GP2X Caanoo linux handheld (gamepark holdings gph)

 Caanoo gamepark holdings The Last handheld/console overview

Hardware

Specification

• SoC (System on a Chip): MagicEyes Pollux VR3520F
• CPU: ARM)26EJ 533 MHz embedded on SoC (architecture version ARMv5TEJ)
• GPU: 3D hardware engine embedded on SoC (OpenGL ES 1.1 support)
• 3D performance: 133M Texel/s and 1,33M Polygon/s
• main RAM: 128 Mbytes DDR SDRAM 133 MHz (peak memory bandwidth: 533 Mbytes/s)
• video buffer: about 16 Mbytes of main RAM are reserved for the video/texture information
• Operating System: Linux based
• Flash memory: None (128 Mbytes reserved to the OS)
• Connection to PC: USB 2.0 High Speed through EXT Port
• USB Host: USB 1.1 standard socket
• Supports SD / SDHCmemory cards (up to 32 Gigabytes)
• G-Sensor/Vibration Motor
• High precision analog stick
• Display: 3.5 inch LCD 320×240 pixel (resistive touchscreen)
• Stereo audio DAC: Wolfson Microelectronics WM1800
• Embedded Microphone and stereo Loudspeakers
• Power: Internal 1850mAh Lithium Polymer Battery (approx. 5/6 hours game/video playback)
• Dimensions : 146 (w) × 70 (h) × 18.5 (d) mm
• Weight : 136g
• WiFi via adapter (USB dongle – Purchased separately)
• Colors: Black/Blue, White

NB: the CPU embedded on Pollux has a good tolerance to overclocking (until 750 MHz the system shouldn't have problems, just a shorter battery autonomy.)

Not all CPU/SoC are created equal and these results are theoretical. Some may not be able to push much past stock frequency. Overclocking will vary between each Caanoo.

My Caanoo video is right here, I got myself a Caanoo back in 2010/2011 from play-asia, It runs linux kernel and it has a limited multimedia capabilities, you need a video converter if you want to watch a movie or something else. Also there is QT widgets with a touch screen capabilities, if you want to study easy programming this is interesting. Caanoo supports a special TV-Output with its own cables. You can use usb for a xbox 360 pad with it. This works for  some of the emulators.

Click here for openhandhelds Caanoo specific software

It is kinda interesting gamepark went with a linux kernel with its consoles and also its predecessor consoles. If you want to use linux with a hardware for a multitask emulation, it is more complicated than a raw programming toolchain (and linux needs more onboard RAM). But linux is a more easier way to understand C-language and other features and its also exciting to use. Linux kernel is a very flexible. You can play old GP2X games (backwards compatible) with ginge software. They are kinda impressive games for its time, it has a duke nukem 3D and "GTA clone" Payback etc.

This text is found on Wikipedia about Game Park Holdings!

"In August 2010 GPH launched a new handheld console, Caanoo, as a successor to the GP2X Wiz, with games purchased through GPH's simultaneously released online app/game store called FunGP. The Caanoo failed to sell well.

In March 23, 2013, they discontinued their business service, and the post processing for the CAANOO consoles was proceeded by AR Plus."

Here is  QT demos for Caanoo

here is a linux version of the Caanoo Development toolchain