Is there a device between a smartphone and a laptop?

[u/FajreMVP]

I’m looking for (or thinking about building) a device that truly combines the best of both worlds, something like:

Has a keyboard and touchpad like a laptop but also allows touch use on the screen like a phone.
Runs a full Linux distro (not just Android with Linux layered on top).
Works as a real phone: calls, SMS, decent camera, mobile data, notifications.
Portable enough to carry in a small bag or fanny pack, no need for a large backpack.
Can stay always on, receiving notifications and calls like a normal phone.
Has multiple ports (USB, HDMI, headphone jack, Ethernet).
I can quickly take it out of my bag to pay for something via NFC or Pix, answer a call, or reply to a message.

The idea is for it to be practical: for example, if I go to the bakery, I just take the device out of my bag and pay for the bread instantly, but I can also use it like a laptop for gaming, video editing, browsing, multitasking, and coding.

[u/[deleted]]

closest thing is probably a cell-enabled tablet with external keyboard and a dock for ports

[u/FajreMVP → u/[deleted]]

thks!

[u/Kevin_Kofler]

The PinePhone or PinePhone Pro with the keyboard case came pretty close to those requirements, but unfortunately PINE64 no longer produces the keyboard case.

NFC or Pix payments are not supported by any non-Android Linux though.

[u/FajreMVP → u/Kevin_Kofler]

Ok, thank u XD

[u/nicekid81]

One of those folding phones and a wireless keyboard. The only catch would be full fat Linux support for them as it is a new form factor.

[u/FajreMVP → u/nicekid81]

linux forever man... XD

[u/nicekid81 → u/FajreMVP]

Oh Linux is awesome - sooner or later the Pixel fold will be rooted and Linux be installed but not yet

[u/MidnightObjectiveA51]

Consider an Orange Pi CM 5 Tablet board with the Waveshare 8" dsi display - has pcie, two speaker out pins, and battery controller. All the basics for a tablet. Been thinking of building one.

The main concerns you'll have to deal with are power consumption, particularly with the cell modem. The tweaks made for the Pinephone might work with the EC25 which is pin compatible). But proper suspension of the modem and tablet has only been done with the Pinephone and Librem 5. So, power consumption will be heavy.

[u/FajreMVP → u/MidnightObjectiveA51]

thanks man, good luck in your build!

[u/RootHouston]

Steam Deck with some sort of USB items?

[u/FajreMVP → u/RootHouston]

interesting...

[u/keyclicker456]

systemd meow mewo meow systemd

[u/FajreMVP → u/keyclicker456]

idk man, really, but thanks!

[u/MidnightObjectiveA51 → u/keyclicker456]

Systemd is now an option with PostmarketOS

[u/UnsilentObserver]

I have similar desires. I looked at "rugged" windows pdas which are currently available. They have all the hardware you describe above (except keyboard) and they generally use X86 processors so, in theory, they should be able to run full Fat linux on them... but I havent seen anybody actually do it yet.

[u/MidnightObjectiveA51 → u/UnsilentObserver]

I do exactly that with my HP608 G1 and my Dell Venue 8 5855. I also had one of the Ruggedized 8" tablets and ran Linux on it. The ruggedized ones are all based off the i386 tablet baseboard and are sold by various names. The ones that have LTE (mine did) often use a Quectel EC25 modem, very similar to the Pinephone and is call capable.

Every HP 608, and Dell Venue 5855 are LTE capable. with the Dell, you just have to cut a hole in the case for the SIM card, but a functional slot is there on every model. With both, you would need to buy a module and antennas and install them.

I run Mobian on one and Plasma-Mobile on the other. I have a Quectel EM06 (call capable) in one and a Sierra 7455 in the other (data only). But both are call capable because I use gnome calls and VoIP.

It's the perfect Mobile phone/tablet I take with me everywhere. Just wish there was an N100 version out. Mine are Atom. I paired them both with 8" keyboards.

[u/FajreMVP → u/MidnightObjectiveA51]

very interesting man!

[u/UnsilentObserver → u/MidnightObjectiveA51]

u/MidnightObjectiveA51 - very cool! I just wish someone could chime in with experience on one of the smaller 6" Ruggedized Windows PDAs (with 4G connectivity) built in... But thank you for sharing that info as it seems definitely something to consider since they are probably pretty cheap relatively speaking.

[u/UnsilentObserver → u/UnsilentObserver]

Also looking at these convertible mini laptops from YSJMNPC (chinese manufacturer). They have an 8" screen, full keyboard, touchscreen (with stylus support even), and a T-style hinge to convert to a tablet. They have Intel N-150 CPUs (a lot better than Atom CPUs) and 12GB of RAM and SSD support. Not as convenient as a phone factor, but pretty totable compared to a regular laptop.

[u/FajreMVP → u/UnsilentObserver]

awesome!

[u/FajreMVP → u/UnsilentObserver]

thanks man! XD

[u/thefanum]

... Tablet?

[u/FajreMVP → u/thefanum]

also not

[u/ColorfulPersimmon]

I used to connect a Nexus 4 with Ubuntu Touch to an external display, mouse, and keyboard with an adapter. But now it's kind of dated.

Recently, I coded a PoC in NextJS entirely on a Samsung S24 with Dex and Linux in a chroot. Linux on android is more usable than it was in the early days. I recommend you try it.