Keyboard Case Redesign

[mark1250]

This is my opinion. I own 2 original generation Pinephone v1.2b. I like the idea of the keyboard case, especially the addition of the battery. I waited on buying the keyboard case, as I didn't want to be a beta tester (I'm glad I waited). After witnessing the problems that others have experienced, I won't be purchasing the keyboard unless it is redesigned.

I think the Pinephone keyboard is a great accessory, but the POGO pin connection was a poor choice. I think it should be connected to the phone via USB and provide a USB hub.

Changing the Pinephone / Keyboard interconnection from POGO pins to USB has the following Pros & Cons:

Cons:
* A redesign of the keyboard's phone interface circuit would be required. (A USB circuit, and hopefull a hub so other USB devices could be attached)
* A redesign of the Pinephone mounting in the keyboard would be required.
* The keyboard battery level would have to be displayed on the keyboard itself.

Pros:
* No issues with poor contact with the POGO pins.
* Ability to use the Pinephone's USB port for peripherals (if a USB hub is added to the keyboard).
* No circuit redesign required of the Pinephone to prevent power feedback into keyboard if the phones USB port is used.
* The redesign of phone mount could allow for the back of the phone to remain in place including the LoRa and Fingerprint covers.
* The redesign of phone mount could allow for easier installation/removal of Pinephone from keyboard. (You could slide the phone out of the keyboard case to make/make a phone call - No spudger needed)
* No special keyboard driver to code and maintain.


Mark