Ergonomics (in-hand feel) - Planet Gemini PDA Real Life Review

Please, no "that's what she said" jokes. Rate this thread to express how you think the Planet Gemini PDA feels in-hand. A higher rating indicates that it's comfortable to hold for long periods of time, even in one hand. Resist the urge to say "TWSS" just now. Seriously.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

The keyboard.
Once you get used to it i actually think it is better than the one of the Psion 5MX / Ericsson MC218.
It does the job. I use my Gemini to input a lot more information than I would use my Samsung Note 8 for.

jah said:
The keyboard.
Once you get used to it i actually think it is better than the one of the Psion 5MX / Ericsson MC218.
It does the job. I use my Gemini to input a lot more information than I would use my Samsung Note 8 for.
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Click to collapse
I received my Gemini and have no idea how to switch physical keyboard layout. I configured (added one) Russian layout for both Gemini Keyboard app and Android stock keyboard and I can see russian symbols on virtual keyboard, but switching layout seems not working. Standard hint gives only chrome-compatible shortcuts with "search" symbol but it's not the case, right? I was able to "switch" layouts by pressing LCTRL+RSHIFT+SPACE, at least I've seen pop-up saying layout is switched but nothing really changed - only latin symbols can be typed on a h/w keyboard.

fk00 said:
I received my Gemini and have no idea how to switch physical keyboard layout. I configured (added one) Russian layout for both Gemini Keyboard app and Android stock keyboard and I can see russian symbols on virtual keyboard, but switching layout seems not working. Standard hint gives only chrome-compatible shortcuts with "search" symbol but it's not the case, right? I was able to "switch" layouts by pressing LCTRL+RSHIFT+SPACE, at least I've seen pop-up saying layout is switched but nothing really changed - only latin symbols can be typed on a h/w keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you updated the Planet Computer keyboard app? There is a new version.

Related

Desperate for a new phone with a keyboard but....

