Quick Facts

• Gemini is an integrated keyboard mobile device that fits in your pocket
• It features an ultra-thin metal clamshell design with a fully integrated QWERTY keyboard
• Designed for Android, it also features a dual boot Linux option
• 4G & WiFi and WiFi only models are available - enabling both data communications and mobile phone calls
• The large ultra-wide touchscreen and double-sized battery provide optimal usability and portability

Media coverage

Trusted Reviews: "Return of The Psion: New Gemini PDA is a retro Android and Linux delight"
The Register: "The Psion returns! Meet Gemini, the 21st century pocket computer"
ZDNet: "Psion reborn? But this time it's Gemini PDA, an Android-Linux phone with full keyboard"
Slash Gear: "Gemini PDA brings back Psion days with Android/Linux pocket PC"
MÓVIL EXPERTO: "Gemini PDA, un proyecto interesante basado en Linux"
Pc Watch: "シャープの「NetWalker」の再来を彷彿とさせる5.7型のAndroid/Linuxデュアルブート端末"

Summary

At Planet Computers, we are passionate about typing, writing, being productive and creating on the go. 

Since the introduction of touchscreen mobile phones and tablets, we felt that it is very difficult to type on these types of devices. On-screen keyboards often take up more than half the readable screen. We want to get back to typing on a fully tactile keyboard whilst being able to view the entire screen. All this on a device no larger than most modern mobile phones.

We decided to re-invent the palm-sized keyboard mobile device that will benefit many, who we think are missing using the keyboard on the move. From bloggers and creatives that need to constantly write, to professionals who need to read and write e-mail, create and edit documents and spreadsheets.

Gemini is a modern clam-shell based mobile device with a fully integrated palm-sized keyboard. 

To ensure Gemini has the lineage and continuity of the clamshell PDA designs, and to have the best mobile keyboard design on the market, we partnered up with Martin Riddiford and his London-based product design consultancy, Therefore, who were instrumental in the design of the Psion PDAs of the 1990s. In terms of software we partnered up with Private Planet, a leading supplier of applications and personal cloud solutions for mobile operators such as T-Mobile and Etisalat. The Planet Computers team each has over 20 years experience of software and hardware delivery.

The result of our work with Therefore is a beautiful piece of design, befitting the device we want to create. The hardware is based on a leading reference design based on a 10-core state-of-the-art mobile processor.

Gemini features a sleek metal clamshell design that is perfectly balanced for typing when open and beautifully tucks away the palm-sized QWERTY keyboard and screen when closed. It fits into a pocket, roughly the same size as most of today's mobile phones. When open, the innovative clamshell also acts as a support of the device. The ultra-wide 5.99" hi-res screen provides ample space for creating on the go. The fully tactile keyboard is recognised as the world's best yet smallest full-sized keyboard for finger touch typing. 

We plan to have two versions of Gemini: one model with WiFi only; and the other fully equipped with WiFi and 4G mobile communications. 

Features:

• Two weeks of stand-by time / 12 hours of talk time (TBC)
• Fully tactile keyboard - recognised as the smallest keyboard for finger touch typing
• Measure: 17.14 cm x 7.93 cm x 1.51 cm
• 5.99” colour hi-res ultra-wide touch screen
• Wifi & WiFi+4G mobile options
• Weight: 320 g
• Dual side mounted speakers
• Dual USB-C connectors to connect to keyboards, external screens, mice, charging cables as needed and many more.
• Integrated Voice Assist button
• SD card slot (covered)

Technical Specifications:

Software:

Gemini is powered by the latest Android OS, supporting all your favourite applications. A number of key applications will also be optimised for the landscape screen and physical keyboard.

Gemini will also support Linux as a secondary boot option which provides Linux users with the rich set of Open Source applications.

The software also supports voice recognition using the integrated Voice Assist smart button located on the right hand side of Gemini. You can interact with Gemini using voice commands, even when it is closed in your pocket.

What We Need & What You Get

We are proud of what we have created to date but need your help to push it over the line. By supporting us, you will be part of re-inventing the PDA product category, which we feel is so lacking in the market at present. We would love you to join us on our journey to bring the product to life.

We aim to raise $200,000 through our crowd funding campaign. We have a fully functioning physical model of the device and have identified the mobile hardware platform that is based on the Mediatek Helio X27 processor and the Mali GPU.

Funds raised will go directly to funding the final design phases, manufacturing of the units ordered through the crowd fund, and development of the full software stack. 

As early backers, we were keen to reward you with some unique perks. All Gemini units claimed as perks will have at least $200 off the planned retail price. First deliveries now start in January 2018 - only to Gemini backers.

The Impact

We want to change the way you work and play, liberating you from the need to take laptops with you, whilst still giving you an environment in which you can create on a tactile keyboard. Its computing for the creators, rather than consumers. Whether you owned a PDA in the 90's or require a real keyboard integrated into your mobile device for extensive typing, Gemini is the device for you. 

The team behind this campaign and Planet Computers has been involved in successfully delivering 5 funded crowdfunding campaigns. We have expertise in bringing both consumer electronics, hardware and software to market.