We all notice the huge hype surrounding the iPhone these days. This includes ‘how to’ hack it videos, tutorials and even hacking and DIY software are popping up on a daily basis. It’s not always a simple task to unlock the iPhone to third party development or carriers, and there are some risks involved such as the iPhone warranty not covering unlocked cellulars.
For the weary hacker or those who seek iPhone alternatives, there are more choices nowadays with many open sourced and hacker friendly phones arriving to the market.
Beneath are some of the best iPhone alternatives that I found via Wired magazine, which allow you to do things that Steve Jobs’ won’t allow:
- Running a Trolltech’s Qtopia Linux software, D-Link’s V-CLICK offers a VoIP mode that’s activated at the flick of a switch. V-Click has a tri-band GSM, WiFi, a 2-inch LCD display and 3.5-ounce frame, it cost approximately $600.
- Built by the First International Computer of Taiwan and running an OpenMoko software, the Neo1973 is a Linux-based smartphone that will run on any GSM phone network. This “unlocked” quad-band phone has a 2.8-inch VGA display, a finger-friendly touch screen and Samsung’s “system on a chip“. Moreover it has GPS, Bluetooth and a MicroSD card slot. Currently the Neo1973 is available for developers only, but the company promises a consumer model to be available later this fall. Although it seems to be a great alternative until now, the company warns that it is not able to make calls just yet.
- Greenphone (pictured above) is a Linux mobile development device developed and
distributed by Trolltech ASA. It offers a Tri-Band GSM radio, 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth and a MiniSD card slot. This phone is also currently in development and not yet available to the market. The price of this gadget will be approximately $700 for the handset and development kit. Greenphone is a trademark of Trolltech in Norway, the United States and other countries.
For additional phones, information and pictures, please check out the original Wired post.
