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.

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

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

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.

Thinkpads can do mobile data, of that's what you need.

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-transforme...

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.

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-transforme...

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).