not all open source platforms become vaporware dammit! with the moderate success of the gamepark handhelds, it looks like a market is surfacing for the gamer whose not afraid to do it themselves. the next entry to the market may well be the proposed EVO Smart Console.

it's a linux based platform not unlike the successful handhelds, but this bad boy is designed to compete with traditional home consoles. it'll set you back about $600, but the mfg claims it'll be about $250 after rebates. you know, if the thing ever does actually come out.



here are some specs:
* Processor -- AMD Athlon 64x2 5600 clocked at 2.9GHz
* Graphics processor -- ATI HD 3200
* Memory -- 2GB DDR2
* Display -- supports 1080i and 1080p/HDCP resolution; ATI HD 3200 Chipset
* Video codecs -- H.564 VC1; MPEG2
* Video output -- DVI; HDMI
* Storage -- 120GB or 250GB hard drive, plus online cloud storage (10GB free)
* Peripherals -- CD/DVD ROM; biometric scanner
* Networking -- 2 x 10/100 Ethernet
* USB -- 2 x USB 2.0
* Dimensions -- 11.8 x 2.6 x 10,7 inches (300 x 65 x 273mm)
* Operating system -- Fedora 8 with option to convert to Linux-based

they plan on releasing a digital distribution platform so the DIY crowd can make some moolah peddling their wares. there's also talk of cloud storage, not sure if you'll be able to run games stored remotely, but you get 10G free with the option to upgrade. guess we're gonna have to wait a while for more concrete details, but i think its a novel idea and wish them the best of luck.

wanna buy? do so here.