OESF Portables Forum

Model Specific Forums => Gemini PDA => Gemini PDA - General Discussion => Topic started by: SimonL on May 03, 2018, 05:09:02 am

Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: SimonL on May 03, 2018, 05:09:02 am
The Perk/Order checker currently says, "If you selected a US or UK keyboard AND your Order ID is 1-4500, your unit will ship out before mid May. If you did not select a US or UK keyboard layout OR your Order ID is over 4500, your unit will ship end of May."

I believe that the most recent production run is currently being shipped (according to Planet on Indiegogo (2nd May), "UK bound units will ship tomorrow from Hong Kong and so all being well will be at warehouse in the UK mid next week." This would suggest that any order returning the above status on the checker is part of the forthcoming production run. Elsewhere on Indiegogo Planet have stated that SMT for the remaining units starts the week commencing 7th May. I believe that it takes two weeks to go from this point to a completed run, so we're looking at around 18th May for completion. This would suggest shipment to the UK week commencing 21st May, which takes about a week, so arriving in the UK around 28th May.

The next bit is the great unknown. I think the last run took around a week or two to go from arrival in the UK to arriving on backers door steps, but best case scenario would suggest delivery to backers beginning around the 4th June, possibly up to 15th June.

Realistically, therefore, I suspect that anyone who has been told their order will "ship out [from Hong Kong] before mid May" should probably expect delivery during the first half of June. Anyone who has been told their unit will "ship [from Hong Kong] end of May" therefore is probably looking at receiving their Gemini at the end of June. Somewhat later than we have been led to expect.

Does anyone else agree/disagree with this timeline? When do you expect your Gemini to arrive?

If this is accurate I don't know why Planet don't just tell customers to expect delivery in June rather than giving a vague date in May when units will ship from Hong Kong...
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Montala on May 03, 2018, 05:59:47 am
Hi Simon,

I think I agree with most of what you are saying, but bearing in mind that backers in the U.S.A. are already receiving their orders, which were shipped by DHL directly from Hong Kong, and that (according to Planet) units are being shipped in bulk to the UK today, surely it will not be another 4 weeks before UK backers will actually receive their Gemini?

As we have been told that the final delivery to UK customers will be by either Royal Mail or (hopefully!) by DPD, rather than Hermes, who they used for the earlier deliveries, and that these will reach the UK early next week, we can but hope that arrangements for these final deliveries are already in place.

If that is indeed the case, then a further two weeks does seem rather a long time to wait!

As you have probably already gathered, I live in the UK, and understand that my order (Backer No. 17xx) is indeed included in the current shipment 'batch'!

David
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: terryowen on May 03, 2018, 06:38:25 pm
I had an email from PC today and it said that the current UK batch was expected to arrive early next week.  So I suppose at least a few UK backers should have them by the end of next week, though hundreds of units will take a while to get out the door.  I've gotten my own DHL shipping notice (US, 20xx - originally a wifi only but recently upgraded to 4G) and should have it tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: andrewl on May 04, 2018, 02:19:59 am
The Europe Geminis should clear through customs a bit quicker than last time, there was a few days waiting for the paperwork to be in order then they go to fulfillment so I expect that they will start to show up at homes around Friday 11 May, or Monday 14 May if you allow for a Bank Holiday.
The rest have just gone into production PCBs so I would guess they are assembling units next week so that they leave Shenzhen sometime in the week starting 14 May I would expect deliveries to start after the May 28 Bank Holiday.

It's really not long to wait now, it will soon pass if we get a few sunny days.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: andrewl on May 06, 2018, 04:43:01 am
Quote from: DBTchess
My order number is in the 700s so I was expectine mine in March... then April... so who knows?

I guess you ordered WiFi only or one of the less popular keyboard options. Planet said they will clear all indiegogo production in May, I suspect deliveries into June.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: SimonL on May 09, 2018, 09:14:28 am
Like many others, my order/perk was locked yesterday - #41xx. Hoping to receive this in the next week or so. Looks like my initial predictions might have been a little over cautious!
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: drand on May 14, 2018, 05:30:43 am
Quote from: SimonL
Like many others, my order/perk was locked yesterday - #41xx. Hoping to receive this in the next week or so. Looks like my initial predictions might have been a little over cautious!

