Cosmo Communicator Review: The Keyboard PDA Throwback

[@config2000]

If I were Planet computers I would highly consider selling the PSION 5 style keyboard as a separate unit with blue-tooth connectivity.

[@yakadoodledongywongy8718]

Bluetooth drains battery faster.

[@sloppynyuszi]

A clip on case maybe?

[@izaicslinux6961]

The pinephone will eventually be getting a keyboard addon like this, as well as a cheaper model based off the N900's keyboard. Pine posted about it in their blogs.

[@kharilester]

@@yakadoodledongywongy8718 Everything drains your battery, like reading these comments. But also, a bluetooth connection isn't all that bad.

[@karlkraus4354]

luckily u r not them

[@NotJonJost]

Thank you for being seemingly the only person on youtube who actually made a comment about thumb-typing on this thing. That has been my main question, how thumb-typing feels on it, and it seems like absolutely nobody even tried it but you.

[@bensgadgetreviews]

thanks!

[@NotJonJost]

@@bensgadgetreviews If I could ask a further question about that, please: What is the weight distribution on the Cosmo like? Does it sit comfortably when you were thumb-typing? I ask because when I had the Blackberry Priv, where most of the weight was in the bottom so it just sort of rests on my pinkies or the edge of my hand, I had no pain/trouble thumb-typing for long periods with it-- but when I got the Blackberry Key2, where most of the weight is at the top and I have to really clench to keep hold of it, I started getting carpal tunnel pain. So weight distribution makes a difference. Currently my plans for a new phone are either the Cosmo or a Uniherz Titan, haha.

[@dsesuk]

Thanks for the review. I was a big Psion fan back in the day with a Series 3, 3MX, 5 and Revo through the years. Most met with unfortunate accidents (these were long before Gorilla Glass came along), although I still have the Revo in a drawer, it now suffers a little from memory problems as we all perhaps do in our old age! These things ape the Psion 5 keybaord which was the best of the bunch. I hate touchscreen typing and I like the idea of this gadget from a productivity point of view. I'm currently running a Blackberry Keyone which is okay for short message responses, but you couldn't knock out anything too long winded on it. I just wish it was a little less costly!

[@oliverpolden]

Yeah to have that power in your pocket is great. I kinda really like the screen on the Psion 5, it could go for days, even weeks on a pair of batteries. But then we all have powerbanks nowadays anyway.

[@dsesuk]

@@oliverpolden I took the plunge and bought one in the end, swayed as I was by a heavy discount as they clear their stock to make way for their new model. I got mine for £504.84 with tax. I find it's pretty good overall, but it has its problems. The front screen is of little use and is illogically laid out, for example new notifications appear at the bottom so if you've had a lot of messages in from different platforms, you have to scroll down to find what the latest ping was all about. The keyboard misses the first character every time the clamshell has been opened. It suffers from keyboard bounce making repeat characters appear when typing, especially if not on a level surface. I had to buy a third party app to handle rotation control correctly as some apps just won't do landscape (I'm looking at you Instagram). The cameras and speakers are dreadful. The backlight on the keyboard remains on permanently when open rather than it being on when the keyboard is used and there's no shortcut key to activate/deactivate it so it has to be done through the settings menu. There are various LED lights whose function isn't obvious and isn't explained - why is one flashing yellow at me as we speak? Also, on mine, the left shift key is unreliable, so I frequently mistype capital letters. Am I annoyed? Not really, there's still a lot to like about this thing, and the keyboard is a boon when I need to do some proper work on the go. I'm glad I didn't fork out when they were £750 or whatever, but at this price point it's not a bad gadget. I charge it every night and it easily gets me through the day for what I use it for.

[@oliverpolden]

@@dsesuk Thanks David. I ordered myself an Astro Slide off Indiegogo last night (there were only two left in the perk!) so let's hope they've sorted some of the issues you've described. I'm also interested in using Linux on it.

[@drahcirsama]

I respectfully disagree with the fact that it is an "outdated" design. The main reason manufacturers abandoned such a design is that it is more resource intensive to create a phone with a keyboard. You have to make a keyboard for different countries and also have a lot more testing when it comes to quality assurance, making sure all buttons work and also water proofing is more of a challenge. Apple is a marketing genius in this regard, because it takes away features from phones and convinces people that it is cool, modern and trendy. This also happened when they popularised sealing batteries in phones by saying it is because of water proofing, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S5 proved that you don't need to seal the battery in water proof a phone. I am sure people genuinely prefer the iPhone form factor, but calling modern is just false. It is just a form factor for certain people. Whilst a touchscreen is a very useful and versatile input method, you have to remember you sacrifice tactile feedback. You can touch-type on a keyboard because you can use your sense of touch, it is nigh impossible with a touch screen. That is one of the major reasons why mobile gaming is not taken seriously, the lack of physical controls just makes most gameplay experiences significantly inferior to console games.

