Cosmo Communicator review – Not for Everybody, Definitely for Somebody

Planet UK have been working on the Psion S3-style PDA smart device for a few years now. At MWC just a few years ago, I played with their Gemini and later reviewed the product. It had some design issues that prevented the device from truly replacing my smartphone and tablet w/keyboard as it should have done. For one, the lack of an outer screen forced me to open the device to do simple tasks. I often had to open the device to see who was calling and then close it again to take the call since the earpiece was on the outside. Cosmo Communicator tackles most of Gemini’s idiosyncrasies while addressing some lesser spoken issues.

The result is much closer to the vision that impressed IndieGoGo enough to have cash thrown at them four years ago. While it’s still a niche product, Communicator shows those backers put their faith in the right hands.

Reworked but Similar Outer

From moderate distance, you may mistake Cosmo Communicator for its predecessor. They wear a similar dark two-tone, lightly frosted metal outer. The form factor, a wide clamshell, is the same. That mechanical keyboard is almost the same. The two are almost the same in terms of dimensions and weight with Cosmo Communicator being slightly thicker at 17mm deep when closed and 326g, versus 16mm and 320g.

While normal manufacturers might be derided for derivation, Planet are working towards a perfect formula for a specific layout so allotting resources for aesthetic upgrades would have been wasteful. That classic form factor didn’t need a change, how it meets the modern software-driven mobile productivity landscape did.

On closer inspection, especially a manual one, differences do become more apparent. The build quality, while not particularly lacking in Gemini, is now practically AAA. The elder hinge was innovative and impressive but imperfect. It rattled a little and wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked. Whereas Cosmo Communicator closes or opens almost silently before a satisfying and reassuring clap or click respectively.

The SIM and micro SD have been moved from behind a metal panel on the outside of the Gemini. This plate could move slightly and add to the rattle of the device. It also needed proprietary tool to open. There is now a conventional slide out tray in which both sit; your regular SIM extractor or safety pin backup will do the trick. This probably should have been how it was done first time around but we are glad it’s here nonetheless.

Gemini’s lid was devoid of interface save for the five indicator LEDs. Cosmo Communicator removes the Christmas decorations and adds a 2″ diagonal touchscreen that resides between the new camera arrangement and wake button with in-built fingerprint sensor. I find the symmetry and simplicity of the three to be aesthetically pleasing.

The otherwise-unsullied rear carries the only branding of the device – the few words and logos are in a simple white line style. It suits the overall look of the device.

Additional Function

Cosmo Communicator’s aforementioned addition of an outer screen, rear camera and outer fingerprint sensor were very much needed. Being unable to capture non-selfie photo or video while looking at the screen was huge handicap to Gemini’s already limited capture utility.

The idealistic implementation of Gemini’s indicator LEDs was interesting but nobody is going to learn a rake of combos just so they can avoid taking calls from work or know what messages await in their notifications. To make a call on Gemini, one had to use the spotty voice assist.

The 2″ screen solves these problems but unfortunately it does little else well. Navigating through the outer display’s applets and functions is slow and intermittently unresponsive. Taking a photo using the outer display is made awkward by what feels like a full second of lag while lining up a shot.

As a means to check the time, see if its worth opening your device or read simple messages, it works. I found I got used to its limitations and used it exclusively for these. The always-on option for the outer screen is a nice feature that gives users instant access to relevant info without a huge battery drain to the already struggling battery.

Both cameras are quite basic. A single lens each, neither performing well in low light. However, I felt it was adequate as support for most productivity. I wouldn’t use Cosmo Communicator for product shots for reviews but the outer cam is fine for simple demonstration or social media posts. Video is, again, barebones with a capture cap of 1080p30.

Keys to Success?

The keyboard didn’t need much tinkering. It’s still mostly practical. The keys are just about big enough to allow me to type at a steady tempo. Though I must note, my hands are on the small side and I had practice with the Gemini. Like when I reviewed Gemini for my day job, I typed this entire thing on our subject device.

There is enough travel to give adequate feedback while typing. The keys have a little flex but on keys this size, it won’t bother you. The 53-key layout covers alphanumerical, directional keys, a function key, Planet ‘home’ key and reduced set of punctuation keys. You will need to familiarise yourself with your ‘Fn+’ combos to get any sort of joy from typing substantial copy.

Planet UK offer 28 keyboard layouts that cover about 20 languages with DVORAK and alternate English keyboards adding to the line-up. Our review model was configured for US users so it took me a few minutes to get used to the layout. I could have changed the bindings to my local set but then the keys wouldn’t match.

Ultimately, any user will eventually type at a faster rate on the Cosmo Communicator than is possible on a touchscreen. Whether you need that in an ultra-portable device is up to you to decide.

Computing Options

Cosmo Communicator features multi-boot functionality. The device runs Planet’s Debian Linux for Cosmo, Kali, Sailfish OS and Android 9 with a Planet skin. Users can partition their drive and use KDE Plasma as a boot menu. Some of you will never use the multi-boot but those who do will value the work done to make it not just viable but wholly usable.

For anyone familiar with accessing boot options on mobile devices, it will be easy. For those unfamiliar with the process, Planet provide a comprehensive guide.

The Android extras provided by Planet are a mixed bag but add to the device overall. The alternate apps usually use the keyboard and its shortcuts more effectively than Android’s versions so in theory, they should be more efficient. However, your everyday Android fare has been refined to nigh-on perfection and when compared, Planet’s effort look a little dated.

Similarly, the continued use of Android 9.0 is understandable but it feels a little stale.

Raw Specs

At around €820/£720, Cosmo Communicator edges towards a premium price-tag. The cost of the mechanically complex keys and hinge probably ate quite a bit of the per-unit budget yet the device is powerful enough to handle its workload. It’s not nearly as powerful as the €1,200 premium-plus devices but it is faultless as a compact work device.

Similarly, the 2,160×1,080 IPS LED isn’t going to blow you away but it perfectly covers the productivity goals of the device. A 4,220mAh battery is enough to give Cosmo Communicator below-average stamina. If you are using Cosmo Communicator for its intended purpose, you will mill through the battery in 8 hours or less.

Specifications

Vision vs. Implementation

Cosmo Communicator is closer to the modern take on Psion that Planet and its backers were hoping for. There are still compromises to be had – both as a smartphone and as a portable office. But for those whose priorities warrant such a unique productivity proposition, the device fulfils most of the requirements.

Sure it’s heavy and a little thick but if it means you can leave the tablet or notebook at home, it hardly matters.