[nine_k]

Sounds like a custom PCB, requiring custom assembly, and, worse yet, a custom enclosure. With sub-million quantities, economy of scale isn't exactly there.

But if it's well-marketed to the hobbyists, and software support is adequate, then maybe.

[blihp]

Just like the PinePhone, Librem etc. This is the future for hackable (hardware and software) mobile devices given how locked down the mainstream consumer manufacturers are, and getting worse by the day.

Mid-to-high 5-figure to low 7-figure unit sales (for a 'wildly' successful device like the Raspberry Pi) is what it seems to be looking like for a successful open mobile(-ish) device. As long as the businesses offering them are sized appropriately, it's doable. Just need to be smart about re-using enclosure designs etc and have long production runs to help amortize things like regulatory certifications etc. For hacker devices, they can sell this stuff for several years between major revs and their customers appreciate the longer product/parts availability.