OpenMoko says "screw it," starts taking FreeRunner orders a day early

July 4 was the date, but hey, what's the harm in opening up the floodgates just a handful of hours early? Get past the lack of 3G, EDGE, camera, and a rock-solid set of tested, commercialized apps, and open-source phoning nirvana can now be yours for $399 on the plastic.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 3rd 2008 2:48PM]

I dont really intend to sound like a jerk but GPRS? Seriously?

Does anyone know why they are using GPRS instead of EDGE or UMTS? I was going to purcahse one of these, but GPRS is worthless for me.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 3rd 2008 3:19PM]

"Does anyone know why they are using GPRS instead of EDGE or UMTS?"

Yes, this project has been in the works for two years or so, its very difficult to add in a giant feature like EDGE right in the middle of development. Adding in EDGE would have added months to a project that was already many months behind schedule. The community has been waiting patiently since the middle of last year for this phone to come out, any further delay would be unnecessary.

That said, if this project is as successful as I hope it is (the 900mhz model is already sold out), the next phone should have EDGE. Keep an eye out.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 3rd 2008 3:11PM]

I know you don't "intend" to sound like a jerk, but...
Just kidding I completely agree
Though I love the idea of linux on a handset.