WiFi only (38XX) and I expect it is being produced around now so hoping (I think realistically) for delivery early-mid June. Are there are UK WiFi only backers who have their orders locked?
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Hitherwood on May 15, 2018, 05:08:15 pm
I am backer number 4394 and tonight I had a notification that it was at Gatwick hub. Shipping via Royal Mail 24 hour delivery.
Thank God it wasn't Hermes!
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: DJO on May 15, 2018, 06:08:52 pm
Quote from: Hitherwood
I am backer number 4394 and tonight I had a notification that it was at Gatwick hub.

Me too and as I live & work within 20 miles of Gatwick hopefully I'll get my sweaty paws on it tomorrow.

Well done Planet (hopefully)
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: soto on May 15, 2018, 06:12:16 pm
Quote from: Hitherwood
I am backer number 4394 and tonight I had a notification that it was at Gatwick hub. Shipping via Royal Mail 24 hour delivery.
Thank God it wasn't Hermes!
I'm backer 38xx and haven't heard a peep
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: SimonM on May 16, 2018, 11:12:51 am
Quote from: DBTchess
Mine just arrived today. order number in the 700s. Yes, really. It is for sale, as its.many months past the original delivery targer and I have a new pbone already.

Same, order number is in the 760s and it arrived this morning via Royal Mail.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: speculatrix on May 23, 2018, 06:14:44 am
I'm in the UK and ordered a UK keyboard, order 46xx, and there's been no update on the checker since 2nd May. All the talk on the forum makes me feel very left out  
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: andrewl on May 23, 2018, 08:08:26 am
Quote from: speculatrix
I'm in the UK and ordered a UK keyboard, order 46xx, and there's been no update on the checker since 2nd May. All the talk on the forum makes me feel very left out  

Interesting Speculatrix, my or is 47xx 4g+WiFi and it arrived last week.

Did you order a WiFi non-4G one?
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: speculatrix on May 23, 2018, 02:39:20 pm
Quote from: andrewl
Interesting Speculatrix, my or is 47xx 4g+WiFi and it arrived last week.

Did you order a WiFi non-4G one?

oh, that's interesting. I ordered a 4G one.  I had assumed I'd be waiting because my order is 46xx and thus will ship at the end of May because the checker says

Quote
If you did not select a US or UK keyboard layout OR your Order ID is over 4500, your unit will ship end of May

I did order the optional camera module, could that be the reason?

I sent an email to Planet Customer Support just now to check.

Paul
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: ArchiMark on May 23, 2018, 04:10:53 pm
Quote from: speculatrix
Quote from: andrewl
Interesting Speculatrix, my or is 47xx 4g+WiFi and it arrived last week.

Did you order a WiFi non-4G one?

oh, that's interesting. I ordered a 4G one.  I had assumed I'd be waiting because my order is 46xx and thus will ship at the end of May because the checker says

Quote
If you did not select a US or UK keyboard layout OR your Order ID is over 4500, your unit will ship end of May

I did order the optional camera module, could that be the reason?

I sent an email to Planet Customer Support just now to check.

Paul


Having ordered the camera module doesn't impact Gemini shipping. Camera module is not shipping yet and will be sent separately.

Mark
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Calamityspice on May 23, 2018, 09:00:45 pm
I got mine. Expect a flood of UK  buyers posting the same.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: speculatrix on May 24, 2018, 06:10:45 am
I got a reply back from Planet support, here's just the relevant lines.

Quote
We are still processing orders between the 3XXX and 4XXX ranges so I am confident yours will be locked and shipped to you very soon - possibly by the end of this month. As always, we appreciate your patience and we are looking forward to delivering your unit.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Ifanafi on May 24, 2018, 11:46:07 am
God-damn disappointing news (for backers with order IDs greater than 4500).


Quote from: speculatrix
I got a reply back from Planet support, here's just the relevant lines.

Quote
We are still processing orders between the 3XXX and 4XXX ranges so I am confident yours will be locked and shipped to you very soon - possibly by the end of this month. As always, we appreciate your patience and we are looking forward to delivering your unit.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: speculatrix on May 24, 2018, 11:48:59 am
Quote from: Ifanafi
God-damn disappointing news (for backers with order IDs greater than 4500).

well, you know, I literally placed my order days before the indiegogo phase expired and the special price for backers finished, so I am just grateful that I managed to get in and get the discount.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Tritium on May 24, 2018, 03:07:56 pm
Quote from: speculatrix
Quote from: Ifanafi
God-damn disappointing news (for backers with order IDs greater than 4500).

well, you know, I literally placed my order days before the indiegogo phase expired and the special price for backers finished, so I am just grateful that I managed to get in and get the discount.
Hey me too, nabbed it the day before the price went up! I also do not have my Gemini yet. There is a UK web retailer clove.co.uk (they started out selling Psions    ) who say they will have stock by 18th June. I would assume UK buyers will get their Geminis by that date at the latest.

