Planet Computer, the company behind the Cosmo Communicator, returns to crowdfunding with another PDA-- the Astro Slide 5G Transformer, a device the company claims is "the most powerful 5G smartphone and pocket computer hybrid."
The Astro Slide appears to satisfy both modern and old-school sensibilities, since a "revolutionary" RockUp slider hinge reveals a physical QWERTY keyboard beneath the 6.53-inch touchscreen. The hinge even allows one to flip the display up when they slide out the keyboard, turning the device into a mini-laptop. Planet Computer says the keyboard makes the Astro Slide ideal for emails, messaging and editing documents, and the device runs on Android 10 with a multi-boot option offering Linux support.
Inside the device is a MediaTek Dimensity 1000 chipset complete with built-in 5G and Wifi 6 connectivity, allowing for fast download and upload speeds. It also includes 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (expandable via microSD slot), eSIM slot, two nano SIM slots, a 48MP rear-facing camera and an unspecified selfie shooter. On the software side the Astro Slide runs on Android 10, with a Linux multi-boot option.
The Astro Slide is available now on a preorder basis via Indiegogo. The company has already smashed through an initial €180000 pledge goal, and says shiphments will start from March 2021.
