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There seems to be a bunch of these pocket Linux systems lately. I bought the Gemini PDA a couple of years ago (https://store.planetcom.co.uk/collections/gemini-

There seems to be a bunch of these pocket Linux systems lately. I bought the Gemini PDA a couple of years ago (https://store.planetcom.co.uk/collections/gemini-pda/products/gemini-pda-wifi-only https://store.planetcom.co.uk/collections/gemini-pda/product...). If you remember the Psion 5mx, (a contemporary of the later Palms), it had an absolutely amazing keyboard. The designer of that machine was involved, and the Gemini looks like an updated 5mx. The display is touch-sensitive. You can configure the Gemini to run Linux, which I have done. It took a bit of doing, but it works. Once you do that, you have a pocket Linux, with a surprisingly capable keyboard, considering the size. This appears to be far more attractive than these other pocket Linux systems, with their inferior-looking keyboards. So I wouldn't trade the Gemini for these alternatives. And I never use it. I bring it with me, but I never use it. It is still far less comfortable than using a laptop. Even on an airplane (economy seat), I prefer the awkwardness of using a laptop, to the compromises required by the Gemini.

EvanAnderson 6y ago
Thanks for taking the time to write that. I never used the Psion PDAs, but the Gemini (and its successor the Cosmo Communicator) looked really exciting to me. I was unwilling to spend the money because I wasn't really sure I'd use the thing. The number of situations where I want a computer with a dedicated keyboard with me but only have my phone are probably a lot fewer than I think.
- cstross 6y ago
  If the Gemini was a Psion 5 only Android/Linux based, the Cosmo was aiming more at the Nokia Communicator design space -- it was much better at telephony than the Gemini. But neither of them worked quite right, so Planet Computers are now prototyping the Astro Slide, for shipping this summer (but: expect delays -- they're usually a bit optimistic on their forecasts, and that's without COVID19 on top). The Astro Slide is basically a fat phablet phone with a slide-out Psion-style keyboard (the Psion 5's designer, Martin Riddiford, is responsible for the keyboard design on all three Planet Computing machines): https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/astro-slide-5g-transformer/ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/astro-slide-5g-transforme...
derekp7 6y ago
I have a Gemini also, and have backed the Astro Slide. However, I think the Gemini fits in that very awkward space where the keyboard is too small to touch type on, yet too big to use in handheld mode. I much prefer the slide out keyboard on the Nokia N810 (but still wouldn't be able to "code" on it). The best micro keyboard I've ever typed on is an Apple Newton keyboard that I interfaced with a Palm Pilot. The key spacing is 90% of a regular keyboard, which is about the smallest I can go and still touch type. I really wish I had a modern day portable device with this keyboard form factor.
- deleted 6y ago
  [deleted]
- justbrowsing_ 6y ago
  The Nokia N810 was the best. Regarding the keyboard, it helped if wrapped your hand around the kickstand. Great for writing shell scripts while waiting at the DMV
wastholm 6y ago
Just as a counterpoint, I do use mine. Not as much as I thought I would, but quite a bit. Sure, a laptop keyboard is a lot more comfortable, but a laptop is also so much bulkier and heavier to lug around. And no laptop of mine has mobile data built right into it.
- tubularhells 6y ago
  Thinkpads can do mobile data, of that's what you need.
vdqtp3 6y ago
I'm incredibly dissatisfied with my Gemini, since they never released a version of Linux that got the cell modem working.
fy20 6y ago
I was gonna ask what you use it for :-) Does anyone have experience with Bluetooth fold-up-keyboards? I'd imagine those with a tablet would be much more useable (I just carry a laptop, and tether with my phone, but wouldn't mind something smaller).
Wildgoose 6y ago
I use my Gemini, but not heavily. It's a great PDA but not an acceptable phone. Mobile data is useful though - and it's great for on-the-go programming. I have backed the AstroSlide though which should cover all the bases: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/astro-slide-5g-transformer/x/7586366#/ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/astro-slide-5g-transforme...

EvanAnderson 6y ago

Thanks for taking the time to write that. I never used the Psion PDAs, but the Gemini (and its successor the Cosmo Communicator) looked really exciting to me. I was unwilling to spend the money because I wasn't really sure I'd use the thing. The number of situations where I want a computer with a dedicated keyboard with me but only have my phone are probably a lot fewer than I think.

cstross 6y ago
If the Gemini was a Psion 5 only Android/Linux based, the Cosmo was aiming more at the Nokia Communicator design space -- it was much better at telephony than the Gemini. But neither of them worked quite right, so Planet Computers are now prototyping the Astro Slide, for shipping this summer (but: expect delays -- they're usually a bit optimistic on their forecasts, and that's without COVID19 on top). The Astro Slide is basically a fat phablet phone with a slide-out Psion-style keyboard (the Psion 5's designer, Martin Riddiford, is responsible for the keyboard design on all three Planet Computing machines): https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/astro-slide-5g-transformer/ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/astro-slide-5g-transforme...

derekp7 6y ago

I have a Gemini also, and have backed the Astro Slide. However, I think the Gemini fits in that very awkward space where the keyboard is too small to touch type on, yet too big to use in handheld mode. I much prefer the slide out keyboard on the Nokia N810 (but still wouldn't be able to "code" on it). The best micro keyboard I've ever typed on is an Apple Newton keyboard that I interfaced with a Palm Pilot. The key spacing is 90% of a regular keyboard, which is about the smallest I can go and still touch type. I really wish I had a modern day portable device with this keyboard form factor.

deleted 6y ago
[deleted]
justbrowsing_ 6y ago
The Nokia N810 was the best. Regarding the keyboard, it helped if wrapped your hand around the kickstand. Great for writing shell scripts while waiting at the DMV

wastholm 6y ago

Just as a counterpoint, I do use mine. Not as much as I thought I would, but quite a bit. Sure, a laptop keyboard is a lot more comfortable, but a laptop is also so much bulkier and heavier to lug around. And no laptop of mine has mobile data built right into it.

tubularhells 6y ago
Thinkpads can do mobile data, of that's what you need.

vdqtp3 6y ago

I'm incredibly dissatisfied with my Gemini, since they never released a version of Linux that got the cell modem working.

fy20 6y ago

I was gonna ask what you use it for :-) Does anyone have experience with Bluetooth fold-up-keyboards? I'd imagine those with a tablet would be much more useable (I just carry a laptop, and tether with my phone, but wouldn't mind something smaller).

Wildgoose 6y ago

I use my Gemini, but not heavily. It's a great PDA but not an acceptable phone. Mobile data is useful though - and it's great for on-the-go programming. I have backed the AstroSlide though which should cover all the bases: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/astro-slide-5g-transformer/x/7586366#/ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/astro-slide-5g-transforme...