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Comment by msh | Hacker News Reader

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msh

You can still have it. You can order one at https://store.planetcom.co.uk

Comes preinstalled with android, but you can load linux on them instead if you so wish.

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Don't

Mine is now have its hinge broken.

Also its battery is almost dead, have emailed Planet asking for replacement (and how much) - and have been ignored for WEEKS. Looking at online forums, some have been ignored for MONTHS.

Keyboard feels very sloppy. And some of them must be pressed very hard - while others register multiple clicks even when touched very lightly.

Forget about the camera - it sucks so bad compared to even a cheap chinese smartphone. Just use it to scan QR codes at most, and even that it have problems from time to time.

And so on, so on.

I can second that. Had the Gemini. Never used it much because everything was awkward about it, from the lack of software/firmware to the keyboard until two years later the battery expanded and was bending the case. Not only refused planetcomputers to replace it for free, the only option they gave me was paying £125.00 and sending it in. I've asked if they can send me a replacement battery so I can do it myself but they refused, pointing out safety issues with mailing a battery - while asking me to send the Gemini with the swollen battery to them.

Last I tried on mine (admittedly several years ago) the linux side was severely underbaked.

Waiting for Linux to be available on the new one, using Android with a keyboard isn't a good experience it's one of the least polished / finished aspects of Android.

It's a nice object though - if I could run Ubuntu touch it would be good.

I think I saw one of Planet Computers models or one close to it, and the keyboard keys felt like rubber keys with laptop caps glued on, not like real pantograph or scissors keys. I felt I dodged a bullet at that moment.

Looks brilliant - though a great pocketable folding keyboard and a 'normal' phone might be better for most people who want a keyboard. I had a brilliant folding Bluetooth keyboard that I used with my Nokia E61 before I used it with my Dell Streak - writing and editing text felt like a dream - but I could ditch the keyboard when it wasn't needed.

What's the battery life like? Every time I've looked for a modern Psion or TRS-80 Model 100, battery life is measured in hours instead of weeks which is a real bummer. With 30 years of improvements, a pair of AA batteries should be enough for months of daily use.

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