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The SMACH Z [Official Site] gaming handheld is still a thing apparently and they've now release the final specs along with a trailer and pre-orders start soon.

First up, here's their shiny trailer:

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There's still going to be two models, a standard and a "Pro" variant. Here's their final specs sheet:

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen V1605B
  • GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics
  • RAM: 4GB DDR4 2133MHz or 8GB DDR4 2133MHz (pro)
  • 6" 1080p touchscreen
  • 5MP Camera (pro only)
  • 64GB SSD or 128GB SSD (pro)
  • WiFi (b/g/n etc) and Bluetooth v2.1
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A, Micro USB, Display Port, SD card slot, Audio "minijack"
  • SMACH OS Linux or Windows 10 Home

It's not going to be cheaper either, the standard model will set you back $699 and the pro model $899.

I'm happy they're still including the option to have Linux on it and it will be interesting to see how they've customized Linux for their needs, as a super nerd I'm quite interested.

I will still be surprised if this actually turns out to be 100% real and not completely awful. They say pre-orders will start on March 15th, although as usual I urge you to go for a "wait and see" approach.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: AMD, Hardware
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Doc Angelo Mar 5, 2018
The Witcher 3 and Alien Isolation on a handheld for 900 bucks. This is ridiculous. Just as the logo and sound logo is.


Last edited by Doc Angelo on 5 March 2018 at 3:09 pm UTC
Elvanex Mar 5, 2018
Honestly, this would be much more appealing if it had cellular connectivity...
Adamfx990 Mar 5, 2018
I don't really want one of these. But for some reason, I really want it to succeed. Hopefully the implementation will be good enough that it'll gain some traction. Then they can make a revised version for 66-75% of the price.

I'm not too sure about them making their own distro though. Steam OS is still the worst distro I've ever used and that was done by Valve ffs. Unless it turns out to just be debian with the necessary non-free software/proprietary drivers ready installed. But even if that's the case, I feel like not identifying the underlying distro throws some unnecessary ambiguity (and therefore doubt as to the quality of the implementation) in to the mix. :/
NotSoQT Mar 5, 2018
If I got $1 for every time I see a new gaming handheld or any hardware "made" for running emulators on Kickstarter/Indiegogo, I would be able to buy 2 SMACH Zs...
slaapliedje Mar 5, 2018
My opinion on this? If it had a dock like the Switch, I would buy this in a heartbeat. Even if it doesn't dock in the same way, if I can hook it up to a TV/monitor and play a game with a normal Steam Controller, then unplug it and play a game on the go, I'd get one.

That's really where the whole 'convergence' comes in handy, I think. Been thinking of getting a Switch or something because of that, but I'd MUCH rather get something where I can play Steam games! Plus this looks powerful enough to be able to hook a keyboard up to it and use it for other things.
Shmerl Mar 5, 2018
Quoting: Doc AngeloThe Witcher 3 ... on a handheld for 900 bucks.

Do you think Wine will have decent performance there?
slaapliedje Mar 5, 2018
Hmm, can anyone think why they'd go for Bluetooth 2.1 instead of something made within the last decade?
Iperpido Mar 5, 2018
Quoting: ElvanexHonestly, this would be much more appealing if it had cellular connectivity...
Actually, there is.

there are 2 different version. the base one has got wifi only, while the more expensive version has 4g connectivity too.

...But it's pretty expensive. Probably is just a better idea to make a wifi hotspot using your mobile phone.
Iperpido Mar 5, 2018
Quoting: Shmerl
Quoting: Doc AngeloThe Witcher 3 ... on a handheld for 900 bucks.

Do you think Wine will have decent performance there?
Of course it will be unplayable. It can barely run it on windows, and TW3 on Linux still has lot of problems even on high end PCs.
Quoting: Doc AngeloThe Witcher 3 and Alien Isolation on a handheld for 900 bucks. This is ridiculous. Just as the logo and sound logo is.
Of course it runs at low-medium sopec and at pretty low resolution, but the screen is also pretty small, it should be still enjoyable.

Quoting: Shmerl
Quoting: Doc AngeloThe Witcher 3 ... on a handheld for 900 bucks.

Do you think Wine will have decent performance there?
Of course it will be unplayable. It can barely run it on windows, and TW3 on Linux still has lot of problems even on high end PCs.
Quoting: Adamfx990I'm not too sure about them making their own distro though. Steam OS is still the worst distro I've ever used and that was done by Valve ffs. Unless it turns out to just be debian with the necessary non-free software/proprietary drivers ready installed. But even if that's the case, I feel like not identifying the underlying distro throws some unnecessary ambiguity (and therefore doubt as to the quality of the implementation) in to the mix. :/
Theit OS will most likely be just a modified Debian (or ubuntu, maybe), with steam and some drivers pre-installed.

Actually, SteamOS is just a modified Debian too.
slaapliedje Mar 5, 2018
Not sure why they wouldn't just throw SteamOS on it. If I recall the earlier articles said that would be the case (at least if you chose the Linux option).
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