I could be persuaded to use this instead?
Whats the on-screen keyboard like? I know the screen is HUGE so i'm guessing the on-screen is fairly big? I need to be able to type fairly fast for taking notes in meetings etc and this is why I normaly buy phones with keyboards.
Thanks!!!
(please be honest, i'm about to spend £400 on this and I don't want that to be a waste of money)
The onscreen keyboard is good, but don't expect magic - if you feel you need a hardware keyboard then you will most likely be disappointed with what the HD2 offers.
In all fairness I never owned a WM phone with a full hardware keyboard, but I still make mistakes on the HD2's virtual keyboard same as I did with the virtual keyboard on my previous phone - so my conclusion is that it's not perfect.
Personally, I find FingerKeyboard better than HTC's anyway, I use that most of the time. Swype is good as well for accuracy but I find typing stuff is a bit slow because you're having to swipe your finger across a huge screen without lifting off to enter words.
I normally prefer hardware keyboards, however I have found that the HD2's screen is fairly large enough to work with. Also, use XT9 and go at it like you don't care if you misspell words, generally it will auto-correct you fairly well.
I personally prefer touchscreen keyboards rather than hardware keybaords, I find hardware keyboards a bit fidly to use.
The HD2 keyboard is pretty good, I think it's as good as the one on iphone, which I have just come from. The keyboard automatically corrects the majority of your mistakes, but you will still make the odd one. However, I also make the odd mistake using any keyboard, such as my laptop. In fact I probably make more errors typing on a PC/laptop keyboard as there is no auto correct function.
there's a thread about this on here somewhere with a lot of people complaining about the keyboard. it seems you either love it or really hate it. I would suggest going in a shop and ask to try it before you buy it. me personally I think its fine but don't take mine or anyone else's word for it, like I said a lot of people hate it, WITH A PASSION!
I owned a touch pro 2, which has the best hardware keyboard out there, and sure i was afraid i'll lose that sweat keyboard, but in the end i can say that i'm happy with the hd2's keyboard. Sure, i'm not as fast as i used to be on my tp2 but still...
I think you will be fine.
I've always had a HW keyboard since 2005, but after a few weeks practice with Swype, I'm very fast and more than happy given it means my phone is much thinner.
thanks for all input guys, very much appreciated!
Some touchscreen keyboards are ok, some are usable and some are good. Don't think that because a touchscreen keyboard on X device is good, therefore the HD2's will be good too. It isn't. It's a pig of a keyboard. Typing on it is one of the most frustrating tasks known to man. Sure it's a great device but you're asking specifically about typing on it.....and typing on it is horrendous. YMMV.
I can Swype faster than a HW keyboard
eskasi said:
I can Swype faster than a HW keyboard
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Click to collapse
A lot of people prefer to type rather than sliding their fingers around in a whole new style. It shouldn't be necessary that we have to install new keyboards and get used to whole new styles of inputting text, just because the supplied keyboard isn't up to scratch. Personally I don't want to learn how to 'swype'.
Swype is the best solution for 1 handed typing. I dont see how its better than the regular keyboard unless you prefer to use 1 hand to type all the time.
sunking101 said:
A lot of people prefer to type rather than sliding their fingers around in a whole new style. It shouldn't be necessary that we have to install new keyboards and get used to whole new styles of inputting text, just because the supplied keyboard isn't up to scratch. Personally I don't want to learn how to 'swype'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeez, lighten up - there's nothing to learn, you just swipe your finger on the letters and that's it. If I wanted to type 'jerk' I would put my finger on J, drag to E, then drag to R and finally drag to K and that's it.
Hardly involves a learning curve... plus, that's just one option. If you don't like HTC's keyboard try another normal QWERTY keyboard, nobody's forcing you to try one of these newfangled keyboards. FingerKeyboard is a standard one and works better than HTC's IMO.
I use the standard HTC keyboard. I grip the device with my palms and type using my thumbs. My hands are freaking huge.
I can get approx 30wpm.
The auto-correct feature is simply amazing
I just came from a TYTNII with Hardware keyboard and we VERY worried about getting the HD2 without a keyboard as i type e-mail and SMS from my phone regularly for work purposes. So my choices were the HD2 or Touch Pro 2... The HD2 just had WAY too many PROS compared to the Touch Pro 2, so i took the plunge and got the HD2 and resolved myself to if i can't type well enough, then i'll just put up with the frustration or wait till i get back to the office to reply. Well, i was pleasantly surprised and can type fairly fast, probably SLIGHTLY slower than the hardware keyboard. I also have FAT fingers. I think the capacitive screen and multi-touch work in its favor to make typing a bit better on this phone than a normal (old type) touch screen. So, all in all, VERY happy with the HD2 without hardware keyboard. Oh, and i type in PORTRAIT mode, not Landscape!!! If i could marry my HD2, i would!
stickydonkey said:
If i could marry my HD2, i would!
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Click to collapse
Hmm, I think that's in legal in Kentucky actually.
Well, in my country, our president just married his 5th wife with another on the way. He now has 18 children (of his own)! There should be no problems marrying my HD2...
stickydonkey said:
I just came from a TYTNII with Hardware keyboard and we VERY worried about getting the HD2 without a keyboard as i type e-mail and SMS from my phone regularly for work purposes. So my choices were the HD2 or Touch Pro 2... The HD2 just had WAY too many PROS compared to the Touch Pro 2, so i took the plunge and got the HD2 and resolved myself to if i can't type well enough, then i'll just put up with the frustration or wait till i get back to the office to reply. Well, i was pleasantly surprised and can type fairly fast, probably SLIGHTLY slower than the hardware keyboard. I also have FAT fingers. I think the capacitive screen and multi-touch work in its favor to make typing a bit better on this phone than a normal (old type) touch screen. So, all in all, VERY happy with the HD2 without hardware keyboard. Oh, and i type in PORTRAIT mode, not Landscape!!! If i could marry my HD2, i would!
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Click to collapse
He he nice! I love my HD2 too. I came from a Kaiser as well and my reservation was losing the superb hardware keyboard.
I found the HD2's standard keyboard flawed. The problem isn't the sensitivity as such but the fact that the keys are too small and close together. With an improved design it could be great.
BUT I found my solution, SWYPE! What a god send! I'm actually significantly faster with Swype than I was with my old Kaiser hardware keyboard. It really is that good. I am almost as fast as a PC keyboard.
And as for learning it, well it takes no time. I have demonstrated it to several people who have had a go and within a minute they are Oooing and arrring as they Swype words with ease. It's so intuitive there really is very little learning or adaptation required.

how good is the on-screen keyboard compared to a physical keyboard?

