I have talked about the Gemini PDA on the site before and I am a huge fan of what they are doing. Today I had the chance to get hands-on with a full production unit of it in its Android version. The device has been made of the back of an Idiegogo campaign and as of today shipping to the UK, early backers is starting.
The idea behind the product is that some users are still demanding the functionality of a proper keyboard albeit in a small and compact form factor. I can say that this has most certainly been achieved. The keyboard on the device is extremely natural to type on and interacting with the touch screen is fluid and a very natural action.
I was able to get some video from Dr. Janko who is the CEO of Planet Computers the company behind the product for you to enjoy here.
I have also done a small typing demo to show how the keyboard feels in real-world usage.
As for the specs of the device these are below
| Gemini PDA (Wifi Only) | Gemini PDA (Wifi + 4G) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Network: | WIFI | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| GSM | – | 850/900/1800/1900MHz | |
| CDMA | – | 850/1900MHz BC0 BC1+ EVDO | |
| WCDMA | – | 900/2100MHz | |
| LTE | – | 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/17/20/41 | |
| VoLTE | – | Compatible | |
| Body: | Form Factor | Wide clamshell | Wide clamshell |
| Dimensions | 17.14(W) x 7.93cm(D) x 1.51(H)cm | 17.14(W) x 7.93cm(D) x 1.51(H)cm | |
| Weight | Approx 320g | Approx 320g | |
| SIM | – | SIM slot + eSIM (ready) | |
| Display: | Type | FHD+ (18:9) | FHD+ (18:9) |
| Size | 5.99inch | 5.99inch | |
| Resolution | 2160×1080, 403ppi | 2160×1080, 403 ppi | |
| Multi Touch | Yes | Yes | |
| Protection | Scratch resistant glass | Scratch resistant glass | |
| Platform: | OS | Android OS, Linux OS (dual-boot) | Android OS, Linux OS (dual-boot) |
| Chipset | Deca Core | Deca Core | |
| CPU | 2x Cortex A72 @2.6GHz 4x Cortex A53 @2.0GHz 4x Cortex A53 @1.6GHz |
2x Cortex A72 @2.6GHz 4x Cortex A53 @2.0GHz 4x Cortex A53 @1.6GHz |
|
| GPU | ARM Mali 875MHz | ARM Mali 875MHz | |
| Memory: | RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Card Slot | microSD | microSD | |
| Internal | 64 GB | 64 GB | |
| Camera: | Front Camera | 5Mp | 5Mp |
| Sound: | Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers |
| Microphone | Integrated ambient Microphone | Integrated ambient Microphone | |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes | Yes | |
| Comms: | WLAN | Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | v4.0 | v4.0 | |
| GPS | Yes, with AGPS | Yes, with AGPS | |
| NFC | – | – | |
| USB | 2x USB Type C, OTG support | 2x USB Type C, OTG support | |
| Features: | Keyboard | Mechanical full keyboard | Mechanical full keyboard |
| Voice Assistance | Dedicated button for voice commands | Dedicated button for voice commands | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, compass, light sensor, gyro, magneto-sensor | Accelerometer, compass, light sensor, gyro, magneto-sensor | |
| Fingerprint | – | – | |
| Battery: | Removable Li-Ion 4220mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 4220mAh battery | |
| Misc: | Colour | Metal, Gold-plated (limited edition) | Metal, Gold-plated (limited edition) |
Here are some more picture’s of the device including the limited edition Gold Model
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- Gemini left hand side ports
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- Gemini right hand side ports
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- Gemini PDA with optional Camera module
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- Gemini in phone orientation
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini keyboard
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini screen
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA
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- Gemini PDA Notification LED’s
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- Gemini PDA Gold Edition
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- Gemini PDA Gold Edition
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- Gemini PDA Gold Edition
I was also shown the versions of the device that were running Sailfish OS as you can see below
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- Gemini PDA running Sailfish OS
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- Gemini PDA running Sailfish OS
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- Gemini PDA
The team were also showing off the ability of the device running Ubuntu and Debian version of Linux if you prefer a more desktop-like UI
Gemini PDA running Debian Linux
Gemini PDA running Ubuntu Linux
The Linux builds for Ubuntu and Debian will be downloadable from the Planet Computers site in the very near future.
For those of you interested in this device you can order one from Planet Computer either via their website or via their Indiegogo site. If you order one now then you can expect it to be shipping near the middle of April. The Wifi only variant will cost $499 and the 4G version will come in at $599. There also additional perks available such as the Camera module, Leather Slip case and USB ub for expansion and external display output.