Author Topic: worth picking up a Gemini PDA today (2024) for Linux ?  (Read 5161 times)

TheNetEffect

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worth picking up a Gemini PDA today (2024) for Linux ?
« on: April 19, 2024, 06:49:20 am »
I already have a Cosmo but was considering picking up a Gemini to install Kali - is that still worth it / a viable option today ?

jakfish

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Re: worth picking up a Gemini PDA today (2024) for Linux ?
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2024, 02:29:03 pm »
I'm using Gemini exclusively on my Gem, with a patched exagear to run a couple of x86 programs. You'll probably need a battery, but there are a couple of threads here about workaround replacements. I'm using a Huawei 2200mAh battery that gives enough juice to compute for 5-6 hours, but probably not enough to work as an all-day phone.

Given that Gemini provides both wifi and data, along with desktop-quality apps, it's my favorite handheld, even more than my PinePhone/kb.

Jake

PalmtopFan

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Re: worth picking up a Gemini PDA today (2024) for Linux ?
« Reply #2 on: August 13, 2024, 10:03:04 am »
I'm another one that pulled my Gemini out of a drawer where it has sat for several years, only to taken out occasionally to keep the battery exercised. I've been playing with Gemian, but in 2024 I seem to be struggling with package updates. I followed the excellent sticky at the top of this section, but find the update process is reporting missing this that and the other. Ideally I just want this device to allow me to tinker and experiment with compiling code with gcc using vim and the command line. But apt-get install build-essential just complains about not finding linked packages.

So I'm not really sure how useable the device is in 2024.

It's a great shame that the manufacturer seems to have got itself into such a pickle, seemingly moving onto the next revenue stream before satisfying those that financed the previous one(s). The device is really quite well built compared to many other devices, and when feeling the density of these newer products over the trusty old Psion Series 5mx I still have, it makes you appreciate how much the engineering has moved on. The Series 5mx feels like a plastic empty toy by comparison. Even so, with its monochrome screen and user replaceable AA batteries, it was a wonderful device though. In my opinion, no one seems to have matched it since. It's a pity these Planet devices don't look as if they have the manufacturer's support to partly fill that gap.