I'll put that down as a TIL :-)
I'm really wanting a clamshell-like device with console controls in addition to the qwerty keyboard, with a large 7" screen (even if resolution is lower than 1920x768) based on the RK3588.
I want what the Pandora/GP2X could have been: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandora_(computer) but with a larger screen and a more easily acquired SoC. Using replaceable 18650s (and charging via USB-C) is on my requirements as well.
I want to play games, basically, but set up my own linux distro for it, complete with mame and some ROMs.
If it can do games other than mame, then so much the better!
Anyone have any ideas?
https://www.clockworkpi.com/uconsole
I have a couple of these - they work great for dev systems and its occasionally fun to load up PICO8 and have a bit of a bash..
I also have a couple of OpenPandora's but I stopped using them when I got a Steam Deck.
I had previously experimented with the CM5, and found out that you can't really use it for anything portable without attaching a heavy battery. With its excellent software stack, CM5 could have been everywhere if they had gotten this right.
Another comment mentions the RP2xxx microcontrollers. If you look at those, they are optimised for compute power and data throughput rather than low power operation. I think it's a reasonable choice - the Pico boards are pretty sturdy and the original target is people running MicroPython, Arduino, etc rather than looking for µA standby currents.
Besides brand awareness what could justify foregoing mainline Linux kernel and superior performance
RK3688 looks incredible based on leaks and could make the CM5 form factor practical instead of the novelty it is now