Play along - create a PinePhone keyboard

[eFqLLnGo]

Hi,

I am really the only one to see value in adding small "trigger switch" to use with your index fingers ? It could be used to send scroll function, to toggle alt_gr, to act as a modifier key etc.

This really seems like something that would not add that much cost for a greatly improved functionnality. And otherwise the index fingers would be useless. This would help alleviate the stress of using only the thumbs, especially if you have to press on a modifier key with one thumb while pressing somewhere else with the other.


See for example in a gameboy SP.

[nas]

Well, it's getting closer - photos from the blog update:

[eFqLLnGo]

How easy is it to remove the keyboard or reattach it? I can imagine it being really awkward if I receive a phone call for example.

[captainmorgan]

I can imagine it being really awkward if I receive a phone call for example.

I've been saying this for months. This is a stupid keyboard for a PHONE!!!!!

[zborgerd]

How easy is it to remove the keyboard or reattach it? I can imagine it being really awkward if I receive a phone call for example.

Judging by the pictures, it doesn't completely flip around backwards to have the keys facing the back (away from your head). But it's hard to tell. It's useless for a phone if that's the case.

I think that removal is about the same as a typical back plate. That means that you wouldn't want to have to remove the phone to make calls. The back of the clamshell is probably attached to the pogo pins.

I'm expecting that this is still a prototype.

[lot378]

Well you wouldn't dismantle the phone body from the keyboard to answer a call it's a rigid clam shell PDA and the obvious intention is to use an alternative option to answer calls f.ex bluetooth headset. Unless you like looking like a plonker and having QWERTY stamped on to your forehead and down the ridge of your nose. Nobody came forward with a Nokia N900 slide out from underneath keyboard design so we've ended up with this design.

It's starting to grow on me (i'd have preferred an N900 option) but two things: how much does it weigh (it looks hefty) and cost?

[BronzeBeard]

The technologies for 180 degree hinges exist, and memory serves me, it's not patented. With that in mind, this is a disappointing keyboard for a phone.

None the less, I have to get it because carrier's 3G shutdowns are forcing me to give up my BlackBerry 10s, and no way in hell will I switch to Android PKB options...

The layout is also a bit crummy. I would much rather there be arrow keys and have the braces and brackets be fn keys. Hopefully they'll sell sticker sets when it's ready to be flashed.

[CharlieGordon]

this is a disappointing keyboard for a phone.

Probably. I don't think this is meant for people who want a phone with a keyboard. This is for people who want a mini laptop.

And as far as I remember the slide out keyboard project was not abandoned, just postponed because no satisfactory design was available.

I would much rather there be arrow keys and have the braces and brackets be fn keys.

I agree.

[myra.ankunding]

I can imagine it being really awkward if I receive a phone call for example.

I've been saying this for months. This is a stupid keyboard for a PHONE!!!!!

Hello. I don't understand why reinvent the wheel at all, because everything has been invented since the days of the first iPhone (if I can insert pictures or a link https://m.avito.ru/moskva/telefony/sotov...1927667231) and the Lenovo Thinkpad Tablet X220. Let's take a look at the pictures. the link has a photo of the manufacturer. The keypad is designed so that you can rotate the screen to answer a call. The keyboard layout can be discussed. the phone in the photo even has a stylus, just like on a lenovo laptop. this would be the best solution at the moment. what the forum did for so long in discussions, I do not understand. All health![img]              [/img]


everything was invented before us.

[dgdimick]

Someone once told me:

"If you want a better XYZ, buy a better XYZ" - You can't expect the PinePhone to be the end-all-be-all of phones.

The PinePhone wasn't designed for anything other then a Phone, all other uses are "extras", this should be considered when trying to add additional functions.

Decide what you want to use the PinePhone for and move forward, for me, I'm looking at it as a small portable computer first, and a Phone as a secondary use.