Author Topic: GPD WIN - Are Layout Issues etc stopping you from backing it on Indiegogo? (Read 7330 times)

vcoleiro1 · « **on:** March 10, 2016, 01:08:03 pm »

As we know from previous discussions, the GPD WIN Control/Keyboard layout has some issues. Some of which I consider major issues. So basically , are the issues below stopping you from backing the GPD WIN on Indiegogo?

Please fill out the poll above

GPD WIN Issues:

1) Because of the right column of keys (power, select, start, volume etc) the keyboard has been shifted to the left, in fact the only letter keys on the right side of the device are the K, L, O, and P keys . This is a major issue as it means people will be forced to type with just their left thumb - add to that, the fact that most people are right handed. You can see the left indentation on GPDs current Keyboard layout and the issues I mention here:

2) L3 and R3 are in unworkabe postions. See above

3) The keys in the current layout are small , especially for westerners, I have a keyboard with similar sized keys and it takes practice to use without hitting 2 keys at once.

4) Keys are missing in the current GPD keyboard layout like Xbox 360 Guide button, Home , End etc

5) Have a look at F1 to F7, how would you press those buttons while holding the Fn key with your left thumb?

6) As the other game controls are disabled when in mouse mode. This does not allow you to use them for games that could benefit from using a mouse and left controller, dpad, face buttons etc

Deen0X · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2016, 01:29:39 pm »

If i become a supporter, i need to know that L3/R3 and Select/Start buttons will be fixed to become on better location on the layout.

i don?t need the keyboard, then really for me is something that no matter what happens with it (but i try to help on design for users that really appreciate this element on the device), but my main concern is gamepad layout, and is not suitable for me unless they fix these buttons on it.

then, in case i'm uspporter, most probably stop backing on the campaign, and wait for these issues to be fixed. for now, this point get me away from the device to become a backer. (i voted yes on the pool)

redlemon · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2016, 01:42:13 pm »

Nope.
I just want the keyboard to prevent any compatibility issues. I don't care about it layout at all beyond the l3/r3. Even then I plan on using it for mostly 2d games so it's still not a dealbreaker.
I'm not going to back it on Indiegogo but its for different reasons like I don't feel comfortable putting down a large amount of money months in advance and not knowing what the build quality of the final device will be like.

leafar · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2016, 02:03:43 pm »

I just waiting for those two issues to be addressed the WIFI and the keyboard and game control layout,i give them my $5 contribution,but if they don't make their minds no go for me,we have been in this battle for a long time.

GPD is a company steeping into the feature for a good business,don't skip this opportunity make right

vcoleiro1 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2016, 02:13:22 pm »

Quote from: leafar on March 10, 2016, 02:03:43 pm

I just waiting for those two issues to be addressed the WIFI and the keyboard and game control layout,i give them my $5 contribution,but if they don't make their minds no go for me,we have been in this battle for a long time.

GPD is a company steeping into the feature for a good business,don't skip this opportunity make right

They said no to both Wifi dual band and the keyboard changes. So if that's holding you back from backing a GPD WIN console on Indiegogo, then vote accordingly on the poll at the top of the page

� · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2016, 04:23:10 pm »

The keyboard is probably the most important part of it, being a Windows device.
So yes, having an unbalanced and unworkable keyboard is stopping me from paying for it.

5 GHz WiFi is important, but mainly for home uses. Seeing as it's portable, and most venues and universities broadcast at 2.4 GHz, I don't see it as a major detriment. Especially since this device's main purpose isn't Moonlight or 4K video streaming, seeing as it only has a qHD display and can actually play a lot of PC games on its own.

Anyway, shitty keyboard = shitty laptop = shitty "laptop you can fit in your pocket". Just so GPD can understand this.

P.S.
I do hope GPD Win succeeds, because I want another, better version. Currently they're just sticking with their old designs and molds on every single occasion, which leads me to believe they're not even considering any improvements or changes - they've already finalized everything.

logseman · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2016, 06:00:41 pm »

It's impossible to fit a working keyboard in such a small space. The Open Pandora was torture, and while this is bigger, it's still too small.

