Gemini (PDA)

The Gemini PDA is a personal digital assistant[1] designed by Planet Computers[2] in association with Martin Riddiford, who previously worked on the Psion Series 5 in the 1990s,[3] and crowdfunded via Indiegogo in 2017.[4] The Gemini bucks the trend of modern smartphones in its screen being primarily used in landscape aspect, and having a keyboard, i.e. taking on the form of a subnotebook.

Gemini PDA
Gemini PDA, held by Davide Guidi of Planet Computers
ManufacturerPlanet Computers
Compatible networks
First released2018
TypePersonal digital assistant / Smartphone
Form factorWide clamshell design, with physical keyboard
Dimensions171.4 mm (6.75 in) × 79.3 mm (3.12 in) × 15.1 mm (0.59 in)
Mass320 g (11 oz)
Operating system
System on chipMediatek MT6797X Helio X27
CPU10×ARM Cortex-A:
  • 2×A72 @2.6GHz 4×A53 @2.0GHz 4×A53 @1.6GHz
GPUQuad Core ARM Mali (GPU) T880 MP4 @875MHz
Memory4 GB LPDDR3 RAM
Storage64 GB
Removable storagemicroSDXC
Battery4,220 mAh
Display5.99 in (152 mm) 2160×1080, 403 dpi
External displayHDMI via right-hand USB port
Rear camera5 MP (optional)
Front camera5 MP
Sound
Connectivity
Box and Gemini PDA with Planet Computers' Janko Mrsic-Flogel (CEO, left) and Davide Guidi (CTO, right)

Planet supports running two operating systems on the device, and it dual-boots between Android and Linux.[5] Other possibilities include Sailfish OS.

Prior to January 2018, pre-production devices were made available to reviewers, and mass production was in full swing in December 2017 with devices starting to ship in late January 2018 to Indiegogo backers.

Hardware
  • CPU/GPU system-on-chip is a MediaTek Deca Core Helio, either the X25 or X27 chipset.
    • 2x Cortex A72 @2.6GHz
    • 4x Cortex A53 @2.0GHz
    • 4x Cortex A53 @1.6GHz
    • ARM Mali T880 MP4 @875MHz
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Flash: 64GB
  • microSDHC card slot
  • Two USB-C connectors, only one of which can be used to charge it. Video out is possible with a proprietary HDMI adaptor, and not the standardised USB-C alternate mode.
  • Display: 5.99" LCD, 2160×1080 (403 ppi, 2:1 aspect ratio)
  • Mass: 320g
  • Dimensions (mm): 171.4(W) × 79.3(D) × 15.1(H)
  • Bluetooth: 4.1
  • WiFi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
  • Radio bands (4G variant):
    • GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
    • CDMA 850/1900MHz BC0 BC1+ EVDO
    • UMTS 900/2100MHz
    • LTE 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/17/20/41 (with VoLTE)
  • MicroSIM slot and eSIM (4G variant)
  • Battery: 4220mAh
  • Front camera 5Mp
  • GPS: with AGPS
  • Sensors: Accelerometer, light sensor, gyro, magnetic sensor
  • Audio:
    • stereo speakers
    • 3.5mm headphone jack
    • dual microphones[6]

Some early devices were made with the X25 SoC as specified in the Indiegogo campaign, with the factory switching to X27 as stocks of the older X25 were depleted. They also have the eSIM feature disabled.

Two variants are sold, one with just WiFi, one with the mobile phone radios.

Optional accessories
Accessories supplied with Gemini PDA, plus CES 2018 Award

The original Indiegogo campaign allowed backers to pay extra for various accessories/features:

  • Leather pouch
  • HDMI adaptor
  • Rear camera 5Mp
  • USB-C hub

References
  1. Orlowski, Andrew (21 February 2018). "The Gemini pocket PC is shipping and we've got one. This is what it's like". The Register. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  2. "The New Gemini PDA – Type and Create on the move!". www.planetcom.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-05-14.
  3. Miles, Stuart (6 January 2018). "Planet Gemini PDA initial review: The Psion organiser makes a comeback of sorts". Pocket-lint. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  4. Munn, Edward; Minasians, Christopher. "The new Gemini PDA: Hands-on with the new PDA smartphone that runs on Android". Alphr (PC Pro). Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  5. Summers, Nick (26 February 2018). "I found a Gemini PDA running Sailfish OS, and it was wild". Engadget. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  6. Tech Specs


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