Longer use review

[vader]

I realise many people are still waiting on their geminis. I was one of the lucky ones who got an early unit - I suppose I waited over a year, but it was worth it. Here is my little review with my thoughts of using the gemini exclusively over the last month.

Bad things

1. When I first got it, the keyboard layout was wrong and needed configuring

2. VoLTE kept dropping calls - not the geminis fault really, but still annoying

3. Android only - I'm not a fan, but at least it works well.[/li]

Um, thats it as far as I can see.

Good things

1. The keyboard is awesome once you get used to it. I am writing this on the gemini. You can touch type if it is on a desk or table. Much better than tapping something out on a screen.

2. The performance. Ok, I have an x25 CPU, but boy is this thing fast. On paper it lacks a bit of the punch of the top tier devices, but it is only on paper. In day to day use it is lightning fast. I must admit to liking old games and I have installed mupen64plus. It runs better on the gemini than on my wife's laptop.

3. The planet bar. Seriously, it actually works! I didn't think I would use it, but I have set it up with all my most used apps and it is really good and fast.

4. Keyboard shortcuts. Another absolutely brilliant feature. Makes android almost usable. My most used ones are the volume up/down, task list (fn-a) and desktop (fn-d).

5. The size/weight/feel is better than I thought. It easily slips into my pocket, and the weight gives it a feel of a proper device. When shut it looks like it is well protected as well. As a matter of interest, a friend has one of the xl type iphones which is only marginally smaller (in height) than the gemini - it isn't overly huge.

6. Battery life. Gets through a full days heavy use with ease. With light use and very little configuring you could get 2-3 days easy, but that isn't what the gemini is for  I could probably flatten the battery with 8-10 hours of gaming, but I only ever play for an hour or so at a time.[/li]

General
I have been using the gemini as my only device now for nearly a month. I have done internet banking, docs, spreadsheets, browsing, all phone related stuff, and have not found it wanting. I have installed termux and used it to connect to our servers at work. I have done the opposite and run sshd on the gemini and written/read sms messages on my work pc (very useful btw). I had no keyboard problems when I first got it, but I will say that after a week or so of good use, the keyboard does relax a little. By this I mean that all the keys seem to get a more consistent feel - maybe just wearing in, or maybe I am just used to it now. It is really a joy to type on, and there is nothing like it in the mobile world, unless you have a full size bluetooth keyboard.

I will also say that everything I have tried with the USB seems to work. I already had a USB C hub with ethernet and HDMI (ok, the HDMI didn't work) and it works as expected. I have used miracast to display on my tv and external monitor, and while gaming is probably off the menu due to an nnoying 1/4 sec lag movies and general use (docs etc) is fine.

For those still waiting for their gemini, don't worry it is worth it. I am waiting for sailfish to become available as I think that will be the perfect match for the gemini. Full linux distro with mobile display and phone functionality.

I want't going to make the review this big, but I just kept typing. Hope it helps people waiting to see that it is worth the wait.

Cheers.

[zevv]

I have done the opposite and run sshd on the gemini and written/read sms messages on my work pc (very useful btw).

What SSHd do you use for this?

[speculatrix]

Thanks for the review. I'm really hoping mine will arrive before I go away on a trip because it will be so much better than carrying and using a bluetooth keyboard on a plane

[Varti]

Great review, can't wait to receive my Gemini! What about the issue with the loosening silicone strips, is that happening on your unit too?

Varti

[vader]

@zevv I use sshd from termux (install openssl). You need to add your key to the known keys in termux (follow the instructions), then just run sshd, or add it to your startup options.

@Varti Mine had a sort of ripple when I first got it - I actually thought it was to hold it steady like little feet. It is now pretty flat. I didn't play with it and it just seemed to settle in. So yes, I probably had some sore of issue with it, but just didn't realise. All good now.

[Alius]

Thank you very much for sharing your valuable insights!