Hi
Does anyone with Nexus one had experience with cell phone with a physical keyboard?
I am looking to know how good is the N1 keyboard compared to milestone or cliq or backflip...?
Thanks
Well... I used to use a Blackberry 8830 personally... Sure, it's more of a portrait setup, but whatever..
Either way, the N1 w/ Haptic feedback enabled is actually quite easy to use. Obviously it'll still take some getting used to, but it's plenty good for me. Without the feedback, it'd be a completely different story imho.
What I've learned is this: With time, you'll be just as comfortable with a virtual keyboard. Though there IS a learning curve.
honestly, with the text correction, it works great. I'm coming from an xperia, and a TYTN II, so I've been with physical keyboards for a while.
mrbkkt1 said:
honestly, with the text correction, it works great. I'm coming from an xperia, and a TYTN II, so I've been with physical keyboards for a while.
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Click to collapse
This ^^^
This is a huge bonus once you get settled. You'll need to edit in some of your own personal corrections (Hold down on the word you wish to add to auto-correction until is says "Saved"). You'll end up incorrectly correcting some commonly used words initially. My main ones are apps (usually changes to Alps ) and "Haha" which changes to Bahamas... Everyone will find a few words that auto-correct in ways you wish they didn't
But yeah... Earlier, I don't recall exactly what I was sending to my wife... but "Bolton" made its way into my sentence. LOL!
Oh... Don't forget! You can use Speech-to-Text on this device. Simply swipe your finger to the right edge on the keyboard, and it brings up a speech menu. With practice, you may find that you actually prefer it. (Again, this will take some self-training, due to the way we all enunciate things differently)
legolas.w said:
Hi
Does anyone with Nexus one had experience with cell phone with a physical keyboard?
I am looking to know how good is the N1 keyboard compared to milestone or cliq or backflip...?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the 6800, TP and then the TP2 for reference. I was convinced that I *needed* a physical keyboard as typing on the soft keyboards of the above mentioned phones was always error prone for me. The TP2 was better than the others due to the larger screen size, but still was not as easy as the hardware keyboard.
With that said the soft keyboard on the Nexus One (with haptic feedback enabled) is really easier to type on than the above phones. At this point I don't feel that I need the hardware keyboard any longer, but there is definitely a bit of time required to get used to the soft keyboard if you are used to a hardware keyboard.
I would say the soft keyboard with auto correct is actually quite good on the Nexus One. It works well enough that I am not motivated to sell the phone and get a new one, so it can't be all bad
As far as typing goes, is there any way to change input language? I am Brazilian and I have to change it to Portuguese-br in order to type...
Like everyone else on here generally seems to agree, once you actually get used to it, it won't be an issue for you. And if you get the HTC_IME, (I know, it looks kinda pixelated, but not so much so that I can't deal with) it makes things even better.
It's really good once you get used to it. I'm using Swype at the moment which is even more awesome, but no voice dictation on it yet. The funniest auto-correction for me so far was "haha" to "bahamas," and I forget what I texted someone, but it ended up sending "burial phone."