Tritium
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Alius on May 25, 2018, 01:31:30 pm
Quote from: Tritium
Hey me too, nabbed it the day before the price went up! I also do not have my Gemini yet. There is a UK web retailer clove.co.uk (they started out selling Psions    ) who say they will have stock by 18th June. I would assume UK buyers will get their Geminis by that date at the latest.

Tritium

Ah Clove, there's a name I have not heard in a while!
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: andrewl on May 26, 2018, 05:03:27 am
Quote from: Ifanafi
God-damn disappointing news (for backers with order IDs greater than 4500).

My order is 47xx and delivered over a week ago. I know that there are much higher numbers than that delivered.

It's a standard 4G with a UK keyboard and no accessories or camera, so I think it was a simple fulfilment option.

It seems the following might cause delays in delivery: It should not be long now, the production which is outsourced and not under control of Planet seem to be on stream now, instead of fitting in sporadic weeks. The backers should all be done by June and then they will be building for retail and stock.

Hopefully the Planet guys can start work on version 2.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Calamityspice on May 26, 2018, 04:14:39 pm
Didn't Clove also do stuff for Windows PDAs when they were a thing? I'm sure I remember buying aluminium cases for a Toshiba & 2 Dell pocket PCs?

And an SD card, back in the day when an offline copy of Wikipedia would fit on a128 MB card.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Ifanafi on May 27, 2018, 11:11:59 am
I DO NOT expect shipping notification (via Hong Kong to east-coast USA) on or before Thursday, May 31st.

Best efforts aside, Planet's optimism for reaching its delivery targets has resulted in them over-promising and under-delivering.

In their defense, Planet has doubtless learned much from the mistakes, missteps and other things gone wrong outside their control during the Gemini campaign.

So, that said, I trust, and expect frankly, that Planet won't make the same mistakes IF AND WHEN they get around to Gemini 2.0.

P.S. Replies telling me to be patient, or defending PC in any which way... are not welcomed.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: speculatrix on May 31, 2018, 06:33:10 am
last day of May and the checker hasn't been updated to say if they're going to start shipping orders over either number 4500 or non us/uk keyboards
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: andrewl on May 31, 2018, 06:39:09 am
It's pretty obvious the perk checker cannot be kept up to date as was hoped, because the information needed for it just doesn't come through smoothly enough.
But it's quite easy to understand what the situation is just by following the project. The stuff communicated directly is so much better than the pointless checker thing.

From that I expect that most 4G units backed on Indiegogo before May 15 will be sent before mid June. The remaining units backed on Indiegogo after May 15 and all the WiFi only units will be sent in the last 2 weeks of June.

I don't understand why people are still trying to use the checker, there's no point. Even when it is updated it's still a best guess.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Jos on June 03, 2018, 02:15:27 pm
The checker as i notice is almost a month overdue and updating on a weekly base...nha.
I dont mind as my ordernr. is in the 8xxx it will take a few weeks and i can use this time to get to know all the tips and tricks you people discover for me and others. Also as time goes by more will be written about accesories and hardware isues and later batches will be (i hope) solve a few of the problems. Also the manufactor will get used to production processes and therefore there will be less failure.
(I'm an optimist)

So why need a checker?
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: andrewl on June 04, 2018, 03:19:47 am
Quote from: Jos
So why need a checker?

I think the checker was perceived as a good idea and didn't work out. The problem is that backers who don't follow the project expect it to work, when in fact there are far better ways to follow progress. The difficulties of production to demand are more difficult to forecast than most people know.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Dewcal on June 06, 2018, 01:22:27 pm
Have seen that my order 4#45xx for UK QWERTY WiFi + 4G has been locked today - still awaiting delivery details.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: drand on June 13, 2018, 11:25:18 am
UK WiFi only 388x (Dec 17) locked this afternoon. Expecting a flurry of similar.
Title: UK Backers - when do you expect your Gemini?
Post by: Dewcal on June 14, 2018, 11:35:21 am
Quote from: Dewcal
Have seen that my order 4#45xx for UK QWERTY WiFi + 4G has been locked today - still awaiting delivery details.
Pleased to say that mine arrived today and am trying to get it started up etc!  Firmware flashed without any issues.  Great to have the Psion back......