Buy Now or Wait for 2nd Gen?

[jakfish]

Since I'm Gemini-less, I've only been lurking here (hats off to Varti for running such a good forum!), but a recent company mistake during my car-cleaning is giving me $350 USD compensation. That's close enough to the $599 USD for me to consider buying a Gemini.

I've been a user of Zaurus, Psion. Windows CE, so I understand the essential benefits and limitations of handheld devices.

So my question to current users: should I pull the trigger or wait for the next Gemini edition?

I have a GPD Pocket--a machine that has had its own keyboard problems--that I truly enjoy, but I am envious of Gemini owners who have a already-functioning or key-mat-repaired keyboard.

I'm a T-Mobile user in the US and for a phone, I use a Blackberry Priv (pkb). If any current user has any insight into T-Mobile/Gemini usage, I'd be very appreciative. It would be a pleasure to retire the Priv and use a Gemini as a phone.

Thanks in advance for any advice,
Jake

[vader]

Since I'm Gemini-less, I've only been lurking here (hats off to Varti for running such a good forum!), but a recent company mistake during my car-cleaning is giving me $350 USD compensation. That's close enough to the $599 USD for me to consider buying a Gemini.

I've been a user of Zaurus, Psion. Windows CE, so I understand the essential benefits and limitations of handheld devices.

So my question to current users: should I pull the trigger or wait for the next Gemini edition?

I have a GPD Pocket--a machine that has had its own keyboard problems--that I truly enjoy, but I am envious of Gemini owners who have a already-functioning or key-mat-repaired keyboard.

I'm a T-Mobile user in the US and for a phone, I use a Blackberry Priv (pkb). If any current user has any insight into T-Mobile/Gemini usage, I'd be very appreciative. It would be a pleasure to retire the Priv and use a Gemini as a phone.

Thanks in advance for any advice,
Jake

Hi Jake,
I am not in the US, but here is a link to check the bands supported by the gemini on t-mobile. Bottom line is that it doesnt support UTMS, but does support GSM and LTE on t-mobile.

https://www.frequencycheck.com/carrier-comp...e-united-states

As far as gemini v2, that is year(s) away. I was one of the lucky first batch of recipients, and have been using my G for close to 2 months now. I didnt need a new mat for the keyboard, and it has now settled in really well. You will be waiting a little while for a unit if you order now, however it will be far less time than the v2

Initially, I had the same feeling as when I first opened the box for my BB passport. I thought it was quite large, but in reality it is about the same size as other XL variety phones. People at work call it my small laptop, and truthfully, that is probably closer to reality. If you like your priv, and had a zaurus (like me) and a psion (3c for me) you will absolutely love the gemini.

[jakfish]

Hi, Vader,

I very much appreciate you doing some investigation into T-Mobile/Gemini/US. Obviously, LTE would be better to have than UTMS unless a signal problem forced a downgrade and I ended up with Edge or something instead of UTMS.

In the comment section of the Indiego Gemini, I saw something about a US user w/ T-Mobile, but I can't find it again.

I'm glad to hear that you escaped keyboard issues, even with an early release. It does seem that Planet got in front of that mat issue as best they could.

Yeah, I guess a 2nd Gen is far away--there's already enough interest in a 2nd Gen Pocket, but GPD isn't even crowdfunding it, let alone building. And the Pocket's been out for a while.

I don't know if I can truly substitute a Gemini for a BB Priv, but I could try. And once the fine wags of the internet put together a decent custom livecd, I would want Linux over Android, a choice that preclude a phone, I imagine.

Thanks again for your post,
Jake

[andrewl]

I'm watching the number of Geminis being sold through IndieGogo at the higher price and it's not really setting the place alight. But they are still selling 2 or 3 per day, which won't sustain a business. They will need a bigger retail distribution.

The thing needs to take off to justify a revision 2, and if it's worth doing then I'm certain another maker would produce a similar product pretty quick as the Chinese electronics industry is exceptionally good at getting a new product to production and market.

Planet would need to keep a selling advantage, whether that's the keyboard or being first mover or being as open source as possible.

[Ifanafi]

This opinionated Gemini 'backer' believes there is no better time than now. The future is uncertain.
Planet's long-term viability is absolutely uncertain.