*resumes waiting impatiently for his Gemini*  

[ArchiMark]

Great review, vader!

Only problem is now I want to receive my Gemini even more!

According to the Order Check page, I should have mine mid-May....oh well....

Keep us posted as you continue to use it...

Any thoughts of putting linux on it?

Mark

[gidds]

I am waiting for sailfish to become available as I think that will be the perfect match for the gemini.

Does anyone know if all those benefits will apply to Sailfish — in particular, the Planet bar, and keyboard shortcuts?

At the risk of hijacking this thread, I'm still trying to decide what OS I'll want on my Gemini (arriving this month, hopefully).  Ideally it'd be:

• Tuned and optimised for the form factor.  (That's one of the reasons I'm still using a Psion 5mx: it does what it does incredibly well, and makes best use of the hardware.)
• Fully controllable and customisable.  (I'm a software guy — the main reason I'm still using a Psion is because I've got so much info, files, customisation, and self-written software invested in it.)  This includes being able to write software for (and hopefully on) it.
• Preferably free/open-source; partly for ideological reasons, partly coz it tends to be easier to customise and fix, and partly coz it tends to be more future-proof.  (I don't mind paying for software if it's worth it, though being locked into upgrade costs puts me off.)
• All the usual stuff should Just Work™, and keep working long-term without much maintenance.  (I've reached the age when I don't want to spend lots of time installing, setting up, upgrading… — I want to use the device, not mess about with it.)  This includes full telephony, Internet, contacts, email, agenda, ebooks, navigation, music library, terminal/shell access, backups, &c &c.
• Wide range of available software.  (If not now, then soon.)
• Good chance of being supported in the long term; I don't want to be stuck down a dead-end, or have to change horses mid-metaphor.  (That's why I have mixed feelings about the range of different OSs and communities springing up around the Gemini — all the buzz is encouraging, but the more fragmented we are, the less we benefit from each other's support, and the less momentum we'll gather.)

Nothing much seems to fit those (very optimistic, and probably contradictory) requirements yet.  What I've seen of Android seems too restricted, and I don't trust it.  But a standard desktop OS would be painful to use on this form factor, and it doesn't sound like any of the Linux distros fully support the telephony &c.

Is Sailfish looking like a good bet for me, and/or is there something else I should be looking at?

[vader]

@ArchMark the only reason I havent put linux on is that this is my only device - it needs telephony support. I originally was going to put debian on, but at the moment you can connect data but not voice.

@gidds Lineage may end up ticking all your boxes. You can install gcc/python/perl etc and program on the device. You can also compile open source projects. You can obviously do this with android as well, just with a bit more snooping

Sailfish is linux, full and undiluted with a custom display layer. I have heard that the new version will have keyboard shortcut support. As a stopgap, sailfish can run android apps, but as it is Qt based, porting can be very easy (so I have read - no actual experience here). I am a linux dev, so I like this. You can install the normal toolchain so developing on device should be possible. Sailfish is designed for phones/tablets so should also work well for a comms device (telephone, sms etc). It has been around 5 ish years and seems to be catching on now. For me I think it is a good choice.

[salvomic]

I want't going to make the review this big, but I just kept typing. Hope it helps people waiting to see that it is worth the wait.

Cheers.

very good review, Vader, Thant you!
yes, I'm waiting for it and this experience make me a bit more relaxed

Salvo

[andrewl]

I too am not a fan of Android, but will tolerate it until something better.  The problem is that the mobile OS world is dominated by a couple of big nasty corporates and they've bullied out any competition.

I am really hoping that Sailfish 3 will give us some better choice and have a more ethical business behind it.

[terryowen]

Thanks for the review. It's good to know that the keyboard settles in. I know Planet has said this but with all the early quality issues, I guess some of us were a little wary.

I'm going to use my wifi version as a mobile computer, as I don't want to give up my phone's camera (the main Gemini downfall, IMO) so it sounds like I will be happy. Sometime in May. :-)