Pandora pre-orders begin today
The box has been opened
We don't mind admitting how excited we are about the Pandora. Not only is it great to have gaming systems and computers being designed and built on British soil once again (all hail Sir Clive), but this little beauty promises some real scope for handheld freedom.
The initial manufacturing run of 3000 units is now open for pre-orders, and there's every reason to believe these are going to sell like hot cakes (has anyone ever actually seen a shop selling hot cakes?) so early technology adopters should get their credit cards warmed up fast.
Boasting a processor capable of up to 900MHZ, PowerVR 3D graphics, a large 800x480 LCD touch screen, wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB, dual SD card slots, TV-out, dual analogue and digital controls, a clamshell DS Lite-style shape and a 43 button mini keyboard, the Pandora claims to be as powerful as the original Xbox and on a par with the Wii.
Weighing in at US$329.99, £199.99 and €249.99, it's not exactly a drop in the ocean, but it does look more than capable of making good on its many promises. Head on over to http://openpandora.org/ around 2PM to get in line. In the meantime, check out Pocket Gamer's interview with the design team – just don't tell the wife you've ordered yet another new gadget!
