>They shipped out a "phone" that can't place phone calls.
They also shipped a devkit, whose screen did not work. But a software update made it work. Same here. This is the only phone, where updates make it better, not worse.
> This is the only phone, where updates make it better, not worse.
I don't know how you can even begin to support this claim. My phone updates apply a bunch of security patches, which by definition make the phone better and more secure.
This is certainly the only "phone" that literally can't place phone calls. If this was a minor issue that could be addressed by a simple software patch in a timely manner, they would have all the reasons to do that and ship the phone after fixing such a glaring flaw.
If that would be the only reason holding up the shipment, I'd definitely want to receive my early device (that I explicitely opted in for) before it's fixed.
Q: If I receive the Librem 5 from one of the first batches, will I have a fully functional phone?
A: Yes! Even the very earliest batches will be capable smartphone, including a modern web browser and core cell phone functionality.
The expectation is that you'd receive a "fully functional phone". Until an update has been released with a fix to the not being able to place calls problem, this expectation is not met.
Judging from all the opinions from actual owners I've seen so far, I definitely wouldn't be.
As I said in another thread, that point still stands. Birch will be a fully usable device. Shipping announcement explicitly stated that there will be only a basic, initial release of software that doesn't include everything and that it will improve in time.
> Q: If I receive the Librem 5 from one of the first batches, will I have a fully functional phone?
> A: Yes! Even the very earliest batches will be capable smartphone, including a modern web browser and core cell phone functionality.
The FAQ says that the earliest batches will be capable smartphones and will have core cell phone functionality.
Purism says that phones from "one of the first batches" will be capable smartphones will all core cell phone functionality.
There is no way you can try and do mental gymnastics to justify your apparent belief that purism delivered on this. There is a huge difference between a device requiring some polish and finishing touches and delivering a phone:
1. That can't make phone calls
2. Has no power management so the battery lasts less than an hour
3. Doesn't have working cameras
4. Can't be charged while powered on
The device, far from being a "capable smartphone" is wholly unusable in its current state.
Simply contradicting the facts and providing no additional context or reasoning does not an argument make.
The FAQ says that the earliest batches will be capable smartphones and will have core cell phone functionality. Purism says that phones from "one of the first batches" will be capable smartphones will all core cell phone functionality.
Those sentences are true. There's nothing preventing that hardware to become a perfectly capable smartphone in near future.
...plus bunch of comments made by phone owners in various places, like Reddit or Hacker News, or directly via mail. I haven't seen anyone expressing any kind of regret that they got their phones too soon.
I don't know how you can even begin to support this claim. My phone updates apply a bunch of security patches, which by definition make the phone better and more secure.
This is certainly the only "phone" that literally can't place phone calls. If this was a minor issue that could be addressed by a simple software patch in a timely manner, they would have all the reasons to do that and ship the phone after fixing such a glaring flaw.