GPD Win (x86 Computer / Palmtop)

[vcoleiro1]

I tried out what it would be like using devices I have, and it was easy to reach the centre of the device. The centre of the letter keys is a different matter. That will mean more typing for your left thumb than your right. Will have to see what thats like, although the OQO was the same. For reference , its a similiar width to a Nintendo DS. So if you have one of those and can reach the centre, you should have no problems. The 3DS XL is also a good reference, the WIN is actually 5mm less wide than the 3DS XL.


Also, here is a pic GPD released of their working prototype.

A manufactured run of GPD WINs will be made and sent to testers next month.

 

[SNESFAN]

Are we there yet?

 

[fusion_power]

Fast, indeed...

 

[EvilDragon]

I tried out what it would be like using devices I have, and it was easy to reach the centre of the device.

Hm, I tried it with a dummy we made with at least 10 different people, Askarus included (and he has very long fingers).
No one could reach the centre of the device (without having to turn the hands towards the centre).

To reach the centre, everyone needed to let go on one side or move the hand slightly inwards which works fine for writing a bit of text but would be certainly uncomfortable when using the keyboard for an extended period of time.

 

[vcoleiro1]

Hm, I tried it with a dummy we made with at least 10 different people, Askarus included (and he has very long fingers).
No one could reach the centre of the device (without having to turn the hands towards the centre).

To reach the centre, everyone needed to let go on one side or move the hand slightly inwards which works fine for writing a bit of text but would be certainly uncomfortable when using the keyboard for an extended period of time.

Well, not sure what to make of that. It's definately reachable for me. I'm not sure on the grips people use, but for me in a number of grips it was fine. That included the grip your wife used in the picture you posted, ie with the sides buried into the centre of my palms - which I don't find to be a comfortable grip to hold a clamshell as my thumbs then need to crane badly to reach the controls near the edges. It is definately more comfortable for me to use a grip where the sides of the device are towards the top of my palms ( near the knuckles) - probably the grip you were describing . It's easier to use the controls that are close to the edge that way .

The WIN will be a similar width to a number of products that I'm sure a lot of people here will have for them to test for themselves. . For example the WIN is 155mm wide. A standard DS is 150mm wide.
The WIN will require you to reach a further 7.5mm from the edge than the PYRA.

 

[comradekingu]

I'd venture a guess that you aren't only reaching farther, but also mis-aligning the right part of the keyboard with the left hand to compensate.

 

[vcoleiro1]

Another update today on the GPD WIN Indiegogo

"Dear Backers:

In order to make the charging more convenient and faster date transfer .We finally decide to change the Micro USB 2.0 to USB Type C 3.0.Please check the picture blow:"

 

[rygD]

Is this an improvement? Is it backward compatible so you can use the countless other chargers you already own? I guess the answer to the second question comes down to what cables you have.

 

[vcoleiro1]

I'm sure it will come with charger and cable. It's actually what people wanted. So I guess the people WIN. See what I did there.

ok, that was bad, I'm leaving now

 

[Chip]

Is this an improvement? Is it backward compatible so you can use the countless other chargers you already own? I guess the answer to the second question comes down to what cables you have.

Standard practice is to include a charging cable with a USB-powered device, so I would certainly hope they include one with the unit. Even if they don't, type-c cables and adapters are cheap - if you don't already own them, you might as well get on board because that's what everything will be using in another year or two..

 

[ElPoco]

I remember the complaints when phones switched from mini-usb to micro-usb with people saying "that's absurd, it's just a trick to force you to pay for new chargers". Now I have to search in all my drawers when I need to find a mico-usb cable to charge my Pandora...

 

[levi]

Your pandora takes a mini-usb cable to charge it, if you're not using the PSP-style barrel port.

