OESF Portables Forum
Model Specific Forums => Gemini PDA => Gemini PDA - General Discussion => Topic started by: speculatrix on January 14, 2018, 07:40:47 am
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Rather than have lots of threads with one link each, here's a place to list them...
Clove are a specialist in selling unlocked SIM-free phones, and ship worldwide. They had expected to be selling the Gemini, but after the success at CES...
http://blog.clove.co.uk/2018/01/14/planet-...ry-2018-update/ (http://blog.clove.co.uk/2018/01/14/planet-computers-gemini-pda-january-2018-update/)
"The downside for us at Clove is that we were expecting some of this stock for retail! Planet has now told us that a second manufacturing run is scheduled and it will be from this we will have retail stock."
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Rather than have lots of threads with one link each, here's a place to list them...
Clove are a specialist in selling unlocked SIM-free phones, and ship worldwide. They had expected to be selling the Gemini, but after the success at CES...
http://blog.clove.co.uk/2018/01/14/planet-...ry-2018-update/ (http://blog.clove.co.uk/2018/01/14/planet-computers-gemini-pda-january-2018-update/)
"The downside for us at Clove is that we were expecting some of this stock for retail! Planet has now told us that a second manufacturing run is scheduled and it will be from this we will have retail stock."
So, this means Clove is the first confirmed retailer who'll sell Geminis:
https://www.clove.co.uk/gemini-pda (https://www.clove.co.uk/gemini-pda)
Varti
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(hope you don't mind me fixing the link to Clove's shop).
One advantage to buying from Clove is that they might be able to ship it to places that Planet's indiegogo can't/won't or possible at a better price?
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IT Pro don't understand the productivity Use Case:
http://www.itpro.co.uk/mobile/30268/is-the...make-a-comeback (http://www.itpro.co.uk/mobile/30268/is-the-pda-about-to-make-a-comeback)
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IT Pro don't understand the productivity Use Case:
http://www.itpro.co.uk/mobile/30268/is-the...make-a-comeback (http://www.itpro.co.uk/mobile/30268/is-the-pda-about-to-make-a-comeback)
There are far too many people on the internet who dismiss something because it doesn't suit their needs. They say something is pointless because it's pointless for them. That article is a perfect example. I dismiss the article and the author for the lack of imagination.
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Chippy at UMPC Portal posted this: http://www.umpcportal.com/2017/12/gemini-pda/ (http://www.umpcportal.com/2017/12/gemini-pda/)
"Someone got hands-on with the Gemini PDA and now I’m all excited. If you had a Psion 5 Like I did, you’ll find this Android clamshell very interesting. "
the article is basically a link to this: https://jmcomms.com/2017/11/29/gemini-pda-2...psion-series-5/ (https://jmcomms.com/2017/11/29/gemini-pda-20-years-on-meet-the-all-new-psion-series-5/)
which is a very positive hands-on review, concluding with "First impressions? Is it everything I hoped it would be, and something I’d want to carry with me for work? You bet your life it is!"
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Oooh… Clove is a name I remember from the days when the Psion world was still active. Seeing it again here is yet another link to those heady days — and gets me even more excited!
