My first week with the Pro1

[c3cf 19]

Okay, so it has been about a week with my Pro1. 

Software

I decided to go with LineageOS, because it seems that it will be updated more frequently. LineageOS on the Pro1 works perfect, no unexpected shutdowns or crashes. Using keyboard shortcuts and arrow keys to scroll (especially with the modifier to scroll to top/bottom or ctrl-tab to switch tabs) in Chrome just feels so right. I am waiting for the Vimium Firefox extension to be compatible with Android to enjoy browsing with vim mapping.

I use most applications in the Terminal (Termux), for example vim for coding or aerc to efficiently work on my email inbox, it was a pain with an on-screen keyboard. It is nice to be able to use tmux or splitting the screen to display a manual in the Browser without an on-screen keyboard blocking everything.

Hardware 

The bottom half and keyboard feel very solid. The hinge mechanism looks well engineered but my device had a slight rattle from the right side when the slider was open, which I fixed by sticking two thin slices of paper behind the display hinge. A surprisingly stable fix.

The keyboard back light is a bit uneven, perhaps a problem with Qwerz units, it looks like some LEDs are misaligned? I don't mind too much though.

I am usually opening the device with two hands and lifting the screen carefully because the infamous CLACK can be quite loud, especially in the morning. But it is getting easier over time.

Holding the device with two hands and typing with thumbs feels great, even the (by many disliked) fingerprint reader position is good. Perfect to reach with the index finger in the landscape position. Mostly I rest my index fingers on the hinge, a perfect grip.

I am quite worried about dropping this thing. I don't think the curved screen will survive much. I tried to use the here recommended Snakehive leather case for the P20 Pro, but it made the whole thing too chunky in my opinion, and uncomfortable to fit into a pocket. Now I am looking for skins/stickers to make the back more grippy.

Overall I must say that my expectations are exceeded and I already fell in love with the Pro1. Definitely recommended for coders or sysadmins who like to work in terminals. I hope the build quality holds up and I can use it nicely until a Pro2 comes out. 🙂

A big thanks to F(x)tec for making such a unique device possible and to the community, especially tdm, for the the work on the LineageOS port!

 

[michael.bosscha 142]

The clack is a thing yes. But with a bit care, it's doable to do it as soft as possible. SO hates me for it though hahahaha