) and a smartphone (Xperia Mini Pro, slidey keyboard). I'm going to replace both of them with one of these - it's well over twice as powerful as them put together. You might think it's a wee big to use as your main smartphone, but I'm psyched by the ability to run desktop software comfortably on something that fits in a jacket pocket (apparently the nubs are easily precise enough to use as a mouse). Desktop software beats the pants off "apps", in the free software world at any rate. I actually don't give much of a hoot about the gaming controls - I think of it as like a chunky Neo900.

I'd like to have a go at controlling a wifi quadcopter with it though :)

>I'd like to have a go at controlling a wifi quadcopter with it though :)

I have two Pandora, and have done just this, albeit BTLE instead of Wifi (Edit: see http://flexbot.cc for a compatible device)! The nubs are superlative for the job - quite high resolution - and very ergonomic. I daresay the Pandora/Pyra are a perfect reprogrammable wifi controller for RC hobbyists .. I've considered trying to wire up a FrSky interface or something, but never got around to it .. maybe when my Pyra arrives I'll have another go.

BTW, I ported CRRC-Sim to the Pandora, and its really, really nice. Probably the best RC-sim platform I've ever played - having the nubs, and the screen all integrated into a handheld portable controller .. really, really nice! Hope you enjoy the experience too - watch for the CRRCSim port for Pyra, when you get it!

That's seriously awesome. You can get tiny FPV wifi quadcopters for pocket change from China these days, seems like the Pyra would be a perfect companion device.

Regarding CRRCSim, that's fantastic news. I'd never even heard of that sim. I got my first full-size CP helicopter last year and have only managed to not crash it by extensive sim practice in "HeliSimRC". It looks like CRRCSim can handle helicopters - if so, it's just about the perfect on-the-go timewaster program for me; even has the same control layout as the real thing!

Yeah you're really going to enjoy CRRCSim on the Pyra, I promise! Probably the best sim setup for RC hobbyists around .. at least in terms of hardware integration.

If you do get into FPV wifi+Pyra, let me know ..

I too use a netbook (Lenovo x120e) and an Xperia mini pro. I want to replace both and really like the look of the Asus X205TA but there doesn't seem to be any updare on the mini pro. The Pyra seems awkwardly in between the two, without the advantages of either.

Advantages of the phone:

  Works as a phone
  Small enough to carry always
  Has GPS
  Socially acceptable to use in a pub/restaurant
  Touchscreen allows rapid interface navigation

Disadvantages of the phone:

  Annoying OS
  Low spec, not enough RAM
  Browser forgets tabs
  Tiny screen

Advantages of the netbook:

  Runs a real OS, easy to control
  Mature software ecosystem, real web browser
  Faster CPU
  Clamshell form factor protects screen, acts as stand
  USB ports, can read flash drives and SD cards

Disadvantages of the netbook:

  Showing age, 1gb RAM and replacements are too large (901 was the last 9 inch netbook)
  Battery won't last a full day
  Still awkwardly large for some scenarios, not easy to hold and type standing up
  Screen only 1024x600, some websites cramped

Advantages of the Pyra:

  all advantages listed above

Disadvantages of the Pyra:

  none of the disadvantages listed above

So where you see awkwardness, I see the ideal middle ground.

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