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Indeed. Another i remember was "New World Technologies - `the Psion house'"
Seems they are no more. nwt. com seems to just be a boilerplate godaddy domain now
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Here is another preview, based on the CES samples and not including Linux, but useful, from a week ago:
Big Tech Question (https://bigtechquestion.com/2018/02/01/review/gemini-pda-review/)
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Here is another preview, based on the CES samples and not including Linux, but useful, from a week ago:
Big Tech Question (https://bigtechquestion.com/2018/02/01/review/gemini-pda-review/)
Thanks. The reviewer seems to be in touch with Planet, so he welcomes any question to be forwarder to them,
GeminiPlanet's Mike Halsey has posted some photos of the article the author's has written for PCPro, this article is more or less the same as the one on BigTechQuestion:
https://scontent.fmxp4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1...amp;oe=5B0A368F (https://scontent.fmxp4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27657428_10155801145286075_8024839029135812081_n.jpg?oh=8aae91abd0bd00bfed231f55de0b3feb&oe=5B0A368F)
https://scontent.fmxp4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1...amp;oe=5B17E60A (https://scontent.fmxp4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27654693_10155801145281075_5162705440810493925_n.jpg?oh=e0e4fdfea9e89615850ed7070e142a5a&oe=5B17E60A)
https://scontent.fmxp4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1...amp;oe=5B154632 (https://scontent.fmxp4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27752054_10155801145241075_6520801478582407514_n.jpg?oh=2d3b575aee44293622b50549421d2067&oe=5B154632)
Varti
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Interesting YouTube vlog
https://youtu.be/HLcDZn9hjt4 (https://youtu.be/HLcDZn9hjt4)
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I think Steve Litchfield - the Phone Show - has a good review, and he has some Psion devices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYsJEvDhXVg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYsJEvDhXVg)
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New Mr Mobile video
https://youtu.be/X4gqDjoI9XE (https://youtu.be/X4gqDjoI9XE)
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Yet another YouTube video. This is a podcast
https://youtu.be/hUu2ymNCI9Q (https://youtu.be/hUu2ymNCI9Q)
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The original long version of the BBC news on the Gemini from CES
https://youtu.be/S6zC8hCaNkc (https://youtu.be/S6zC8hCaNkc)
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Positive review in Financial Times:
https://howtospendit.ft.com/technology/2030...dable-workhorse (https://howtospendit.ft.com/technology/203032-psion-s-new-pocket-computer-is-a-formidable-workhorse)
Another good one, a reviewer with fat fingers who really loves the keyboard:
https://thenextweb.com/gadgets/2018/04/09/p...its-599-gemini/ (https://thenextweb.com/gadgets/2018/04/09/planet-computers-might-just-succeed-at-bringing-back-the-pda-with-its-599-gemini/)
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Positive review in Financial Times:
https://howtospendit.ft.com/technology/2030...dable-workhorse (https://howtospendit.ft.com/technology/203032-psion-s-new-pocket-computer-is-a-formidable-workhorse)
Another good one, a reviewer with fat fingers who really loves the keyboard:
https://thenextweb.com/gadgets/2018/04/09/p...its-599-gemini/ (https://thenextweb.com/gadgets/2018/04/09/planet-computers-might-just-succeed-at-bringing-back-the-pda-with-its-599-gemini/)
I loved reading those two articles, and it's a great exposure for Planet to be reviewed by none others than Financial Times. I believe many of its readers will be an ideal target audience for the Gemini.
Varti
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I loved reading those two articles, and it's a great exposure for Planet to be reviewed by none others than Financial Times. I believe many of its readers will be an ideal target audience for the Gemini.
Varti
yes, I agree: it is definitely a great exposure for PC and Gemini.
Salvo
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https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/04/11/life_with_gemini/ (https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/04/11/life_with_gemini/)
Gemini: Vulture gives PDA some Linux lovin'
If it looks like, walks like and quacks like a Psion, is it actually a penguin?
Review
Planet Computing’s Gemini is a middling Android phone integrated with a Psion Series 5-style keyboard and clamshell case. Since our exclusive hands-on with a real production device, I’ve spent a few weeks in its rattly, plasticky company. And I’ve also managed to get Linux installed. So what’s it like?
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I posted a link to our forum in the discussions on The Register.
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https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/04/11/life_with_gemini/ (https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/04/11/life_with_gemini/)
Gemini: Vulture gives PDA some Linux lovin'
If it looks like, walks like and quacks like a Psion, is it actually a penguin?
Review
Planet Computing’s Gemini is a middling Android phone integrated with a Psion Series 5-style keyboard and clamshell case. Since our exclusive hands-on with a real production device, I’ve spent a few weeks in its rattly, plasticky company. And I’ve also managed to get Linux installed. So what’s it like?
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I posted a link to our forum in the discussions on The Register.
Talk about a 'mixed bag' review.......
Don't think this review will drum up much new business for Planet Computing.....
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and another one:
https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/10/gemini-...ince-keyboards/ (https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/10/gemini-pda-review-we-ve-come-a-long-way-since-keyboards/)
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https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/04/11/life_with_gemini/ (https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/04/11/life_with_gemini/)
Gemini: Vulture gives PDA some Linux lovin'
As someone already mentioned in the comments, it seems unfair to me to criticize the lack of a rear camera, while the latter will be soon available as an add-on.
I posted a link to our forum in the discussions on The Register.
Thanks speculatrix!