Aside of that, of course they have the design already finished. The device itself is finished, and they'll use excuses to not add any new feature.

Flexible Funding IGG campaigns are very akin to scams. I'm not saying that GPD are scammers, but they do want to minimise the costs of the device by using Indiegogo as a pre-order site.

Deen0X · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2016, 06:24:49 pm »

Quote from: Made in China on March 10, 2016, 04:23:10 pm

5 GHz WiFi is important, but mainly for home uses. Seeing as it's portable, and most venues and universities broadcast at 2.4 GHz, I don't see it as a major detriment. Especially since this device's main purpose isn't Moonlight or 4K video streaming, seeing as it only has a qHD display and can actually play a lot of PC games on its own.

guys, you're missing an important point. windows device can?t transfer from PC to PC via USB, then you must use lan connection or usb pendrives.
lan connection is the most easy and common way, but 2.4GHz may be a torture if your lan is saturated by other wifis using the same channel, then copying files no so biggest (500gb) may take a really long time.

for this reason, and most than streaming, is necessary Wifi 5GHz. for most usage on home.

and about streaming, yes, the device is only HD (720p) but, HDMI output may be used for 1080p streaming connected to a big TV, then for this case 5GHz wifi is useful too for proper streaming and good experience.

� · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2016, 06:27:22 pm »

Quote from: logseman on March 10, 2016, 06:00:41 pm

It's impossible to fit a working keyboard in such a small space. The Open Pandora was torture, and while this is bigger, it's still too small.

I'm sorry, but this is simply not true - it's just common practice.
I can say from experience that the BlackBerry keyboards are very compact and comfortable, while lacking some of the functionality that GPD has crammed into the device.
However, going the other way around - touch keyboard have taught us that you can cram half of a keybaord into a 3.5'' space (original iPhone screen size), and you can certainly do it with physical buttons - you just have to be smart about it.

dkabot · « **Reply #9 on:** March 10, 2016, 06:57:17 pm »

(I know this is my first post, but I've followed this project's IGG campaign for a decent chunk of time now and am looking into backing it later to the end)

The keyboard looks like it wouldn't be perfect, but not enough to stop me from trying/wanting it.
I used to use the OG Motorola Droid, and that had a very odd layout with some pretty terrible keys, but it worked fine in actual use.
The 3D printed images actually helped for my case, as I wasn't fully sure of its scale despite knowing the reference size (3DS XL).
I still maintain my want even if it remains as-is, though I will agree that it could be improved.

notime2d8 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2016, 02:48:41 am »

I thought people raised a big fuss about the USB port so that we could add our USB 5ghz WiFi and jump drives to transfer Media? And why transfer over wifi/lan when you can add it the same way you got it on your computer the first time? You should be able to use a Xbox one and ps3 controllers too...then you have all the buttons and layout. They even make tiny USB web cams. And its only been a handful of people complaining about the same things here...I don't think that compare to the 700+ who pledged already.

masterofstuff124 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2016, 05:00:52 am »

the 500 price tag is stopping me from buying one....

and no 5ghz and no full size usb and silly placement of l3 r3. the list goes on.

honestly with the sucess of the indie gogo and no prototype i dont think they give a shit what we have to say.

logseman · « **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2016, 10:49:54 pm »

Quote from: Made in China on March 10, 2016, 06:27:22 pm

Quote from: logseman on March 10, 2016, 06:00:41 pm
It's impossible to fit a working keyboard in such a small space. The Open Pandora was torture, and while this is bigger, it's still too small.
I'm sorry, but this is simply not true - it's just common practice.
I can say from experience that the BlackBerry keyboards are very compact and comfortable, while lacking some of the functionality that GPD has crammed into the device.
However, going the other way around - touch keyboard have taught us that you can cram half of a keybaord into a 3.5'' space (original iPhone screen size), and you can certainly do it with physical buttons - you just have to be smart about it.

