It started with notebooks, but that wasn’t the master plan.
phone keyboard similar to the PinePhone keyboard case
This doesn’t buy you a single device with a physical keyboard, but if you’re willing to tolerate a separate keyboard device, you can get those in smartphone form factor.
There are full-size keyboards that fold down to the size of a cell phone and fit in your pocket:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=folding+keyboard
That won’t solve your issue if what you want to do is to be walking down the street and tapping away, but if the concern is intensive text-typing sessions when you’re sitting down, that can work.
There are also tiny keyboards that you can hold in your hand that’ll talk to the phone via Bluetooth:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=handheld+keyboard
You can get phone cases that hold both such a keyboard and the phone:
I have some of those tiny keyboards, but the PinePhone keyboard case is far more convenient to use as a mini on the go PC than a separate keyboard. If such an all in one option existed for more powerful hardware it would be amazing. I love the idea of a phone that doubles as a true pocket laptop including connectivity options.
I love the idea of a phone that doubles as a true pocket laptop including connectivity options.
I haven’t looked recently, but you might try looking at Japan. They were way ahead of the US in the palmtop form factor. I remember boggling at what they had on the market – albeit expensive – about twenty years ago.
Japan has also been well below the US in personal computer ownership. My guess as to explaining those two facts – lack of personal computers, but availability of palmtops – is that a big part of available computer use time in Japan might be when someone is on mass transit. They’re willing to pay a premium for something usable there.
googles
I’m not seeing anything likely in a quick search, but there are some more-recent “UMPC” form factor devices from various companies that look kinda similar. Larger than the palmtops, so might be what you’re thinking of.
I have seen the GPD devices before and if they were a bit smaller (phone sized) and had cell capability maybe that would be a good option. As is, they are not small enough to be in a separate category than the Steam Deck IMO, and I already have a Steam Deck. I also like the idea of the keyboard being detachable as sometimes the phone form factor is desirable, like when holding it up to your ear.