Varti
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Here is Japanese Engadget reviewing it:
https://japanese.engadget.com/2018/02/24/qwerty-gemini-pda/ (https://japanese.engadget.com/2018/02/24/qwerty-gemini-pda/)
Here is a mention from Salon. No review, however:
https://www.salon.com/2018/03/08/after-year...ing-reinvented/ (https://www.salon.com/2018/03/08/after-years-of-stagnation-smartphones-are-being-reinvented/)
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and another one:
https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/10/gemini-...ince-keyboards/ (https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/10/gemini-pda-review-we-ve-come-a-long-way-since-keyboards/)
OMFG that Engadget review. ALL THE FACEPALMS.
"Confusingly (for me) the @ sign isn't Shift+2 like you might be used to, but Fn+K. With Android there are ways to change this, but that means the symbols printed on the keys will no longer be accurate."
THAT'S BECAUSE YOU GOT ONE WITH A UK KEYBOARD LAYOUT, DUMBASS.
He should recognise it FFS, his bio says he grew up here, so he has no excuse. Just some basic research would show that the Gemini comes in a variety of regional keyboards, just like any keyboard device.
The Japanese reviewer for engadget though, top notch. Covers all the facts about it, raises a few concerns everyone has, and gives it an in-depth look at how its support for hiragana fares. Actual decent assessment of the pros and cons.
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ZDNet has updated their review of the Gemini (that's why the comments there are some months old even if the review has been published just some days ago):
https://www.zdnet.com/product/gemini-pda/ (https://www.zdnet.com/product/gemini-pda/)
The previous preview: https://web.archive.org/web/20180404135403/...uct/gemini-pda/ (https://web.archive.org/web/20180404135403/https://www.zdnet.com/product/gemini-pda/)
Varti
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A review after 2 weeks of use by Ben Cheng on medium.com, with an useful list of suggested apps:
https://medium.com/@chpapa/review-after-two...ne-7dd8b550609a (https://medium.com/@chpapa/review-after-two-weeks-with-gemini-phone-7dd8b550609a)
Varti
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A longer and detailed review by Aidan Bell, on Google Plus:
https://plus.google.com/1095055546754933466...sts/H5xosG7PcR7 (https://plus.google.com/109505554675493346639/posts/H5xosG7PcR7)
Varti
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A longer and detailed review by Aidan Bell, on Google Plus:
https://plus.google.com/1095055546754933466...sts/H5xosG7PcR7 (https://plus.google.com/109505554675493346639/posts/H5xosG7PcR7)
Varti
Wow, such mixing of metaphors, with bodies coming out of woodwork while on his honeymoon! Still, I agree with his notion that the device would be much better if it were only a little bigger: the big battery, for instance; in my estimation for Linux usability a Trackpoint-style pointing device and three buttons. An extra half inch in height and width and an extra quarter inch in thickness would have given us twice the gadget.
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A longer and detailed review by Aidan Bell, on Google Plus:
https://plus.google.com/1095055546754933466...sts/H5xosG7PcR7 (https://plus.google.com/109505554675493346639/posts/H5xosG7PcR7)
Varti
Wow, such mixing of metaphors, with bodies coming out of woodwork while on his honeymoon! Still, I agree with his notion that the device would be much better if it were only a little bigger: the big battery, for instance; in my estimation for Linux usability a Trackpoint-style pointing device and three buttons. An extra half inch in height and width and an extra quarter inch in thickness would have given us twice the gadget.
I guess other people will be looking for a small form factor for better portability. Personally I would keep the device the same size, but have a screen that uses all the space with no bezel. Battery life is fine for my requirements so I would be unlikely to want a bigger and heavier device.
If I wanted a lightweight device that could do linux but less portable I would just go an buy a chromebook.
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Agreed.
For the same or less money than the Gemini, there are super, small (even pocket-sized) computers to be had.
I backed the Gemini for its Psion-like form and functions; not to have a portable computer.
To each their own perspective and needs.
Frankly, review lacked objectivity. It was wholly subjective POV driven.
Ifanafi
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I had a psion 3c (not the 5...), and even that was really a small laptop. It could basically do everything the contemporary computers could do except 3d games. The gemini really is a little laptop replacement. With linux, it has a full desktop operating system. In android form, it is a halfway - you can still use it for most things you would use a laptop for. I use it as my only device - I was an original backer and have had it for over 2 months. The keyboard has bedded in well, and is fast and accurate.
