Why DIY Phone Development Should Be Pushed
When building a gaming PC, there are many famous brands to choose from: Falcon, Alienware, Origin, Maingear, Digital Storm and so on. However, ask any self-respecting gaming PC fan, and he will surely say that it is much more beneficial to build your own gaming PC. Soon will come a time, I think, when the same can be said for cell phones. There will be many brands like Samsung, HTC, Apple, Blackberry, Motorola and Nokia available in the market, but if MIT’s current DIY or Do It Yourself phone technology is pushed and polished, it can have great advantages that will be enough to embarrass, if not threaten, the leading smart phone manufacturers. Here are some:
Versatility
In terms of specifications, design, materials, performance, features and so on, a DIY phone has more potential for versatility. Like building your own PC, you can choose which parts to install. Right now, only black and white screens, basic GSM modules and plywood and veneer materials are available. However, if he research and development of DIY phones are pushed and mass produced, we can expect a broader selection like colored LCD screens (or possibly touch screens), smart phone modules, Operating System selection, and more materials and design to choose from.
Uniqueness
Uniqueness can have a strong appeal in the market. Many people would want their phones to be different and styled in accordance to their tastes. In fact, many even spend tens up to hundreds of dollars for skins or accessories that would make their phone look different. And since DIY phones are built by the user, there is a vast potential for customizability in terms of design; even as early as now, many DIY themes end ergonomic builds have been created; steam punk, big-fingered friendly, ultra-compact and so on.
Upgradability
One of the best things about building your own PC is that it allows for easy and affordable upgrade options in the future. The same can be said for smart phones. If you see a phone that generally has the same specifications, only with a larger and clearer screen and you want that screen badly, you will have to pay for a whole new phone. With DIY phones, you can theoretically remove a part and replace it with a better one yourself when available. The best thing about this is that you will only have to pay for the part without having to buy a new phone.
Affordability
This is perhaps the strongest point of going for DIY phones. You will have so many ways to save by going for do it yourself phones such as buying cheaper parts, cheaper upgrade costs, being contract free etc. Currently, MIT’s DIY kit costs $150. This is quite expensive right now considering the result. However, if the technology will be pushed, cheaper materials will surely be available. But right now, especially with the best cell phone deals you can buy much better smart phones for the same price.
