I've mentioned this before, but I would find it difficult to resist a gameboy-style x86 handheld with all the x-input/modern gamepad controls and a 16:9/16:10 aspect ratio.
I wouldn't mind if the device was just a little bit taller/thicker to accommodate better thermals/battery, and even sacrifice some horsepower in order to reach longer playtime and better thermals.
These exist in the arm platform, something like this:
Though it's more feasible with arm due to its smaller instruction set and overall power requirements.
I've toyed with the idea of using a raspberry pi form factor x86 SBC like a Rock Pi X and a shell like PiBoy DMG kit, but never went through with it because of all the issues I'd have to overcome or come to a compromise with; pricing, aspect ratio, potential customizations due to small differences between rpi and rock Pi, availability of parts, etc.
I just think I'd love that form factor as long as it can get me 3-4 hrs battery life on older/indie games.
Even though the rock Pi X is an Intel z8350, I've run vanilla wow on such a chipset and had a very playable experience. So my vision would be sitting down on a Gameboy-like device playing vanilla wow using the consoleport addon 🤤. Or playing some older COD games, java Minecraft, stuff like that.
It would be a smartphone, 5 or 6 inches. Maybe a bit thicker than normal smartphones. It would feature a keyboard, similar to an N900 but you would additionally be able to slide out analog sticks and buttons to the sides.
I'm reminded of the older zenfones that had x86 processors. None that I know of that had a keyboard. There was also the Xperia Play phone with slideout joysticks but no keyboard.
Would you run an x86 version of Android or some Linux derivative like Ubuntu touch?
Have you seen the GPD Win 1, 2, and Mini? The 1 and 2 are older and no longer in production, but are decently thin clamshells, with a single screen instead of dual, and a thumb-type-capable keyboard. The GPD win mini is thicker but with more up-to-date specs, supposedly better than the steam deck. I don't think it's available yet though.
I've mentioned this before, but I would find it difficult to resist a gameboy-style x86 handheld with all the x-input/modern gamepad controls and a 16:9/16:10 aspect ratio.
I wouldn't mind if the device was just a little bit taller/thicker to accommodate better thermals/battery, and even sacrifice some horsepower in order to reach longer playtime and better thermals.
These exist in the arm platform, something like this:
Though it's more feasible with arm due to its smaller instruction set and overall power requirements.
I've toyed with the idea of using a raspberry pi form factor x86 SBC like a Rock Pi X and a shell like PiBoy DMG kit, but never went through with it because of all the issues I'd have to overcome or come to a compromise with; pricing, aspect ratio, potential customizations due to small differences between rpi and rock Pi, availability of parts, etc.
I just think I'd love that form factor as long as it can get me 3-4 hrs battery life on older/indie games.
Even though the rock Pi X is an Intel z8350, I've run vanilla wow on such a chipset and had a very playable experience. So my vision would be sitting down on a Gameboy-like device playing vanilla wow using the consoleport addon 🤤. Or playing some older COD games, java Minecraft, stuff like that.
It would be a smartphone, 5 or 6 inches. Maybe a bit thicker than normal smartphones. It would feature a keyboard, similar to an N900 but you would additionally be able to slide out analog sticks and buttons to the sides.
I'm reminded of the older zenfones that had x86 processors. None that I know of that had a keyboard. There was also the Xperia Play phone with slideout joysticks but no keyboard.
Would you run an x86 version of Android or some Linux derivative like Ubuntu touch?
Neither. I would run a desktop Linux. Maybe with Plasma Mobile.
Nice! Still have phonecall capability as well too right?
Of course, one device to rule them all!
a thin DS style clamshell with an 8 inch screen, dual track pads and extra face buttons instead of back buttons
Have you seen the GPD Win 1, 2, and Mini? The 1 and 2 are older and no longer in production, but are decently thin clamshells, with a single screen instead of dual, and a thumb-type-capable keyboard. The GPD win mini is thicker but with more up-to-date specs, supposedly better than the steam deck. I don't think it's available yet though.
I've thought about them, though I think id want more space for the buttons... like a 3ds without a bottom screen
A vr capable fannypack that can dock to a tv for non-vr mode