I hear you. Considering their tagline is Retro Futurism, it may be in the cards. I'm looking forward to seeing where they take the brand from here.
However, if you want a browser, stay away from the ...
I didn't mean I need a browser in the C64U. I have a primary PC and several laptops in my home lab so a browser for a retro fun machine isn't necessary. Plus, like I said, I built a system that runs C=OS Vision so a C64X probably would be relatively redundant for me. I really do want the era-accurate vibe of the C64U for that.
I do, however, make heavy use of a web browser on my phone when I'm out and about (and for important uses, I might add) so not having that really is a dealbreaker for me.
Again, to reiterate, I love the CONCEPTS, I just feel like there needs to be an option: either a separate version, or maybe they can develop something that is useful for web searches and such but still blocks the social media and addictive elements? I also feel like the limit of 4G VoLTE and no NFC does really put a damper on future-proofing which, for a $500 investment, certainly isn't great.
In fairness to Commodore on this, and on the niche subject, I do think this might be a good thing for parents to get their kids in the UK and other nations with a social media block. I'm against the legislated social media blocking but this could be a silver lining for that, ironically kicking Starmer and co. by offering a third door to walk through.
Ultimately, I just think something like the Callback should have been their second or third all-new product after the reboot. Going from a universally praised revival project like the C64U to a first new product that's more aimed at a niche feels like a poor business decision.
I guess we'll see, and I really do hope the Callback does well! But like I said, hopefully they figure something out to answer the issue of not being able to look up important info on the go because otherwise, sadly, this is a product I don't think I'd ever be able to justify the cost of, no matter how much I like most of the concepts driving it.
I do, however, make heavy use of a web browser on my phone when I'm out and about (and for important uses, I might add) so not having that really is a dealbreaker for me.
Again, to reiterate, I love the CONCEPTS, I just feel like there needs to be an option: either a separate version, or maybe they can develop something that is useful for web searches and such but still blocks the social media and addictive elements? I also feel like the limit of 4G VoLTE and no NFC does really put a damper on future-proofing which, for a $500 investment, certainly isn't great.
In fairness to Commodore on this, and on the niche subject, I do think this might be a good thing for parents to get their kids in the UK and other nations with a social media block. I'm against the legislated social media blocking but this could be a silver lining for that, ironically kicking Starmer and co. by offering a third door to walk through.
Ultimately, I just think something like the Callback should have been their second or third all-new product after the reboot. Going from a universally praised revival project like the C64U to a first new product that's more aimed at a niche feels like a poor business decision.
I guess we'll see, and I really do hope the Callback does well! But like I said, hopefully they figure something out to answer the issue of not being able to look up important info on the go because otherwise, sadly, this is a product I don't think I'd ever be able to justify the cost of, no matter how much I like most of the concepts driving it.