Messages

31

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Gemini PDA Gen 2 Features Request

« on: September 05, 2018, 05:31:00 am »

As well as paying for the carrot-and-stick promised Sailfish OS by 2019 AND greatly improved Linux flavors by only they know when.

Sailfish OS by 2019 is going to require a separate payment to Jolla to use all features including support for Android apps.

32

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Perk/Accessory delivery?

« on: August 31, 2018, 04:11:55 am »

Same situation here, I'm not worried - I think that they just haven't had a new batch manufactured and delivered yet. They are usually over-optimistic with their delivery dates.

I am expecting that my accessories I ordered in May will arrive before the end of 2018.

33

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / 4G Gemini as main device ?

« on: August 27, 2018, 01:57:28 am »

The cost of equipping my Gemini with data is a shade under $6.50 per month. That allows roaming within the European Union for no extra cost. For travel to the USA I took a SIM from Hutchison that covered me for all data.
I guess as for Fi you need to pay $20 before you use any data is the reason the google haven’t attempt to compete with it here. Each additional user is $15 too, so I can’t see any circumstances where it would save me money. But I can see the attraction against networks likeVerixon.

34

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / 4G Gemini as main device ?

« on: August 23, 2018, 07:35:07 am »

I use it as my main computing device, but unfortunately not as my phone because I use Google Fi, which doesn't work well with non-google devices. I lose the automatic switching between T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. Cellular. Luckily, I hate phone calls and Google Fi lets you use a data-only SIMs in other devices, so I have a data sim in the Gemini. With Google Hangouts and Hangouts Dialer, I can make phone calls and I receive messages for incoming calls. I have even left my main phone home sometimes, so I can use the Gemini only, but I usually bring the Fi phone with also

I had to do a search on Google Fi as I had never heard of it. Interesting, I don't think it's available here but even if it was it seems very expensive compared to a normal data plan.

35

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / 4G Gemini as main device ?

« on: August 21, 2018, 04:59:49 am »

Definitely not my main device, as a computing device it is clearly compromised and as a phone device it is also compromised.

So I retained my phone and the Gemini does not take or make any voice calls or SMS. It's 4G function is for data only.

Also, when I have access to a full size screen and keyboard I use them. They are just more comfortable and productive. I have a large screen computer at home which is mainly for Scrivener for authoring and MS Word for publishing.

The Gemini, which has run only Sailfish since it became available, goes with me on frequent travels. In those moments when I feel like writing and it is the only tool available then there is nothing else like it in the world.

The best improvement to the Gemini for me would be a display that is better readable in sunlight.

36

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Reflections on State of Gemini OS'es & General

« on: August 01, 2018, 05:50:34 am »

(Step off soap box, put on asbestos underwear, light the blue touch paper and wait...)

You said most of it for me Vader, I'm agreed with you.

The great thing about Sailfish is that it is not Android. It is a real linux with a small screen phone interface. Not a dumbed down leechOS.  I have made several attempts to get on with Android when the new iterations appeared, each time I hoped it would be better. But I found it and continue to find it intolerably irritating.
Thank goodness for Sailfish on the Gemini.  I look forward to V3.

As for some people complaining about the Gemini, there will always be some where their expectations are not met, it's just not possible to please everybody and when there are thousands of devices out there, there will inevitably be a few who don't like it. Just like I absolutely detest and abhor Android. Luckily Gemini owners that don't like it are few.

37

Gemini PDA - Sailfish OS / Mono headphone output?

« on: July 25, 2018, 03:24:31 am »

d.  In addition, the headphone are mono, along with the speakers..  That is certainly not right.  I know the speakers are mono (and apparently phase inverted), but my understanding was that this hardware bug did not apply to the headphone jack.  Has any one else noticed this behavior?

I don't think that problem is a Sailfish one, it's been reported with the shipped Android too.

38

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Gemini PDA Gen 2 Features Request

« on: July 25, 2018, 03:21:51 am »

...and that is why I now use my Gemini only as a WiFi device for which it performs rather brilliantly.

Yesterday, I reverted to using my aged Samsung Galaxy S5 for phone service.

By the way, I am considering giving my Gemini to a nephew, Eric, to reconfigure as a Linux terminal device for his tech job.
He thinks it is perfect and really meant for that purpose.
And Eric would get far more and better use from it than I have to date (I am terribly disappointed in the Gemini's cell phone failings and shortcomings).

Ifanafi

I don't have any phone problems with Gemini, it works quite well but that may be because I'm not in USA.
However, even before I received the Gemini I had figured out that it was not going to be a great phone, it was always my intention to keep using my smartpone for smartphone stuff. Not because of connectivity but because of form factor.
However, as a 4g connected input device for writing whilst out on the hoof, the Gemini with Sailfish is the device I've been waiting for and there is nothing else like it.
I would change the screen to e-paper if I could. I don't even need colour, but it is making a big difference to my work already.

39

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / USA Phone & Data Networks

« on: July 24, 2018, 05:09:14 am »

Looking at it from their perspective, I can understand why -- you don't want to allow a device on your network that could damage it or interfere with your other customers.