The geekbench results for the gemini place it in dual core i5 territory, which is more that fast enough for a laptop replacement for me. For example, the gemini is more than 50% faster than the GPD, 50% faster than an atom x5-z8500, and over twice an x5-8350. The atoms found in most tiny PCs (ie. stick PCs) still make viable PC replacements for on the go use, so by association, so does the gemini. Couple with linux for a full desktop experience. At the initial backer price, there isn't much better. Laptops in the price range are slower and invariably have less storage (32G). I'm sure you could search around and find a better one, but I don't need to anymore.
Granted, Aidan Bell's review shows the gemini is not for everyone but he was one of those people who it is perfect for. He said it the way he saw it, and probably drank the cool-aid early on. It is good he likes his gemini and tells people about it I think.
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if I simply wanted a pocketable computer that I would dock with keyboard, mouse and monitor at each location, I would buy into the Intel Compute Card ecosystem, or maybe the Infocus Kangaroo system. Being able to do a bunch of stuff on the move with a single device is what appeals to me. At the moment I use a folding bluetooth keyboard with my phone when I want to write a letter or document, but I have to make a specific effort to take it with me.
In this regard the Gemini is unique and special, even with its quirks and flaws. I don't care if people say that it has no use for them, but people who say it's pointless are living in a weird self-centred bubble if they can't admit it's highly desirable to specific people.
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@speculatrix well said!
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the device would be much better if it were only a little bigger: the big battery, for instance; in my estimation for Linux usability a Trackpoint-style pointing device and three buttons. An extra half inch in height and width and an extra quarter inch in thickness would have given us twice the gadget.
I tend to disagree.
I have the experience of 20 years continuously carrying a Psion 5(mx) in my trouser pocket… It's doable, but a bit bulky, and about the limit of what you'd want to carry that way. (Having a large-enough pocket is one of my main criteria when buying trousers, as many don't!)
The Gemini is comparable to that: an unnoticeable mm or so longer, and a cm or so narrower and thinner. That doesn't sound much difference, but the narrowness and especially thinness make the Gemini feel much less bulky and much more comfortable in the pocket.
In fact, the portability is one of the major reasons I've been using a 5mx this long: a device that's with you when you need it is more useful than another (however much more powerful) that's elsewhere. If it takes 2 seconds to whip out a device, I'm much more likely to take notes, look stuff up, or whatever than if it takes 15 seconds and associated hassle.
So while a big battery would be an improvement, I wouldn't want it if it added significantly to the size.
As for a trackpad, I'm not (yet) using it for Linux, so I can't judge. But from what I hear, can't you use the screen for that?
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New review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFgCqXPkMNQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFgCqXPkMNQ)
Very positive!
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Most important to me is the ability to have a usable computer always with me. The Gemini accomplishes that at a cost I could afford. It has its shortcomings and frustrations, some of which I've discussed at http://jdcard.com/LivingWithGemini.html (http://jdcard.com/LivingWithGemini.html), but overall I am pleased with what I got.
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Most important to me is the ability to have a usable computer always with me. The Gemini accomplishes that at a cost I could afford. It has its shortcomings and frustrations, some of which I've discussed at http://jdcard.com/LivingWithGemini.html (http://jdcard.com/LivingWithGemini.html), but overall I am pleased with what I got.
I just read your review and was curious why you use a mouse with your Gemini. It severely limits the portability of it, doesn't it?
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Over the years i had many different divices. From Pocket PC diveces to what ever there was on the matket. Call it a hobby. The best machine i had was the Psion Mx5 till the damn cable died. Putting it in the inside pocket of my jacket i had to compensate it with other stuf at the other side to get my jacket straight again (not my wallet, i'm poor), so i bought a purs and a bag for my psion and i was happy. That bag wich is a wallet as well contains my cards and money and soon i hope my G4. So bulky or what ever, it wil fit in there and lets agree thats its less heavy then carrying a laptop. I do hope they come up with a better agenda, like Psion had, and a good database. I would be realy happy if it would have something like OneNote. Best program those boys from MS ever developed. But thats my opinion.
Now i just wait till i get the machine....
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There's an Android version of OneNote that you can use on the Gemini, though it is a bit clunky...
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I've posted a detailed review of the Gemini PDA in my blog at:
https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/002328.html (https://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/002328.html)
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https://onecutreviews.com/2018/10/01/gemini...anet-computers/ (https://onecutreviews.com/2018/10/01/gemini-pda-by-planet-computers/)