____ FRST Computer: batch 4 __________________________________________ So... after daily-driving my batch 3 computers for several months now, I'm ready to commit to making the next batch, with some important refinements and scaling up to a quanitity of 10 machines. This allows me to go ahead and establish a price for these machines and set the expectations for what I hope this batch will represent for FRST:Net development and for who I hope might be interested. As this is truly a limited-edition release, it is intended for the most keen Plan 9/retro/cyberdeck/radio/counter-culture enthusiasts that might stumble into this obscure corner of the Internet. I'm only making ten decks in this batch, so it really is just "for the few of us". I'm hopeful that I might find a handful of folks that are interested enough to work together to explore the path not taken. I'm also hopeful that at least a couple of people take advantage of the "grid computing research kit" option, which is a BOGO deal intended to promote the development of wireless mesh networking using the LoRa modules. For only $222.22 more, you'll get two decks -- one for you, and one for a friend or neighbor. (or two for you, I won't judge) batch 4 Promise: For this "research kit" batch, I promise to deliver a personal CyberDeck experience not too dissimilar from Plan 9. That is, much like Plan 9 is a "research" operating system, consider the Model 3 a "research" personal computer -- a far-out, 90s-inspired, portable packet radio research computer, at that. Be prepared to write some C. Be prepared for a hand-assembled, 3D-printed computer. You may find aspects of it either elegant or homespun. I don't know how durable it really is -- I've been not especially gentle with my batch 3 builds, dragging them all over, and they've held up pretty well so far. How about this for a warranty statement? If anything comes up, I promise to do my reasonable best to make it right -- replacement parts, etc. And as I've mentioned elsewhere, these are also meant to hold up as a piece of techno-art, so expect that, too -- a unique and bespoke quality. To that end, each one will be serial numbered, for whatever that may be worth. I'll be acquiring / testing a few of the "evolved" Model 3 components (kb/touchpad PCB) in the next few weeks, but will wait to place parts orders until all 10 decks are spoken for. There are a few suprises I'm planning, depending on how a couple of the costs break out... Evolved Model 3 deck -- $555.55 ----------------------- - 7" (1024x600) Touchscreen LCD w/ integrated Raspberry Pi Zero interface board, HUB, Ethernet, etc. - (improved!) 3D-printed case with magnetic action - Decals/airbrushed detailing - Pi Zero W (can be equipped with non-WiFi/BT model by request) - 36-key QMK keyboard w/ 40mm Cirque touchpad (new, integrated PCB) - (choice of choc keyswitches) - stealth keycaps - 9front on microSD - External USB-C batterie - External Semtech SX1276 (LoRa) module - Carrying case You know, someday there will be a way to reserve a computer with gopher, but just email or call us in the meantime... --- (DIR) [1] Model Three