If you've grown tired of all of the similarly styled Android handsets on the market, step into the world of Planet Computers and its line of smartphones designed with a physical keyboard, borrowing styling from Pocket PCs of yore.
Last year, the firm released its Gemini handset and this year, it offers a revised model, dubbed the Cosmo Communicator. The device has been made available through Indiegogo and has reached its funding goal, gathering over one million dollars. If anything is clear, people want something different - and the Cosmo Communicator is the answer.
The folks at Planet Computers had two prototypes of the Cosmo Communicator on hand during CES 2019, one unit that needed to remain closed, mainly a device meant to show off the new two-inch exterior display, and another that did not have a functioning exterior display but could be opened to mess about with the keyboard and internal display. In addition to the external display, the upcoming model will also have a 24MP camera and fingerprint reader, allowing for better security and expanded functionality - because even a road warrior needs to take pictures of documents and other important items at some point.
As far as build quality goes, the new unit, much like the older unit, is solid. The magnets used to keep the device closed are strong, requiring a good amount of force when being opened. When the unit is folded closed, there is a satisfying snapping sound of the two sides joining. As for the keyboard, it's cramped and hard to use. Although I'm sure if you spent enough time with the unit you could become proficient in using it. But with the limited time on the show floor, it wasn't all that comfortable. But as the representative explained, this device has it all, no need for extra accessories.
So when can you get your hands on this device? Best case scenario if all goes to plan you're looking at June 2019. If you want in, you can head to the Indiegogo page and pledge your hard earned dollars to the campaign where $569 will secure you a unit if the firm is able to deliver.
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