Regarding grips, I do switch my grip to type on the keyboard of my Pandora as is, suspending the Pandora from the first knuckle of my fingers rather than wedging it between my palms, although that's mainly to get a more vertical aspect on the keyboard to hit the keys more reliably. It's an easy switch - if in game mode wedged in my palms, I just release my palms and drop the device by relaxing my supporting fingers slightly. I suspect I'd do the same if I had a GPD Win.

 

[Yoyobuae]

I remember the complaints when phones switched from mini-usb to micro-usb with people saying "that's absurd, it's just a trick to force you to pay for new chargers". Now I have to search in all my drawers when I need to find a mico-usb cable to charge my Pandora...

I got extremely lucky that I had a multi-card reader which also uses mini-usb cable. It was the only mini-usb cable I had access to when I got the Pandora.

 

[rygD]

I'm sure it will come with charger and cable. It's actually what people wanted. So I guess the people WIN. See what I did there.

ok, that was bad, I'm leaving now

Standard practice is to include a charging cable with a USB-powered device, so I would certainly hope they include one with the unit. Even if they don't, type-c cables and adapters are cheap - if you don't already own them, you might as well get on board because that's what everything will be using in another year or two..

My wisdom ifs rally about using all the cables I, and others, already own. I already have a bunch of micro and mini USB cables, and a few car chargers, too.

I don't care what "everything" will be using in a few years. I am unlikely to replace what I currently have unless there is a real need, and I am not one of those people that buys whatever new thing is released because it exists. I still use things that require ports and cables that are no longer common. All of that is irrelevant, and has nothing to do with my question.

I know a few people wanted a USB C port on the Pyra, so I wonder what the real benefits are (being new is not a benefit).

Regarding grips, I do switch my grip to type on the keyboard of my Pandora as is, suspending the Pandora from the first knuckle of my fingers rather than wedging it between my palms, although that's mainly to get a more vertical aspect on the keyboard to hit the keys more reliably. It's an easy switch - if in game mode wedged in my palms, I just release my palms and drop the device by relaxing my supporting fingers slightly.

This is probably the best I have read describing how I thumb type on my Pandora. It is still held between my hands, but kinda held with the inner side of my knuckles (between index and middle fingers). It is mostly loose, compared to my gaming grip (with more finger and hand support on the sides and back). That looseness makes it easier to hit all the keys. I think more movement will be required with the Win keyboard, or it will be a bit weird to type on since it isn't centered. I wish I could try it out to see if it is a problem or not.

 

[WizardStan]

As long as it's USB standard they'll be available at the dollar store soon enough.

 

[rygD]

Funny how hard it is to get answers to yes/no questions and an explanation about why people find it preferable.

 

[vcoleiro1]

@rygD

Supposedly it will provide faster charging. Apparently USB - C (with USB PD support) is capable of delivering far more power than USB 2. Like 100 watts vs 2.5 watts

There are softer reasons, who's benefits depend on your individual perspectives. Like it being reversible so you don't have to spend a second or two working out the right way around to plug it in.

 

[rygD]

@vcoleiro1, thanks. (I keep forgetting that the type C connector is closely tied to USB 3, even though it was mentioned.) I take it that is why most people wanted it? I wonder how quickly it can fully charge the battery, and how it compares to Rapid Charge or whatever it is called.

 

[thatgui]

@rygD

Supposedly it will provide faster charging. Apparently USB - C (with USB PD support) is capable of delivering far more power than USB 2. Like 100 watts vs 2.5 watts

Just for personal clarification: Did they really turn the "USB2 with Micro-USB connector" - port into a "USB3 with USB Type C connector" - port ? Sounds a little odd to me, maybe its still USB 2 just with a Type C connector (which is allowed according to USB specifications) ?

 

[vcoleiro1]

Just for personal clarification: Did they really turn the "USB2 with Micro-USB connector" - port into a "USB3 with USB Type C connector" - port ? Sounds a little odd to me, maybe its still USB 2 just with a Type C connector (which is allowed according to USB specifications) ?

Yes according to their statement. Not sure whats weird about that, if it were USB 2.0 with a type C connector, that would be weird.