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Great points! I do think there is room for a keyboard phone. Thank you for watching

[@mikem3614]

This Is Why I Like Your Channel Yes Reviews New Phones But Then You Review Other Interesting Things

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Thank you!

[@mohammadzein504]

This is a well designed piece tech and i really like it. Like you said it does feel nostalgic in its some what retro design compared to smart phones of today. But it looks great to me which makes me old obviously. 😁 Wish it had a better processor and inside screen though. A Very nice piece of tech Ben. 🙂👍

[@vince7245]

I used to use the Psion 5mx. I used to connect via my infrared to mobile or using an IR modem to get my email and go online. I faxed myself stuff to work, so that the following day I wouldn't have to print it, but I could go straight to the photocopier! This machine was my mini laptop and travelled the world with me. But even though I like the nostalgia aspect of this device, I wouldn't actually get it in today's world as it is. I am playing with the LG G8X dual-screen at the moment, and even the Microsoft Duo seems like a better way to go if you want something different. Personally, I consider my selfie camera to be pretty important to me when I'm doing video conference calls for example. But thanks for the video, I really enjoyed it, and I hope that they can keep developing it into something more current.

[@snorkfire]

Yeh, for me, the Series 5 was killer. I could do things on that little machine that nothing else even approaches. The ipad is clunky, the PC inept and the Mac, well, no app integration. I just wish this one still had the Epoc OS and that amazing suite of tools. RIP Psion.

[@gaborravasz5177]

Nice device. Great detailed video Ben. Keep it up with the great work. Greetings from Europe.✌️✌️

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Thank you !

[@krazeemonkee]

@9:36 the part of age vs physical/tactile keyboards may be spot on 😂 1986 bebe here + i just discovered this jewel of a device after a long conversation with claude about retro-inspired features in mobile computer devices [ones with a physical keyboard, stylus, etc] ~ ironically, with all the touching that goes on with touch-phones, we end up actually losing *touch* ~ the feeling of interacting with a machine vs touching glass..

[@PatonCavaney]

That intro doe Biggy Ben's Toy Reviews

[@HusseinKefel]

Hi Ben, thanks for this new gadget review. It is not bad at all for its main purpose and I think it is designed for business people who are always on the go sending and receiving messages all the time

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Yeah, indeed. I like it myself

[@vaishnozin5375]

BlackBerry should take a note from this and try to establish a market of PDAs. They can make their trademark keyboard and associate themselves with something new like this. I can imagine someone taking this and shrink the "tab-laptop" thing further.

[@jesdadotcom]

Thank you for this! If it had a better camera I'd own one.

[@usmanabdulkadir3334]

Awesome review as always Ben's bro

[@cdoublejj]

great review

[@reuploadify]

The inside camera isn't for selfis. It's for video calls. The outside camera is for selfies since there is a screen you can use to orient the phone with your face.

[@oliverpolden]

I just ordered the Astro Slide (the latest version of this). The main appeal for me is that it can run Linux so I can have a full "desktop" experience in my pocket. But yeah, I kind of agree that for people that don't touch type and have grown up typing on touch screens, then one of the folding phones may be more appealing. That said, this is a lot cheaper than a folding phone.

[@ChesterPaulSgroi]

Did you ever receive the Astro Slide? I never got mine. 😢

[@oliverpolden]

@@ChesterPaulSgroi No, still haven't got it.

[@pradeepkumarsundararaman6520]

Mr Ben u r only reviewer who brings such rare new phones Secondly u r not looking old n u look like 20 year old n rocking Thirdly I would prefer LG G8x dual r LG v60 dual instead of this n even galaxy fold 2 since LG offers u the flexibility to remove the main screen separately so that phone is not bulky Also v can use second screen always forvtyping in digital keyboard method Still if I wish, I can keep a small Bluetooth keyboard n attach it So in my opinion LG G8x r LG v60 wins for me. Thanks. Cheers

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Thank you

[@lukemothug]

Retro nostalgia made from extra parts in a computer bin! "Luv it!"

[@loralex]

I went through all the Nokia communicator models from the 9000 to the E90 and everyone in between....I really wish they would still make them. You're right, this is not a phone for everyone. It's for business. Not for playing candy crush saga :) Doesn't matter how old or young someone is.

[@immazid]

Damn that intro.. ❤️ Biggie small song ❤️ Perfect intro for perfect tech review video ❤️

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Thank you

[@அருண்பிரசாத்-ர2ழ]

Thank you very much for your review bro. Is there in this phone buying link bro....?

