Re: Foundation Devices 'Passport Batch 2' hardware wallet review
I was hoping that the keyboard and camera would still be left untouched regarding quality and "feeling", but it seems that isn't the case.
To be honest, I wouldn't even necessarily say that the quality of the keypad got worse; the buttons even feel more durable, it's just a different type of actuator probably.Camera is untouched, so any differences should be down to firmware.
This particular paragraph activated my "paranoid" sense:
Good question, didn't cross my mind. From my experience, the difference in key feel is not nearly as drastic that you could tell which keys were pressed more often. Maybe the navigation keys also just feel better since they are separate from the keypad. Nothing to be concerned about, though.. It's worth noting that it did improve a bit over time, especially the most used (numbers and navigation) keys.
I know that the odds are very, very slim, but assuming that someone got a hold of the device, could they extrapolate, based on the "used keys" on the keyboard, your PIN code? I know the odds are slim, but this idea just came to my mind ...
I probably also got used to it a bit.I still think that one downside of the device is the premium price - If I were to purchase one I would be looking at 330 (Model T would be around 270 with support to multiple cryptocurrencies)
Agreed; the price is definitely high. Surprisingly, it's hard to find hardware wallets with open-source firmware and hardware, plus QR air-gap and all of the other Passport features. No real competition except the Passport Founders Edition. I suppose that manufacturing in the US is also costly, but that definitely increases my personal confidence in the device.You also simply feel that these devices are no China products; the premium price tag reflects in a premium build quality. My FE looks just like it arrived roughly a year ago.
If you can live with a closed-source hardware platform though, I believe that Keystone would give you a lot, for under $200, even under $100 with current discounts. I may actually try it out myself; not sure.
I would definitely appreciate a 'lite' version or a kind of mass-produceable (injection molding for all parts) version of either device at a lower price point. Keep in mind both of these have a metal interior piece that gives it structure and heft, which could be replaced. Maybe a monochrome LCD would be cheaper as well, and the device could even be offered without battery, in case you already have some BL-5C kicking around. I believe shipping devices with batteries is also more expensive, so another area to maybe cut some costs.