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Cool Android device at a great price....could be a front end for a microcontroller — Parallax Forums

Cool Android device at a great price....could be a front end for a microcontroller

MicksterMickster Posts: 2,693
edited 2015-05-08 12:27 in General Discussion
Walked in the pub, yesterday to find my buddy using a tiny mobile phone. He prefers to carry it without the wrist strap. I was so impressed that I ordered one before I finished my first beer.

The build quality is very nice...check out the spec.


http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/product_detail/15420/Neptune-Pine-16GB-SMART-WATCH-Unlocked-Android-4-1-Dual-Core-2-4-TABLET-WATCH-GPS-CAMERA-with-WiFi-3G-4G/#reviews
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Comments

  • ErlendErlend Posts: 612
    edited 2015-04-20 11:39
    But does it run Spin?

    Erlend
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2015-04-20 13:18
    No...

    and Morgan doesn't ship to Norway, either...
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2015-04-20 15:24
    I've just ordered one. I'm in the UK.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2015-04-22 08:42
    I received the unit this afternoon and I'm quite impressed with it.
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2015-04-22 09:47
    How come they are so expensive in the US?

    http://www.amazon.com/NEPTUNE-Pine-16GB-Smartwatch-Packaging/dp/B00NQTO2Z6

    It is the same device?
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2015-04-22 12:36
    Morgan who sells these cheap ones specialises in end of range and liquidated stock. Someone probably bought a lot of them and then went bust.

    I've just ordered a free Micro-SIM from giffgaff to use with it.
  • MicksterMickster Posts: 2,693
    edited 2015-04-22 14:24
    Morgan bought 5000 of them!

    So easy to root without having to connect to a PC. Now I get all the Google stuff....neat device!
  • banjobanjo Posts: 447
    edited 2015-04-23 02:31
    Leon, we'd (or at least I'd) be interested in battery life and of course overall impressions
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2015-04-23 02:50
    Battery life is about a day. It recharges quite quickly using the supplied charger or a 5V power bank.

    Typing is rather awkward, but that is a general problem for this type of device. It took me a long time to type in my email address and password correctly for Internet access using Wi-Fi. With my BT account I have world-wide access provided that I'm in range of a suitable Wi-Fi system, but when I get the Micro-SIM I'll be able to get a 3G connection virtually anywhere.

    I've been using one of the original Dell Streak tablets for some years. I think I'll be able to replace it with this new device.

    Some people have taken their units apart and replaced the Micro-SD card (16 Gb) with a larger one:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6euZDdbZok
  • MicksterMickster Posts: 2,693
    edited 2015-04-23 11:45
    You can do a lot to conserve battery life using Tasker.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2015-04-24 09:23
    It has Bluetooth.
    That implies that you could set up a Bluetooth serial link to a Propeller.

    The new Apple iWatch has battery life of only about a day (about 18 hours). I don't think you are going to put a complete device on your wrist, including battery; and get much more use out of it. The physical size of the battery is awkward.
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2015-04-24 10:04
    I didn't realize it was a Kickstarter Campaign.
    2,839 backers pledged $801,224 to help bring this project to life.

    The Morgan price is quite a deal (as one of their comments says).
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2015-04-24 10:06
    Mickster wrote: »
    Walked in the pub, yesterday to find my buddy using a tiny mobile phone. He prefers to carry it without the wrist strap. I was so impressed that I ordered one before I finished my first beer.

    The build quality is very nice...check out the spec.


    http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/product_detail/15420/Neptune-Pine-16GB-SMART-WATCH-Unlocked-Android-4-1-Dual-Core-2-4-TABLET-WATCH-GPS-CAMERA-with-WiFi-3G-4G/#reviews

    What did shipping cost? Or are you in the UK?
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2015-04-24 10:15
    Why settle for a Neptune Pine for $75 when you can get a Neptune Hub and all the accessories for $649....an Indiedgogo campaign with deliveries starting in February 2016!

    Nothing like a Compute Watch that will be "mature" technology when it is released!! I bet the upgrade plan is simple - buy a newer one!
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2015-04-24 10:17
    Tried to set up an account at Morgan, I guess they are not set up to send to the states. Bummer.
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2015-04-24 10:19
    Publison wrote: »
    What did shipping cost? Or are you in the UK?

    It doesn't look like their website let's you choose a shipping address outside the EU. :( You'd probably need to contact them directly to see if it's possible to ship to the US.

    It's tempting at $75.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2015-04-24 10:21
    Has anyone in the US purchased one of these yet?

    I think Europe's cell network is much more standardized than the system in the states.

    Do any of you know which systems in the US this will work with?

