ASCII.jp Sliding keyboard smartphone "Astro 5G Transformer", CPU changes, but I'm looking forward to June

"Astro 5G Transformer" expected by keyboard enthusiasts

Planet Computers has released smartphones with Gemini PDA, Cosmo Communicator and clamshell QWERTY keyboard. The scheduled shipment of "Astro 5G Transformer", which was successfully funded by crowdfunding in May 2020, is approaching March 2021 next month. The Astro 5G Transformer, which is the company's first 5G model and has a sliding gimmick unlike the previous two models, is valuable as a QWERTY keyboard terminal with only a few products at the moment.

The past two models that were clamshell type

As is often the case with crowdfunding, Planet Computers has informed investors that the Astro 5G Transformer will also be shipped from the initial March to June. At the same time, the final specifications and body shape of the Astro 5G Transformer were also clarified.

The final model of Astro 5G Transformer, which was unveiled on YouTube live.

First of all, the body size. Initially it was announced as 164 x 76.6 x 15 mm, but the size has been increased to 172.4 x 76.5 x 17.8 mm. The width is slightly narrower, but the overall length and thickness are increased. In addition, there is a foot on the back, and the camera is mounted between them, but the thickness of that part is 18.7 mm. It seems that it was made stronger only by the moving main body structure that slides the display and causes it. The weight has not changed at 300g as originally planned.

There is a foot on the back, and the camera is mounted there

It's a little disappointing to change the chipset. Initially, MediaTek's Dimensity 1000 was planned, but now it's Dimensity 800. Image that Snapdragon has changed from 800 series to 700 series. Along with this, Wi-Fi 6 is no longer supported from "5G + 5G dual standby" to "5G + 4G" around the 5G modem. It seems that it is due to the convenience of obtaining the chipset, not the cost, but I wanted you to do your best here. However, on the other hand, I'm glad that the memory has changed from 6GB to 8GB.

Final specs of Astro 5G Transformer

Another change is that the display size has been reduced from 6.53 type to 6.39 type. However, since it became organic EL, the color development improved, and the surface became gorilla glass (3rd generation), so there was less concern about scratches. Due to the influence of the new coronavirus, the purchase of materials and the arrangement of the factory to assemble may not be as normal, so I think that there is no choice but to accept this. Above all, it is most important to commercialize it firmly.

The power and volume buttons are located at the bottom of the main unit.The body design is almost complete

By the way, commercialization was delayed by 3 months from the beginning. As for the schedule for the future, since February 12th will be the Lunar New Year this year, the ODM factory in China will be almost closed during February. Therefore, the final slide mechanism etc. will be finalized in January, the final prototype test such as debugging will be tested in March, various certifications and approvals will be obtained from May, production will start, and the first lot will be shipped in June. It seems.

Both past models are officially sold in Japan, and this Astro 5G Transformer will also acquire technical suitability and will be a product that can be used dignifiedly in Japan. I am also looking forward to receiving the product in June.

I can't wait for the shipment in June

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