Nexus s owners who migrated from a qwerty keyboard e.g desire z droid

How are you finding the virtual keyboards? I use swype but its pretty innacurate at times is there any alternative that you have used in landscape or portrait that has meant you no longer miss the physical keyboard. I'm not sure I can make the jump from a physical keyboard!
I was a BlackBerry convert to Android for the Desire Z. The physical keyboard was a 'must' for me, however, in real world usage the more I used the DZ, the less I actually used the physical keyboard and found myself using the onscreen 90% of the time.
It's been 2 days now on the Nexus S for me, can't say I'm missing it. The pro's for me were the larger screen, lightweight feel & design, and in my usage case, stronger reception everywhere I go (this was important).
I'm switching between swiftkey, smart keyboard pro and the default gingerbread keyboard and find myself using the stock keyboard more often than not. I never spent a ton of time with Swype or it's equiv's, (and what I did, I didn't like) so I can't comment much there.
I guess this is why there's a return policy on phones
I was totally a hardware-keyboard kinda guy. Got my NexusS and wasn't sure how I'd adapt, but frankly it works great for me. Sure, I make typo's, probably more than on a hardware based kb, but the autocorrect works pretty well, and the more I type on it the fewer mistakes I seem to make. Also, when you get tired of typing you can always just hit the mic button and just talk to it.
The improved form factor of the phone is nice as well. Thinner and sleeker without the extra hardware. Surprisingly, I dig it.
I came from a G1.. I do miss the physical keyboard but have gotten used to the touch screen pretty quick. I switch back and forth from the stock keyboard and SwiftKey..
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Yet another reason to love my tab

I've been loving my tab since I bought it, it's light, has a beautiful screen and aside from not doing my laundry, it can do no wrong by me. Today, however, I took a look at Swype for the first time and tried it out.
I am now officially in love. I have never had a chance to try Swype until now and it's an input method I have completely fallen in love with. Not often does something stun me speechless (i talk alot) with how amazing it is. I went down the hall and showed another coworker (who owns a transformer) and his first question was "Why don't I have that?!" and he ran off to install it.
Thank you for giving me yet another reason to love my tab, Samsung.
sinbsd said:
I've been loving my tab since I bought it, it's light, has a beautiful screen and aside from not doing my laundry, it can do no wrong by me. Today, however, I took a look at Swype for the first time and tried it out.
I am now officially in love. I have never had a chance to try Swype until now and it's an input method I have completely fallen in love with. Not often does something stun me speechless (i talk alot) with how amazing it is. I went down the hall and showed another coworker (who owns a transformer) and his first question was "Why don't I have that?!" and he ran off to install it.
Thank you for giving me yet another reason to love my tab, Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do love swype, but i can type faster when a normal keyboard, swype just slows me down. I'm just so used to a normal keyboard since i use computer soo often.
Swype
I will agree that I can type faster with a keyboard but on the tablet, I find the onscreen keyboard causes my typing to slow down too much with errors and swype feels much more natural and in its element when combined with the tab.
It's just nice to know there are always new things to discover with the tab and android.. one of the many reasons I vacated the iPad camp.
I use Swype exclusively on my phone, but wasn't too fond of it on my Tab. Using the Swiftkey tablet beta and I really like it. The split keyboard layout makes holding and typing so much easier.
I tried Swype today for the first time. It was interesting, but I still prefer Swiftkey for tablets.
Sold. This is the endorsement I was looking for.
I love swype, but I mostly use it as a normal keyboard. I just love the look and feel, the layout also seems to fit my needs far better than any other ive used
I love swype on my nexus s 4g, but only use thumb keyboard on my tab.
I absolutely love swype on the tab as well. Since I generally lay the tablet on my lap, it's the fastest input method for me, and I guess I'm an epic nerd, because it's fun, too.
Swype is great on my Evo but I use thumb keyboard on my Tab.
mrsbelpit said:
I absolutely love swype on the tab as well. Since I generally lay the tablet on my lap, it's the fastest input method for me, and I guess I'm an epic nerd, because it's fun, too.
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Click to collapse
It totally is fun. Nice to have another way to differentiate the tab from those failpads.
Using Swype in mini-mode is excellent for e-mail and such. It's like using it on a phone and it greatly reduces the distance your hand travels.
MINUS Stl said:
I use Swype exclusively on my phone, but wasn't too fond of it on my Tab. Using the Swiftkey tablet beta and I really like it. The split keyboard layout makes holding and typing so much easier.
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Click to collapse
Plus One on SwiftKey and it split keyboard layout... Also love how you can easy it is to jump to a regular layout keyboard to.
Sent from my Galaxy10.1 TouchWiz/ADWex equipped Starship.
Sad things is it doesnt work well when trying to type websites.
+1 for Thumb Keyboard. I got it when it was free on the Amazon App Store. It's highly customizable and makes typing that much better. Now if only I could get the stupid cursor to go where I want it to by touch. Most annoying honeycomb issue IMO.
I love SwiftKey Tablet X. It has an awesome split keyboard when in landscape mode. It also can analyze your facebook and twitter feeds to suggest to you words in a manner you are a custom. Sometimes I don't even have to type when testing someone from GV. I highly recommend.
After using Swiftkey Tablet X for a while, it is uncanny the predictions it is making. I have found myself just pressing [space] [space] [space]
True
acefiredx said:
Sad things is it doesnt work well when trying to type websites.
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Click to collapse
True, not the best for websites but it is a keyboard as well. You don't have to use the swype function. I find that suitable. Checking out Swiftkey as well.. Sounds good.
SouthPhilly said:
Plus One on SwiftKey and it split keyboard layout... Also love how you can easy it is to jump to a regular layout keyboard to.
Sent from my Galaxy10.1 TouchWiz/ADWex equipped Starship.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, having used the trial version I'm definitely going to buy it.
+1 for thumb keyboard, it's great. For the phone I have come to like swiftkey over swype.

