An Open-Source Cellphone (Tinkerers, Have a Ball)

Few of us want to get our hands dirty messing with the operating system in our cellphones, but sometimes it’s nice to know you could if the need arose. The Neo FreeRunner from Openmoko is a completely open-source cellphone with a few interesting high-end features.

The 6-ounce phone sells for $399 and has a 3-inch touch screen and 256 megabytes of storage. It includes a G.P.S. sensor, Wi-Fi and GPRS data networking along with Bluetooth. Interestingly, the device also has a motion sensor like the iPhone. The phone works internationally and with T-Mobile and AT&T networks in the United States, and is available now at www.openmoko.com.

While it works like a regular phone, the FreeRunner’s operating system is completely open and customizable. This means you can change almost anything, including the programs that handle contacts and text messages. Hobbyists could use the phone to learn the basics of handset software design, while system administrators could create custom programs for employees.

Messing with your iPhone’s innards will get you in trouble with Apple. Those who can’t resist may be better off with the Neo FreeRunner.

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