I still don't understand from that perspective, when every other network seems to cope perfectly well without that restriction.

The more likely perspective is that they can wring more money out of people if they keep control of who can use their network. Wouldn't work with me though, I would just avoid them.

40

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Perk/Accessory delivery?

« on: July 21, 2018, 05:51:03 am »

Yes and no. When you ordered there was no such thing. But one of the messages - the ones sent to all backers - stated that you should go to a form on a specific website and specify your keyboard. I think that was a message from March or April 2018.

No, well maybe for early backers keyboard layouts weren't finalised until after some discussion with backers in Summer 2017.
The smartsheet for keyboard selection wasw announced in the November 21 2017 update. So backers before November were invited to select their keyboard at that date and any after November were also invited to select keyboard there.

This was long before any Geminis were delivered.  Any message in March or April 2018 were just reminders, there were several reminders about keyboard selection from November and onward.

41

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Perk/Accessory delivery?

« on: July 20, 2018, 02:59:53 am »

Planet are printing keyboards to demand, during the last few months we found that some keyboard types can be delayed if they are not the most popular ones. Also, the wall charger for some nations can be out of stock.

Here's the thing - I did not get to choose keyboard layout when I pledged on IGG, there was no such option. Is it normal?

There was a web page where you put in your order number and keyboard choice. If you didn't do that then you get a default for your region, it seems the page has been taken down now so I guess it's all region default now unless you contact them.

42

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Gemini PDA Gen 2 Features Request

« on: July 20, 2018, 02:55:03 am »

The Gemini II would be far more attractive to consumers with a removable keyboard. It also becomes much more versatile for those of us who love the keys. This idea would also increase the battery life.

Then it may as well be just a bluetooth keyboard with a dock to mount any phone you choose.

As the X27 phone/screen part of the Gemini is a $200 Android phone similar to Elefone S8, what we are paying $400 more for is the keyboard and the keyboard integration (and a bit for all the linux support).

43

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Perk/Accessory delivery?

« on: July 19, 2018, 07:26:55 am »

I ordered mine (Wi-Fi+4G, no extras) on 12th July via IGG and... nothing. Order is not locked on IGG, my messages to PC don't get any replies. Am I the unlucky one, or are there other new (9XXX) backers getting the silent treatment?

Please kindly share your experiences. This situation is disturbing and frustrating for me, I am on the verge of asking for refund.

Most of us waited many months for our Gemini

Planet are printing keyboards to demand, during the last few months we found that some keyboard types can be delayed if they are not the most popular ones. Also, the wall charger for some nations can be out of stock.

But the biggest reason for delays is that the Gemini goes through a batch production run where a number are produced, QC'ed and then shipped either to Hong Kong for worldwide fulfillment, or  to London for Europe. The time for a batch seemed to be about 3 weeks, so your order might have to wait a couple of weeks for the next batch. If you have ordered an unusual keyboard then the wait could be longer.

44

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Reflections on State of Gemini OS'es & General

« on: July 18, 2018, 03:42:24 am »

I have Android squeezed into a minimal partition with the rest for sailfish. I have a strong dislike for Android so if I ever get the opportunity to remove it completely then I will.

Luckily for me, Sailfish does have the apps for the purposes that I wanted from the Gemini so it is my full time OS. I agree it is a little unfinished feeling, however that is to be expected as it is really just something to bridge the gap to Sailfish 3, which I expect to be more complete on the Gemini.

I knew when I backed Gemini that it was never going to make a good phone, so I continue to use my cellphone for those purposes. I have a SIM in the Gemini for 4G/LTE data only.

45

Gemini PDA - General Discussion / Official Gemini PDA User Guide

« on: July 05, 2018, 04:55:44 am »

Well I've worked in the motor trade over 45 years and I'm sorry to disagree here but cars do change even during their life, and in fact I could point out manuals which were out of date even when the car was first introduced, because the manufacturer made some late changes, and with preparation and publishing lead times the manuals had already been written!  However, let's leave that topic as we are really discussing the Gemini here!

Thanks again for the explanation, and I hope eventually to have Linux on mine too, but don't feel confident enough yet to re-flash it, plus I'm not sure that any of the flavours of Linux is really ready for the gemini yet.  I quite like the sound and possibilities of Sailfish but only when version 3 comes out.

I didn't mean the life of a model of car, I meant the actual instance of the car that you buy will match the manual that comes with it. Up until recently when touch screens were introduced, the manufacturer didn't issue an update that changes where switchgear and pedals are, and what they do. An owner may change it, but you don't get an update from the manufacturer to change the layout of the dash. Obviously when a new model revision comes out, it comes with a new revision of the manual.

This will change now, with cars like Tesla that can get an OS update over the air and much of their control is done through touch-screens, their printed manual (if there is one) will become outdated and less useful just as the Gemini one will when the Oreo update appears.

For your other point about linux not being ready, I think you can say the same about the Android. Definitely no going back to Android for me.