Last month, PINE64announced that the next CE version of the PinePhone will feature a full software , postmarketOS.
PINE64, the company behind the smartphones , has now started accepting pre-orders for the new postmarketOS (CE) mobile.
What seems very interesting about the new model is the introduction of the “Convergence Package”. For those of you wondering, along with the regular version, you can also pre-order another variant of the new CE model that comes with the Convergence Package.
The basic version of the smartphone with Linux-based postmarketOS software has almost the same specifications as the previous Braveheart and PinePhone CE models with Ubuntu Touch, and a memory capacity of 2GB RAM and 16GB flash storage.
It is worth noting that this is the first time that a PINE64 smartphone has come with a Convergence Package that brings additional features and functions. The new features include an upgraded RAM, which will now be 3GB instead of 2GB, eMMC (embedded MMC) of 32GB instead of 16GB, and a compatible USB-C dock.
You can use the USB Type-C dock to charge, output digital video, and connect to external peripherals like a monitor, mouse, or keyboard. As you can see, with USB-C power, HDMI, ethernet, and two USB ports, you can turn your Linux PinePhone into a desktop computer.
Of course, you'll have to spend an extra $ 50 for the above features and the package. As usual, there will be price variations for the two models, with the base version priced at $ 149 , while the Convergence Package version will cost $ 199 .
It should be noted that the new smartphone is not yet fully equipped for everyday use. Both the hardware and the Linux-based software are still under development.
It is recommended that you only buy it if you are a Linux enthusiast and want to try, experiment, and contribute to the PINE64 project. Although the PinePhone supports basic functions such as calling, SMS, LTE , and GPS, you cannot use it to replace your current iPhone or Android phone.
Those who are sure they want the new PinePhone can go to the PINE64 online store and order it, but shipping is estimated to begin at the end of August 2020.