    If this will interface with a Prop and I can use it with a US cell network, I'll probably purchase one.
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2015-04-24 10:21
    mindrobots wrote: »
    It doesn't look like their website let's you choose a shipping address outside the EU. :( You'd probably need to contact them directly to see if it's possible to ship to the US.

    It's tempting at $75.

    We have a few buddies on the other side of the pond. :)
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2015-04-24 10:22
    Duane Degn wrote: »
    Has anyone in the US purchased one of these yet?

    I think Europe's cell network is much more standardized than the system in the states.

    Do any of you know which systems in the US this will work with?

    If this will interface with a Prop and I can use it with a US cell network, I'll probably purchase one.

    Good question Duane. I was under the impression Mickster was in the US, but I may be mistaken.


    EDIT: By his IP address, he is in the UK. I should have realised it when he said he was in a pub.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2015-04-25 12:01
    mindrobots wrote: »
    Why settle for a Neptune Pine for $75 when you can get a Neptune Hub and all the accessories for $649....an Indiedgogo campaign with deliveries starting in February 2016!

    Nothing like a Compute Watch that will be "mature" technology when it is released!! I bet the upgrade plan is simple - buy a newer one!

    @ Mindrobots
    I will burn all my wealth if you will give me all of yours. You must be rolling in dough if you can afford a $649USD watch. I have to contend with my Seiko copy of a Rollex that was less than $200 and mechanically self-winds.

    The truth is, my ASUS ZenPhone with a 5.5" touch screen is about as small an input device I shall ever desire.
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2015-04-25 12:11
    Haha, Loopy, you'd end up on the short end of that deal! I'm not even popping for the $75usd gizmo. My watch is a 7 year old something or other tha I received as a 20year anniversary reward from my employer. It's like a $100 (maybe) Swiss a Army watch.

    I said nothing about pulling the trigger on the $649 compute hub - I think it's an idea who's time hadn't come yet.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2015-04-25 23:32
    I have long suspected that some of us are not buying everything we recommend.

    The only reason I don't already have a closet full of gadgets is because I don't have a closet. One side of the room is stacked with plastic storage boxes and shoe boxes full of technology curiosities.

    And I am happy to just use an Android 'smart phone' as my Bluetooth interface to a Propeller. I've no need for a watch that requires recharging everyday (even if it were a $1700 iWatch).
  • RS_JimRS_Jim Posts: 1,765
    edited 2015-04-27 07:28
    Duane Degn wrote: »
    Has anyone in the US purchased one of these yet?

    I think Europe's cell network is much more standardized than the system in the states.

    Do any of you know which systems in the US this will work with?

    If this will interface with a Prop and I can use it with a US cell network, I'll probably purchase one.
    Duane,
    Europe uses GSM cellphone technology. In the US ATT and T_Mobile are the GSM Companies. Both have No-Contract plans for bring your own device.
    Jim
  • pjvpjv Posts: 1,903
    edited 2015-04-27 08:25
    My buddy in the UK ordered two of these for me and should receive them today. He buys it there, but has to pay VAT tax of 20 %. Then he will mail them to me in Canada. Should take another month to get here. I might have one to sell if anyone is interested.

    Cheers,

    Peter (pjv)
  • banjobanjo Posts: 447
    edited 2015-04-27 09:26
    You lucky ones in UK can also buy from Amazon (UK) for £67.95, link here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00U1EOQM8/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=00KWKH9XME0C0D2782JB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=455344027&pf_rd_i=468294
    Due to the deflated Euro a lot of stuff from non-Euro countries has become much more expensive, and put together with the bulkiness of this phone/watch/? I'll probably wait a year or so until next generation is available.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2015-04-27 09:52
    RS_Jim wrote: »
    Duane,
    Europe uses GSM cellphone technology. In the US ATT and T_Mobile are the GSM Companies. Both have No-Contract plans for bring your own device.
    Jim

    Thanks for the info Jim.

    It's good to know one can purchase time without a contract.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2015-04-27 09:54
    That Amazon link takes one to Bentham Ltd. which is the same company as Morgan.
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2015-04-27 15:03
    Please note that GSM doesn't use just one frequency band.
    first there was GSM 900, then 1800MHz, then came the US 1900MHz, 850MHz also showed up... And what 3G and 4G networks uses... is anyone's guess...

    http://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html

    If anyone who already have their on hand could check the manual...
  • hazletthazlett Posts: 35
    edited 2015-04-27 20:58
    Therefore, there are different time zone in each GSM.
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2015-04-28 08:02
    The timezones doesn't matter. What matter is which frequencies the unit has been designed for and what your local providers use.
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