Oct 30 2010

Build Your Own Android Smartphone

I came across a website yesterday that allows you to customise your own Android smartphone in a very similar way to how you can customise a Dell laptop to your personal requirements. This is interesting as traditionally the only thing that you might be able to differentiate in a mobile device is the included amount of storage and perhaps whether or not you get a hardware keyboard. Other than that, you either like it or lump it.

This is certainly a refreshing change which could set a trend in mobile devices if it gains popularity.

In terms of the device, there are a number of specifications that come standard, the highlights of which are:

  • Android 2.2,
  • 1GHz CPU,
  • 4″ LCD screen,
  • Assisted GPS,
  • Bluetooth,
  • microSD card support,
  • Usual bunch of sensors (proximity, ambient light, accelerometer, compass)

In terms of the options, you are really spoilt for choice:

  • Cellular conectivity (3G or 4G technologies),
  • Wi-Fi (including 802.11n),
  • Camera resolution (5, 8 or 12 Megapixel),
  • Camera Flash (None, LED or Xenon),
  • Front camera,
  • Audio and video outputs (including mini-HDMI, FM radio and 3.5mm jacks),
  • Mobile digital TV support,
  • Built in storage and RAM (up to 32GB and 1GB respectively),
  • Battery size,
  • Button type (physical or capacitive),
  • Body colour (black or white).

If you wanted to fully deck the phone out with all the top end options suitable for Australia, you are looking at coming in under $800 (before factoring postage). In my opinion, that’s not too bad for a device that would give other Android devices such as the Dell Streak and the Samsung Galaxy S a good run for their money. With a three year warranty to boot it certainly represents good value and demonstrates that the company is willing to stand behind their product.

The annoying thing is that the phone will only ship to the EU, USA and Canada but you could always use a mail forwarding service to bounce it back down under (or wherever else in the world you might live). If you want to check it out head on over to Synapse-Phones to spec up your ideal device.

Boydo

My name is Boyd and I’m a Service Management Specialist with a knack for operational data gathering, transformation, analysis and reporting.

In 2012, I obtained my Masters of Science in Information Technology through the University of New South Wales @ The Australia Defence Force Academy (UNSW@ADFA).

I was also part of an online community known as the Panasonic Insider Crew in the capacity of “Insider Guru” for Panasonic Australia where I interacted with other tech enthusiasts and find out more about Panasonic's latest gadgets.

I love technology, gadgets, and the Internet and maintain a keen interest in these areas locally, nationally, and globally. I hope by sharing my views on these topics that people will receive an honest point of view from someone with a genuine interest in these topics.

I have also written and edited articles for Neowin - you can check out my articles over @ https://www.neowin.net/news/poster/boyd_chan

I hope you enjoy reading my blog!

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