Can we use both physical keyboard and visual keyboard on Blackberry Venice?

It will be really cool if people can use both of them
If you really wanted to, using the Venice as a full touch should be perfectly possible. Now with the scrolling touch sensitive keyboard, I will definitely be using the keyboard a lot.
yes....whichever u want anytime... :thumbup:
Sent from my SM-N910C using xda premium
yeah you can use both keyboards, but obviously not at the same time
maybe Blackberry adds a keyboard row on top of the touchscreen key buttons just like they do on BB10 for signs and punctuation (? ! , . &... )
johnw7 said:
Yes, it suites different type of user and different situation.
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Click to collapse
Please elaborate. This is something I dont understand. While I am highly intrigued about a blackberry phone running Android, why bother using a physical keyboard while still offering an on screen one? The on screen keyboard would be more accurate and quicker with prediction and such no?
Hardly faster. I can type much much faster on a physical keyboard, that's why it's a selling point of the device. Word prediction can be done with a physical keyboard anyway, look at what the Passport does
pluto7443 said:
Hardly faster. I can type much much faster on a physical keyboard, that's why it's a selling point of the device. Word prediction can be done with a physical keyboard anyway, look at what the Passport does
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant say I have seen the Passport in actual use. That being said, I used to love my original BB devices(Curve, Bold 9000). I guess Im so used to the one thumb on screen swiping to predict that I feel its faster. My only concern is once the keyboard is flipped down(screen up?) how top heavy will it be and cumbersome to actually type on it?
I would quote but it isn't working on my nexus 7. The person in the hands on video that was released said it felt balanced. And screen up is more correct, as most of the device doesn't move when the slider is slid.
HyperM3 said:
Please elaborate. This is something I dont understand. While I am highly intrigued about a blackberry phone running Android, why bother using a physical keyboard while still offering an on screen one? The on screen keyboard would be more accurate and quicker with prediction and such no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should want the physical keyboard for longer texts or when you don't want to watch yourself type. The on screen one would be great for quick replies that take less time then sliding the screen up would take.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Having the option to use either keyboard is great. I had a BB Bold 9000 when they first came out and loved the keyboard on it. This phone is super tempting but my biggest concern will be updates and how fast we'd receive them.
Lockett said:
Having the option to use either keyboard is great. I had a BB Bold 9000 when they first came out and loved the keyboard on it. This phone is super tempting but my biggest concern will be updates and how fast we'd receive them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Especially now that blackberry has said they will get out of the hardware business of they don't make a profit.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Currently have BBerry Z10 and wife has Classic. I will be getting the Priv. But for anyone familiar with the current OS update police from BBerry, it's really been extraordinary.

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