Will there be a Gemini 2.0?
Maybe. Maybe not.
But if there is another version, I shall carpe diem the offer to back or buy it... whenever.
Said another way, I shall pounce on it like a hungry hobo on a hot, honey-ham sandwich!

Will Gemini's Linux and Sailfish plans / development projects get sorted out this year?
Yes, because there's much backer pressure on Planet to deliver on those features.

Were I in your about-to-get $350 in, shall we say, 'found money' situation that honestly isn't needed elsewhere in my life, then I'd buy a Gemini DIRECTLY from Planet; NOT from profiteering scalpers.

So, act in the 'now' and GO FOR IT.

Ifanafi

-------

Since I'm Gemini-less, I've only been lurking here (hats off to Varti for running such a good forum!), but a recent company mistake during my car-cleaning is giving me $350 USD compensation. That's close enough to the $599 USD for me to consider buying a Gemini.

I've been a user of Zaurus, Psion. Windows CE, so I understand the essential benefits and limitations of handheld devices.

So my question to current users: should I pull the trigger or wait for the next Gemini edition?

I have a GPD Pocket--a machine that has had its own keyboard problems--that I truly enjoy, but I am envious of Gemini owners who have a already-functioning or key-mat-repaired keyboard.

I'm a T-Mobile user in the US and for a phone, I use a Blackberry Priv (pkb). If any current user has any insight into T-Mobile/Gemini usage, I'd be very appreciative. It would be a pleasure to retire the Priv and use a Gemini as a phone.

Thanks in advance for any advice,
Jake

[Ifanafi]

You make good points.

Still, given Planet's tenacious follow-through with the Gemini, I frankly expect them to crowd fund an improved, enhanced and probably amazing version 2.0 in 2019.

I would gladly back V2.0's perk price in the $600-$1,000 price range, and sell V1.0 online (probably for a nice profit thanks to the scalpers selling their Gemini's now).

Cheers!

I'm watching the number of Geminis being sold through IndieGogo at the higher price and it's not really setting the place alight. But they are still selling 2 or 3 per day, which won't sustain a business. They will need a bigger retail distribution.

The thing needs to take off to justify a revision 2, and if it's worth doing then I'm certain another maker would produce a similar product pretty quick as the Chinese electronics industry is exceptionally good at getting a new product to production and market.

Planet would need to keep a selling advantage, whether that's the keyboard or being first mover or being as open source as possible.

[jakfish]

I'm glad to see this enthusiasm  

I think I will pull the trigger and buy direct from Planet and put up with the long wait. Hadn't known there were scalpers, but I try to buy new computers if possible. Plus, Planet deserves the business.

I've tried to monitor hardware issues and it appears the keyboard has been the big one, though users in certain countries have complained of dropped calls.

Jake

[vader]

I've tried to monitor hardware issues and it appears the keyboard has been the big one, though users in certain countries have complained of dropped calls.

Dropped calls seem to be related to VoLTE. If you lose LTE connection, then the call will most probably be dropped. There is a fallback protocol but not all carriers support it. I am in Australia and had many dropped calls before I worked out it was VoLTE related. Ironically, it was a t-mobile iphone forum which pointed me in this direction. I just turned off VoLTE and not one dropped call since.

[jakfish]

Sorry for the late reply, I must've missed the email notice.

I'm glad to have the VoLTE tip. You early users certainly are the canaries in the mine

Jake

[Rosie]

I'm glad to see this enthusiasm  

I think I will pull the trigger and buy direct from Planet and put up with the long wait. Hadn't known there were scalpers, but I try to buy new computers if possible. Plus, Planet deserves the business.

I've tried to monitor hardware issues and it appears the keyboard has been the big one, though users in certain countries have complained of dropped calls.

Jake

I had one of the first production run Geminis and now have one of the second (for reasons that are far too dull to go into again).  If my replacement unit is anything like representative of the second run then you can cross concerns about the keyboard off your list of reasons not to buy.  The first one was nice though not perfect, the new one is an absolute joy.

Rosie

[1668880]

I'm glad to see this enthusiasm  

I think I will pull the trigger and buy direct from Planet and put up with the long wait. Hadn't known there were scalpers, but I try to buy new computers if possible. Plus, Planet deserves the business.