[@bartintosh]

I paid for mine in September 2019 and never got delivered. Planet just tried to deliver any keyboard layout they had instead of the paid keyboard as I complained for never being delivered and claimed to be refunded. 750 USD stolen. Really great company and support.

[@kenybrown9857]

That's a no no, that's a no no, that's a no no, thats a that's a no no

[@erriezzanslounge1380]

the only problem is most apps is not optimized for landscape cause android doesn't really have os for tablet that work landscape and potrait.

[@santiagodelbono1]

Great video Ben. Thanks

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Thank you

[@pavankalyan2607]

Awesome man....... Keep going 🤩🤩

[@DemoOn1337]

Yes to more devices like this.

[@CZpersi]

I havethe pevious model and it is a great retrogaming device.

[@markoni9012]

Man! You should have more subcribers worldwide because you are making some good reviews. Best regards! 🙂

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Thank you! I’m trying hard to grow the channel too. Thank you for watching

[@Khaudyboy1]

Rubbish the phone later on doesn't work properly. You face so many issues like the sim card stop working, no more display cover honestly that's a scam, for $600 too expensive not worth it Sorry Cannot even find a shop to bring it in to get fixed

[@Xingqiwu387]

The designers repeated the same mistake they made with the Psion Series 5: the keyboard is simply too small. As one other reviewer said, if they'd given it an extra cm on each side, it would have been near-perfect.

[@lltechview]

Have a predecessor it is pretty good. Though I miss the light on the keys of this model. There is a new version coming where you can slide the display on top of the keyboard to have the screen exposed so you can use it in portrait mode like a normal but thicker smartphone. The concept is cool. Though a bit big and clearly they save again on cameras and probably speakers. Too bad the modularity of the first model was dropped. (It did not come with a camera by default but had a port where you could attach a camera or other accessories)

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Yeah I'm excited about that one!

[@sloppynyuszi]

Well for the faults of this, I’m just glad that companies are trying something different to just basic slabs.

[@ChaosReignShow]

Actually, that phone now is on sale for around 40 dollars.

[@TuNnL]

The entire reason why the PDA phone is making a comeback, is because Windows Phone failed, and the iPhone didn't even try. All Microsoft or Apple had to do was make their full OS run on a phone. But no, we are (were) forced to choose either Windows Mobile or iOS. So we have Android, which at least showcases Google's commitment to innovation, and has been adopted prolifically, worldwide. I have seen KZbinrs install Windows 11 on a 2006 Sony UX-series UMPC. THIS is a real solution for people trying to do REAL computing on a portable device. Until Planet Computers or the next startup takes the hint, I guess I'll need a full-size computer with the latest OS if I want to run TurboTax. Or edit a 4k movie on Final Cut Pro. 🤷

[@lany_07gaming]

That's nice & cool for me, great review.👍🔥

[@Alino78]

I bought the previous model named Gemini. It really sucks. I think I will never trust such small brand as long they can’t guarantee even a medium quality on their products. Really disappointed ☹️

[@nic7227]

The poor reviews of the Gemini made me give up on the Cosmo. It's difficult to get support in case anything goes wrong.

[@CZpersi]

I loved my Gemini a lot, but it is not a phone replacement. It is a PDA-style companion device with a very niche use. I used it for note-taking in archives and libraries where computers are not allowed, retrogaming and for automatization of repetitive tasks, like server maintenance or transferring large amounts of files.

[@manikumarK4144]

Looks cool..

[@truesightgrabber]

Can it make calls recording as and ordinary phone ? Does it have optic camera stabilization ?

[@papablesspapabless1881]

It's cuuuuuuuuuuuuul and you luv biggy small, that MAke me like your channel even more

[@JMaxwell1000]

Does anyone know how much pressure is required to activate each key?

[@rafc2599]

I had the Hiptop 2 back in the day LOL

[@fckyll231]

I think that device would have been nice if the screen was detachable like the tablets with the keyboard cases.

[@శ్రీరాజారాజేశ్వరాబ్యాంబూస్బ]

Thanks for you but how to buy the device. Which website available.

[@snorkfire]

Very good review, except for jumping to the conclusion that it’s an old people’s car. Any superior tool’s niche will draw people who want those capabilities, regardless of age. How does the tool suite stack up versus the Psion’s astoundingly good Epoc OS and tool suite?

[@babevso]

Awesome Video As Always, I was going to Ask was this or is this on kickStarter or has this Been Out?

[@bensgadgetreviews]

It's out now. It was on Kickstarter

[@santoslhalper8702]

To rotate to portrait choose planet button then planet icon and choose force rotate.

