The Gemini: New Psion like computer on Indiegogo

ianp5a · 3 Mar 2017

Planet Computers, London are bringing out a new small size computer later this year for $349 if you back it now on Indiegogo

4G+Wifi , 5.7" Touchscreen, Camera, Dual boot Android and Linux.
It has a clever clamshell mechanism, designed by the original Psion designers.

It looks quite interesting. Could replace a huge laptop. A bit like a Psion, but no stick in sight though.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gemini-pda-android-linux-keyboard-mobile-device-phone#/

eeyore · 6 Mar 2017

Brings back memory's of my nokia communicator

asaspasas6 · 10 Mar 2017

interesting... Sailfish & Ubuntu OS (most likely, but not confirmed yet)

f/1.2 · 10 Mar 2017

Miss my old Psion Revo

andrewc · 10 Mar 2017

I still have a Psion 5, and every so often I put some batteries in it and have a play. Then put it back in the drawer and forget about it.

ianp5a · 10 Mar 2017

Yes, I'm holding off til they make a Revo sized one. This Gemini seems Series 5 sized. And, like a phablet, is too big for my pocket. I'm missing no longer having a physical keyboard on a phone.

ancient_mariner · 10 Mar 2017

ianp5a said:
Planet Computers, London are bringing out a new small size computer later this year for $349 if you back it now on Indiegogo

4G+Wifi , 5.7" Touchscreen, Camera, Dual boot Android and Linux.
It has a clever clamshell mechanism, designed by the original Psion designers.

It looks quite interesting. Could replace a crappy tablet. A bit like a Psion, but no stick in sight though.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gemini-pda-android-linux-keyboard-mobile-device-phone#/

FTFY.

I'm curious as to what advantage this has in terms of functionality over a small tablet+keyboard? As far as replacing a huge laptop goes, it's never going to be easy to work on extensive spreadsheets or documents, so for business users I can't see where this has an advantage over a phone or tablet *except* for an attached key pad (which isn't novel).

ChrisH · 10 Mar 2017

Nokia communicator that's a blast from the past.

I bet it will need all sorts of clip on junk just like a zx81

ianp5a · 11 Mar 2017

ancient_mariner said:
FTFY.

I'm curious as to what advantage this has in terms of functionality over a small tablet+keyboard? As far as replacing a huge laptop goes, it's never going to be easy to work on extensive spreadsheets or documents, so for business users I can't see where this has an advantage over a phone or tablet *except* for an attached key pad (which isn't novel).

If you are going to enter a lot of text then the hardware keyboard is going to be much nicer to use than the on-screen keyboard that takes up more than half the screen. And although no better than a Bluetooth keyboard, it is always connected, always switched on and it's not going to be left at home because you "didn't think you were going to need it". That ease of use is there, even if you just pop it out to enter a few more notes whilst walking along.

Regarding spreadsheets or other desktop type apps, this is going to let you use them wherever you are. You don't need to go to a special place to work. Anyone who used Psions know how useful that was. I would fill in my timesheet on the bus, or carry on my writing whilst sitting at the bottom of the garden or by the lake. You are more likely to have it with you than a laptop.

Today I enter reminders on my phone to do things when I get home. In the Psion days, these things could all be done as I went along. So when I got home I didn't have a list of things still to do.

This doesn't have the benefits of a 3 month battery life, or the screen being excellent in direct sunlight, like a Psion. But it's does add an extra dimension that we don't have now.