GamePark GP32

Product Name: Game Park GP32.

Product Type: "open source" hand held console.

Released in Korea around 2001 NLU, then FLU, then BLU, then near the end of production in 2004 BLU+. It was a very well specified device around the time it was released, often compared to the GBA (i.e. clone), but independently made, and much more capable.

The device is "open source", and uses SMC's (expensive to buy). Has ARM processor clocking from 20-133mhz stable, some units clock up to 166mhz, and beyond is very rare.

Even though it is old, still good for emulating old school 8 to 16 bit systems, homebrew is good too, and better in quality than the commercial software released, which was limited to a few titles.

It can play MP3, and videos (they need to be converted). It can view JPEG's too.

The GP32, is treated like a handheld computer due to its' "open" nature, to overcome the limited input of the controls, the Ericsson Chatboard (mini keyboard) can be connected (interface required). A small Linux kernal, can also be run on the GP32.

GP32's can interact by attaching an RF link, but there is not much that makes use of this facility, and the RF link is not cheap either.

There is a modification to replace the internal 8MB memory with either 32 or 64MB, for more RAM.

Also the GP32 can be used with LGPT (like the Gameboy), with an interface to control MIDI devices, as a sequencer.

Try Google for GP32, for information, and resources. Also it has a dedicated online community in "GP32X" forums. This is the pioneering device in the open source community (show some respect).

Not to be viewed as inferior to newer devices, as once setup, with the preferred firmware, and software on the SMC's by the user, who will no doubt appreciate the slick controls, and realise that the stability of the device is very solid compared to other flaky systems, even if they are newer and more expensive.

The GP32 comes up on ebay very cheap, but they need a clean, and glue up the hairline cracks from abuse (best done when dismantled).

Original NLU (non lit unit), unloved and is really cheap. Great LCD display in direct light. Great for playing emulated Gameboy games on such a large, and clear crisp screen. Great battery life, with low or off volume, and no greedy light.

Follow up FLU (front lit unit), most versatile. Has the after market light fitted by contracted company "Hahotech", switch fitted on back. Use it like an NLU in direct light with light off. In dim conditions use light. All FLU technology devices (inc GP32) are subject to dust illumination behind the screen, once it gets in. Open and clean if you know how (but be careful).

Final BLU & BLU+ (back lit unit), contemporary back lit screen, most sought after due to pleasant displays (and will cost more). Back light can be turned off but the display is rather dull without it, (for MP3, playback switching off the light increases battery life).

Specs:

Display 3.5" TFT, 16-bit colour, 320 240 pixels (big display)

CPU Samsung S3C2400X01(ARM920T core)

RAM 8 MB SDRAM

ROM 512 KB

Sound 44.1 kHz 16-bit stereo sound / four-channels (in SDK)

16-part polyphonic software MIDI (in SDK)

earphone port

stereo speakers

Storage SmartMedia 2-128 MB 3.3v (very expensive)

Power Supply 2 AA batteries or 3-V DC adapter. Batteries last between

6 and 12+ hours

Sum up:

Pros Cheap (over looked), versatile, great battery life,

emulation, homebrew (you can code on it), all that free

software (games, and apps), open source community support,

solid reliable device, good ergonomics.

Cons No commercial support, old dated software library, old

dated hardware, it uses SMC's (expensive), newer "open

source" devices have a more current software library, and

more capable hardware.

Reviewer verdict:

4 out of 5 (I would miss it if I lost it - So I have more than 1).

Other open source devices (as of 2010):

Game Park Holdings GP2X

Game Park Holdings GP2X Wiz

Game Park Holdings Caanoo

Dingoo A320

Open Pandora