What Are it's specifications?
- CPUs Dual-core: ARM920T (host 200 MHz) + ARM940T (200 MHz) - Overclockable by software
- Chipset: MMSP2
- NAND Flash ROM: 64 MB
- RAM: SDRAM 64 MB
- Operating System: Linux based OS
- Storage: SD Card (SDIO support probable in future)
- Connection: USB 2.0 High Speed
- Power: 2 x AA battery
- Display: 3.5 in 320×240 TFT LCD
- TV out: yes (with optional cable; S-video only, not to mention audio relay)
- AC power: 3.3 V
For a more deatailed spec. sheet, see the GP2X website
http://www.gpx2.com/product/product_spec.asp
How Much is it?
it's currently £129.99/$189.99
What About DRM?
There has been discussion of the inclusion of DRM (Digital Rights Management) in the GP2X.
Gamepark Holdings has confirmed that DRM will only be used to guarantee the security of commercial games made for the system, and will not be used to restrict what the user can load onto the system (video, music, or software development) since most if not all GP2X built-in software is open-source.
Besides that, nothing is known about this DRM and how it limits the use of the device at the moment.
What Software does it use?
A Software development kit is available and users are free to develop their own programs. The main component of the SDK will be the use of the Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) Library which allows for easy access to graphics hardware. Because the system uses Linux, it can be easier to port programs to the GP2X than it was to the GP32 - for example, on 1st September 2005, Gamepark Holdings was able to port a Gameboy Color emulator to the GP2X in less than 30 minutes.
What is the media support like?
Videos
- Video file: MPEG, MPEG4, DivX 3/4/5, XviD
- Resolution: Max 720×480 (hardware scaling for TFT screen)
- Frame Rate: Max 30 frames per second
- Max. Bit Rate: Video: 2500 kbit/s, Audio: 384 kbit/s
- Captions: SMI
- Battery Life: ~2 Hours - Lifetime in video will probably rise in the future with new firmwares due to inefficient use of the processors in video play.
Audio
- Audio Formats: MP3, Ogg Vorbis (GPH has promised eventual WMA support as well)
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz-20 kHz
- Power output: 100mA
- Sample Resolution/Rate: 16bit/8-48 kHz
- Equalizer: includes "Normal", "Classic", "Rock", "Jazz", "Pop" presets
- Battery Life: ~10 hours
What does it look like?
Here are some photos from the official website
How did the GP2X come about?
Several years after the release of the GP32, GamePark, the Korean company responsible for the system, began to design its next hand held. A disagreement within the company about the direction of this system prompted many of the staff (including the majority of engineers) to vacate and create their own company, GamePark Holdings (GPH) to create, produce and market a 2D handheld system (which is seen as the evolution of the GP32) that would come to be known as the GP2X. In contrast, GamePark has developed a 3D system similar to the Playstation Portable, known as the XGP.
Eventually GPH would run into difficulty with the GPX2 in the form of a possible trademark violation as the name of a Japanese printer, the GPX, was considered too similar, as GPX thought that it would be confused with a "second generation printer" A contest for a new name was therefore announced on the 3rd August, 2005. Some 1500 names were submitted by the deadline of the 15th of August but trademark issues delayed the registration of fifteen selected names. GamePark Holdings eventually decided to name their handheld the GP2X in part because of brand recognition but also because of its availability as a trademark.
I'm interested in buying one, where can I order?
You can order one from the offical website, it can be found at
http://www.gbax.com/ordergp2x.html
Where can I find out more about the GP2X?
More information can be found at the official website, located at
http://www.gpx2.com/product/product.asp
or alternatively
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gp2x
Most of this guide was compiled by using wikipedia and gpx2.com. All material copyright to it's original owner
GP2X FAQ
