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jedbergyesterday at 6:18 PM9 repliesview on HN

One thing I love about metric paper is the beauty of the simplicity: When you fold it, it maintains its ratio. This is because it is 1:1.41, aka 1:sqrt(2)

When I saw that this new phone is 1:1.4, I instantly appreciated why it is that way. Metric paper wins again!


Replies

wpmyesterday at 6:23 PM

Of all the ISO standards I wish the US would adopt, ISO216 would be it for me, hands down. I recently needed to buy some A6 thermal paper, a size no one seems to offer anymore. And who cares! Why would they! I can just buy an A4 sheet and cut it in half twice, no fuss.

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bsimpsonyesterday at 6:34 PM

The aspect ratio is the biggest problem with foldables.

The main reason I'd want a bigger display is for more immersive content like videos, which are typically 16:9. On a Pixel Fold, you have all the added complexity of the fold to make the videos you watch on the train 1cm taller.

The iPhone Duo unfolds to be the same height as the iPhone Pro Max. Sounds like it has the exact same problem - a bunch of added complexity without a practical use for it.

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> Touch ID is integrated into the side button

Another major flaw with the foldable form factor - it's hard to distinguish holding the device e.g. to pocket it and holding the device to use it. My foldable does the smartphone equivalent of butt-dialing way more often than any phone I've had before because it likes to unlock itself when I'm putting it in my pocket

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accrualyesterday at 6:22 PM

I enjoyed the subtle shade (presumably at Samsung) when they discussed existing foldables having an awkward size, and choosing their new ratios and the asymmetric form factor. One edge square, one edge rounded, so all edges are rounded when open.

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dgellowyesterday at 7:44 PM

My pockets don’t care much about ISO paper standards (not sure why you call it metric? That doesn’t have much to do with the metric system as far as I’m aware?)

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jascha_engyesterday at 6:23 PM

But it makes it really weird to type one handed I think.

ktallettyesterday at 6:29 PM

As a reading device that is great, but as a phone that is wide.

phformsyesterday at 6:31 PM

I see a possible future where we have ultra thin devices that can be successively unfolded to larger formats based on this ratio, making size-based product variety obsolete. After that we get screen origami.

clarkmoodyyesterday at 6:31 PM

Nearly impossible to actually buy A4 paper in the US

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fragmedeyesterday at 6:21 PM

Apple's submarine introduction of A* papersizes to the US.

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