I've tried to monitor hardware issues and it appears the keyboard has been the big one, though users in certain countries have complained of dropped calls.

Jake

I had one of the first production run Geminis and now have one of the second (for reasons that are far too dull to go into again).  If my replacement unit is anything like representative of the second run then you can cross concerns about the keyboard off your list of reasons not to buy.  The first one was nice though not perfect, the new one is an absolute joy.

Rosie

Hello Rosie. I am glade to see that PC sent you a replacement. I have T-Mobile and am in Washington state. The Gemini works as a phone but with out a rear camera it is useless because you can not scan QR codes or bar codes so I have went back to using my Note 4 as my phone. The Gemini does not last long when playing games on it in Android ans will over heat if you plug it in ans continue using it. I noticed the the internet speed of the Gemini was slower then my phone so I placed the sim back into my phone and open a mobile hot spot and connect the Gemini to it and it is as fast as my phone is. I have not found out why this is and can only assume that that the Gemini is not connecting to 4G so the speed suffers. Phone calls are good and I had no complaints when taking or placing calls. So I you think there will be a 2.0 coming out I would wait for that one since it will hopefully get the mods the backers are asking for. I know I wished PC had backlighted the keyboard because the angle on the screen does not shine on to the keyboard.

[jakfish]

Thanks to Rosie and 1668880 for their input.

@1668880: that's a little discouraging about T-mobile. And the lack of keyboard lighting is something I hadn't considered.

T-mobile, for all its lapses in coverage (I find dead spots less than 10 miles away), gives me too good a deal to switch carriers. So if Gemini/T-mobile can't generate UTMS, do you think you're dropping all the way down to 2G?

Though I've yet to hold one in my hand, I'm not certain I could use it as a daily driver phone, 4G or not. The thought of opening it up to find numbers to call strikes me as cumbersome and could make dropping it easier.. The candy bar phones of the Nokia Communicator series all had two screens to solve this issue. But I'm only working with a hypothesis since I don't have a Gemini.

Jake

[1668880]

Though I've yet to hold one in my hand, I'm not certain I could use it as a daily driver phone, 4G or not. The thought of opening it up to find numbers to call strikes me as cumbersome and could make dropping it easier.. The candy bar phones of the Nokia Communicator series all had two screens to solve this issue. But I'm only working with a hypothesis since I don't have a Gemini.

Jake

Don't forget that android is able to do voice calling how well it does it depends on you and the headphones you use. I did not have a hard time placing calls because there is only 5 people I need to talk to and they are listed under speed dial. If I needed to talk to anyone else in my contacts list it takes longer due to having to swipe the screen. T mobile on my Gemini bounces between 4G, 3G and 2G so that causes the battery to drain quicker. So if you have the cash I would say grab one now because I do not see the demand growing for the Gemini fast enough for PC to bother with a Ver. 2  of the Gemini. I hope I am wrong about that because as soon as PC offers one I will back for one if they add the backlighted keybord.

[vader]

Don't forget that android is able to do voice calling how well it does it depends on you and the headphones you use.

I use the assistant all the time to make calls. I dont use headphones, just pull the gemini from my pocket, hit the silver button and say "cal ....". It works particularly well when you just say the number for example if you get it from a card. Just say "call 123456789" or whatever the phone number is and it will do it.I also tend to use "what is the time" a lot. No need to open it. Just make sure your volume isn't at max

[Ifanafi]

Thanks for the excellent reminder tip about using a voice-activated "assistant" app to make calls, tell time, check the local weather... etc.

BTW, I am researching (and making a list of) good, strong, FIVE STAR rated apps for my Gemini.
Going now to find an alternative to Google's Assistant app.

Cheers!

Ifanafi

Don't forget that android is able to do voice calling how well it does it depends on you and the headphones you use.

I use the assistant all the time to make calls. I dont use headphones, just pull the gemini from my pocket, hit the silver button and say "cal ....". It works particularly well when you just say the number for example if you get it from a card. Just say "call 123456789" or whatever the phone number is and it will do it.I also tend to use "what is the time" a lot. No need to open it. Just make sure your volume isn't at max