Touch typing in touchscreens is vastly inferior to swiping, which is why every modern OS under the sun incorporates a Swype-like system. BlackBerry physical keyboards are incredibly uncomfortable and, especially, prone to break. That physical keyboards are mostly phased out in modern devices with small screens is no coincidence

I really don't see how GPD can be smart about it.

� · « **Reply #13 on:** March 11, 2016, 11:30:36 pm »

Swiping just allows you to type without raising your finger - you still have to get to every key you want to type. This means the screen has to contain them all and for them to be big enough so you can differentiate between them.
Swiping is also not about accuracy, it's about speed. Touch-based typing will always be slower and more cumbersome than physical buttons, and Swype tries to narrow the gap with varying results - depends on the device.

Also, BlackBerry are notorious for their durability, so I don't really get where you're getting your information. Their keyboard isn't as comfortable as other physical keyboards, but their keyboards are also designed to be used with only one hand, so I say they're making the most with what they've got.

What I mean by "being smart about it" is:
1. Do not put redundant buttons, to maximize each button's surface area and minimize the chance for a typing error.
2. Center the keyboard so that both thumbs could be utilized when held.
3. Use curved or trapezoid key caps that will let you differentiate between keys using tactile feedback alone.
4. Having dead space near the boundaries will be nice, because if you stretch your thumbs you're likely to rest a bit of your palm on the device.

These are only the designs principles I can think of. I'm sure others can add their own.
Point is, GPD isn't being very smart about their design. It's like they took their design from a 14'' laptop and just minimized it, instead of modifying it to fit its new environment.

brushpicks11 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2016, 01:25:08 am »

This device is awesome the keyboard is not stopping me. I would buy one instantly if it was 230$ max. The price tag is only thing stopping me plus there's no way in hell I'd pay anything close to 500$ for this are you serious you can get quite a nice laptop for 500$ why the hell would I put that down on this.

Price is only thing stopping me. 300$ just a bit outside my price for something like this. GPD XD was perfect price considering some ebayers sell it for 120$. I think it will fail if priced over 300$ especially their 500$ price they're saying it'd be, ridiculous!

Keyboard isn't much of an issue though I don't see who's typing research papers on this thing. When I play a game on my computer I use an Xbox controller never a need for keyboard and games that don't support the controller or need aditional keys to be mapped in addition to controller maxes at about 4 more keys throughout gameplay. Keyboard is definitely not that big of a deal honestly I don't mind L3 R3 either considering now I can sprint without taking finger off analog stick.

The only thing I'd like aside from 5ghz wifi which isn't happening is clickable joysticks. Man that'd be sweet if the joysticks were just clickable.

dreamesper · « **Reply #15 on:** March 12, 2016, 02:09:50 am »

Couldn't agree more... $500 is wayyyyy outta league for me n many others.

sirp0p0 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 12, 2016, 02:31:18 am »

Honestly I don't have any real interest in the GPD WIN. I'm more waiting for an improved Q9/XD. If they slapped a better SoC and fixed some things like a better DPAD (and bigger battery just because) I would love a new Q9 especially if they got clickable analog sticks.

dreamesper · « **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2016, 02:57:30 am »

Clickable analog sticks?! wow, now that would be nice.

sirp0p0 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 12, 2016, 05:55:19 pm »

In one of the GPD WIN threads someone found the manufacturer of the PSV analogs and there are clickable versions with the same dimensions.

eragon2890 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 12, 2016, 06:52:13 pm »

Quote from: sirp0p0 on March 12, 2016, 05:55:19 pm

In one of the GPD WIN threads someone found the manufacturer of the PSV analogs and there are clickable versions with the same dimensions.

Really? I thought due to how the ps vita analogs work they could not click.

Author Topic: GPD WIN - Are Layout Issues etc stopping you from backing it on Indiegogo? (Read 7330 times)

vcoleiro1 (OP)

vcoleiro1 (OP)