Can I run my own software on it? I would love to buy an epaper portable of some sort, but the fact that they're all locked down is a no go. One day I'll live my dream of vim in the forest grove.
There is so much hardware out there people could be hacking on, improving, repressing all wasted due to difficulty loading new code.
A coworker was given a SONY e-ink device. We quite like it, but the included firmware is limited and dependent on a windows app that leaves a lot to be desired.
This is early hardware that was given the SONY treatment. That means great enclosure and ergonomics, but also conservative use of the display and goofy proprietary interfaces.
Would not take much to make the device a lot more useful.
One day, we will circle around and be talking about these already solid devices and how in-demand they remain despite their age because of your great decision.
Sidebar: I really want one, but am price constrained at the moment. (Too bad, so sad for me!)
Will the production models see an equally open configuration?
If you really do this it would be a fantastic incentive for me. Just knowing the community can tinker makes a product feel more my own rather than "rented" like some systems out there.
This completely changes the chances that I'll buy this. I love the idea, but I just can't see myself ever buying an android device that is running Google's panopticon. I also noticed there's nothing on the product page about privacy, and was about to write this off as another nice gadget that I'd never be able to use.
I'm very hopeful with an unlocked bootloader that the community will provide a more privacy-focused operating system so that I can enjoy this product.
If an unlocked bootloader would satisfy you for this device, then surely the Fairphone should be good for you too? At least for the FP4, you don't even need the CLI or anything - just install the desktop app [1], connect your phone, and run the app.
I'm currently using an old iPhone, but my plan once it finally dies is to buy a pixel phone and immediately wipe it and install Graphene. It seems really weird to buy a google device if I want better privacy, but based on the research I've done it really does seem like the best option if you value privacy, are willing to deal with a little bit of pain to get privacy, but also need a phone that can at least sometimes do things like run banking apps that force you into the panopticon of bullshit.
I know you specifically said pre-de-googled, but as you said it seems like the options there are really bad, but graphene does seem to make it pretty easy to install (although I haven't actually tried it yet).
I haven't done a ton of usage outdoors, but my boox max lumi works for this. IIUC the android it runs is "unlocked" so I think you could use it as a computer if you wanted. I use it as a tablet and a monitor.
Yes, although to satisfy my dream of vim in the forest grove, that vim needs to be capable of opening and writing every (text) file on the filesystem, meaning it needs root