[@user-cs9by8jd6l]

I thought the price was like 700 or 800. 600 is...hmm idk. I'm actually kinda into it cuz I can see the use of it, but 600... Maybe better to wait for more affordable one like with Dimensity 1000+ or 820?

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Well the price might have gone up though. I'm going by one of their early discount prices. But I don't see new price anywhere

[@user-cs9by8jd6l]

@@bensgadgetreviews I see. I hope they'll make one with Dimensity, which I think it's good for the price.

[@snorkfire]

@@bensgadgetreviews It’s on their English based web page at 699 euros.

[@ChesterPaulSgroi]

The price now is $445 including shipping.

[@user-cs9by8jd6l]

@@ChesterPaulSgroi I mean for a 3 years old device?

[@qray7873]

Hey ben!what do you do with your electronics you reviewed?

[@rahmanhk2635]

Good review 👍

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Thank you

[@nic7227]

If I were Nokia, I'd make sth like this as the modern Communicator series

[@felipe12345538]

I'm Brazilian and would like to buy! he has language for brazilian portuguese

[@gorkemsenol4128]

Great device but unfortunately most apps don't like unusual aspect ratios. Titan also suffers from that.

[@RockyDeMocky]

miss Nokia Communicator 9300

[@executiveengineermahanadis4682]

How to purchase this mini laptop

[@srijitamal4346]

Can you please telle how can I order this?

[@JhaveriAakash]

The thumbnail reminded me of Mr Mobile

[@FULL0FFF]

Put a middle trackpad, fix that screen thing, 8G ram, bigger battery, windows 10 debloated and u r in the game

[@tammyt.b.1078]

Love that. Awaiting release of 5g. I am so sick.of glass slab ,unpredictable word predictions ,I am do grateful for them filling in the gap where O.M. kind of dropped us.

[@8ith.]

I like he not only focuses on Chinese product.

[@2frogg]

This device showd up at 48€ in my Instagram. Is it that bad?

[@patricklepoutre]

Old people like you? I'm 51 😢 nice hardware, psion like keyboard, video output... You should have shown it, does it work as good as emui and Dex?

[@lorisdp8917]

bellissimo

[@I_THE_ME]

You should have gotten it with Sailfish OS.

[@nobodynobody6415]

Hey, i am still waiting for your 1 week usage review of Xiaomi 10 Ultra :)

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Soon

[@NitishKumar-os9jt]

@@bensgadgetreviews mujhe ye khedna ha

[@marthy995]

I have the device & can tell that the buildqulity is not really that great (they will not fix it on the waranty either). Also the software is buggy. The cover display is totaly crappy & is not going to work a long time, it also lack a sensor so u will call the wrong number etc when u hold it against the head. The keybord has a nice feel but is very unresponsiv so often the first click dosent work or double register. With that said it is al do a cool & rare retroproduct.

[@Wrimmie]

What app did you download for rotation?

[@mdo]

It's called "Rotation" :)

[@jasmachugh4222]

CLick the planet button and there is an option to rotate the screen

[@asriazmi]

nokia communicator successor

[@joaomenino5101]

It's a very good product but a few expensive If you sell it... tell me

[@BigMacOsaurusRex]

I love this video but I disagree with you on one point: it’s not a device only dedicated to elderly people. I’m younger than you but I love physical keyboard on smartphone. But maybe I’m an exception. 😅

[@KyashiTran-san]

What if I need my Wikipedia Account for uploading the photo and words in the future

[@eduardocastillo8611]

I had the Samsung Epic it was very good 👍

[@shanekrishna8690]

Nice

[@sc9433]

LG dualscreen : am I a joke to you ?

[@Khaudyboy1]

The phone is okay at the beginning however later on you get so much issues like the sim card stop working the loss of display cover just a bunch of rubbish. The extraordinary thing is no one not even Cosmo planet representative to assistant you, no shop to bring the phone in to get fixed, scammed

[@kimwarner6050]

I remember having something like this when I was in middle school. I thought I was a baller

[@yakadoodledongywongy8718]

I'd buy that but 600... Hmmm maybe.

[@ripc6015]

I like the idea but the execution seems lacking.

[@badaboume]

Looks like the PSION série 5

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Oh yes. Def has those roots

[@btslover6198]

Bhai atar name ke

[@putugunarko]

No sistar for today :(

[@BarsMar]

Blackpink 🖤❤️

[@utsandstone]

No carrier support. no battery support. no battery on web.

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

BLACKPINK

[@issacharbryant6606]

I paid $67.00

[@klajdiallkanjari6658]

the price is very very to hi bro!

[@tislam2256]

cruppppp who is going to buy this??