If I didn't already have the GPD Win, I would have a hard time deciding between the two and would of had a tough choice deciding. It looks a lot nicer and sleeker with similar design to a macbook (which is the only thing I've ever liked about those things), has a nicer screen for video playback, larger internal storage, more standard keyboard, and a proper mouse setup with a middle mouse (seriously, still waiting for the driver update where you make the L3 or R3 button middle mouse because the choice of DOWN and BREAK are random and idiotic).
Here's why it no longer appeals to me and I would never want to own both.
The basic specs are largely the same. Same CPU with the same integrated graphics and same amount of RAM. Sure, the screen is higher resolution and it has a more standard (although less so than a mousepad), but it's running the same hardware. Also the screen being so small the resolution only does so much, plus as far as games go, many can't even run in 720p well so we would be playing at a 480ish resolution anyway. Not to mention, it also lacks gamepad controls entirely. The last few points about gaming are more understandable as this appeals more to a business/practicality market, but it is still something it lacks. It also has the same ports the Win offers except it seems this one lacks the Micro SD slot. I've also gotten used to the GPD Win's keyboard by now personally and have become rather fast at typing on it.
If you want to sell me on a new computer built around the same 8700 and something that I think is reasonable for you to actually manufacture, here is more what I'm looking for:
- Dimensions: around 6"x4"x0.8"
(Similar to the GPD Win but a bit larger to add more room for certain additions.)
- OS: Windows 10 (Linux and/or Android support highly desirable)
- CPU: Intel z8700 or z8750
- GPU: Integrated Intel? HD Graphics
- RAM: LP DDR3 8 Gigs @ 1600 MHz
(To better accommodate for the fact it will also be used as VRAM.)
- Storage: 64-128 Gigs internal
- Screen: A 5.5" 780p screen w/o touch
(we don't really need the touch, save your money if applicable, only really useful if it can dual-boot into Android)
I'd also be fine with a non-HD 16:9(854x480?) screen. Let's talk about this one. Screens are expensive and are also one of the most power/performance drainers on any computer. As previously stated, many games will not run well enough at the higher 720P already using the hardware in the GPD Win. It is also fairly small and many people have trouble seeing certain things. Just using a lower quality screen will
fix both these issues and you can focus marketing on high FPS in games. The touch aspect of the screen is also largely useless when you consider mouse mode. These ideas for the screen are to help cut cost. As far as marketing goes, just focus away from the actual resolution and market it instead as
DOUBLE THE RESOLUTION OF THE 3DS or some less direct version of comparing it to the closest look alike, the Nintendo 3DS. which has a 400?240p resolution (technically 800?240 for the 3D, but still a true marketing phrase). If this somehow doesn't shave off much of the production cost or you encounter issues with implementation, a similar screen to the GPD Win will suffice and be more desirable. Again though,
- Sound: Stereo speakers (located in the upper half)
With the extra half an inch of room (when compared to the Win), you can have decent speakers placed below the screen.
- Battery: 6900mAh or larger
(you have the room for it now)
- Mic: Yes
- Webcam: Yes (3 Megapixel)
Just a cheap little thing so you can say it has one
- Gamepad: Similar to GPD Win with minor changes
Move the L3 and R3 ether closer to the analog sticks, on the back with L1/L2/R1/R2, or clickable sticks. Select and Start in the middle between the controller layout.
- Keyboard: I gave you more room, let's use it!
Step 1: Kill the island to the right of the keyboard.
Step 2: Expand the size of the main keyboard by 0.75" in both directions.
Step 3: Make a new island somewhere else
So we already talked about L3 and R3 as well as Start and Select. Basically, the new island should be between the controller mode switch and the GPD logo of the current GPD Win.
Featuring a middle click on L3 and R3 (and perhaps alternate presets,if not full customization, for the keys like one without acceleration)
- Cooling: 2 fans, larger heat sink
(The fan in the GPD Win is $10, having one on each side would be great. There is also room for a slightly larger heat sink and better venting so that you can have fins without blocking airflow. Yes the Intel Atom is designed for passive cooling, but we want to push this thing to the limit. If you can make it run cool when pushed to the limit with only one fan or even passivly, then don't add the fans (obviously).
The z8700 can only support 3 USB ports. I'm going to assume that one of the other components on the GPD Win shows up as a USB device. However, the USB-C could really be improved to allow proper charging and video output. If you could incorporate the video into USB-C you could just flat out remove the HDMI-C
- Video Output: HDMI-C (and/or USB-C)
- Audio Output: 3.5mm
- SD Slot: Yes Size: Micro Speed:75MB/s+ read | any write
Price I'd be willing to spend: $550-650 USD
I'd be willing to pay more if you based the same computer around a nicer CPU like the Intel? Pentium? Processor N3710, which should be cooled fine with the 2 fan setup. Maybe $800 - $850.
Think about it. Here's an idea of the bottom half of the unit re-designed to scale. (The L3-R3 buttons are not on the island here)
