# Your next laptop could be a foldable phone | The Vergecast Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r_9ikSwuVc Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/-r_9ikSwuVc Generated: 2026-02-17T14:00:40.507+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Senior reviewer Allison Johnson successfully used a Samsung ZFold 7 foldable phone as a primary computer replacement for straightforward tasks, discovering that the utility comes from having a much better keyboard for faster typing on the larger inner screen, rather than complex multitasking or new operating system features, although limitations imposed by Android apps, especially Google Docs, prevent it from fully replacing a dedicated laptop for complex workflows like image manipulation. **Key Points:** - Allison Johnson conducted an earnest experiment using the Samsung ZFold 7 as a computer, finding success for tasks like writing in WordPress and Google Docs when leaving the house without a laptop. - Johnson preferred the ZFold 7 over the Pixel Fold because it felt like a 'normal phone' in terms of size and weight, offering 'all upside' by providing a larger inner screen without significant bulk. - The essential setup for the 'purse computer' involved pairing the foldable with a portable keyboard, ultimately settling on the Logitech Keys to Go, which provided surprising typing speed despite its slim, membrane-like keys. - The core utility realized was the ability to type much more quickly and efficiently than using thumbs on a standard phone screen, changing the mindset for on-the-go productivity. - The experiment faced significant limitations when dealing with image manipulation (like background cutouts) and the frustrating behavior of the Google Docs Android app, which constantly prompts to open the app instead of using the superior web browser version. - Johnson remains comfortable leaving her MacBook at home for weekend trips where her needs are basic communication and writing, indicating the foldable setup covers the 'minimum viable product' for their job requirements. - Jacob Feldman discussed the state of sports streaming, noting the Winter Olympics streaming on Peacock was a success due to offering '400 streams' and 'choose your own adventure' options, including multi-view. **Context:** The Vergecast episode centers on two main topics: first, an in-depth interview with Verge Senior Reviewer Allison Johnson regarding her experiment using a foldable phone, specifically the Samsung ZFold 7, as a substitute for a traditional laptop for mobile work; and second, a discussion with Jacob Feldman from Sportico about the current landscape of sports streaming, covering recent events like the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics, alongside news about YouTube TV's new tiered subscription packages. ## Detailed Analysis The primary focus of the conversation was Allison Johnson's experience attempting to use the Samsung ZFold 7 as a primary portable computer, a concept she calls the 'purse computer.' She found the foldable form factor, particularly the ZFold 7's size, allowed her to carry a device that felt like a normal phone but offered an 8-inch inner screen large enough for functional work like WordPress and Google Docs, eliminating the encumbrance of carrying a MacBook for simple tasks. The critical component for success was adding a portable keyboard, with the Logitech Keys to Go proving to be shockingly effective, allowing for near full-speed typing. However, Johnson noted the setup breaks down when tasks require more desktop-like functionality, such as significant image editing or dealing with the poor performance of the Google Docs Android app, which actively resists using its functional desktop web version. Johnson concluded that while she will confidently leave her laptop at home for short trips based on this setup covering basic communication needs, she remains wary of heavy battery drain during extended use. Following this segment, Jacob Feldman detailed the success of the Winter Olympics streaming on Peacock, which provided extensive, on-demand coverage, and discussed YouTube TV's new, slightly cheaper sports-focused bundle, which he views as an attempt by Google to flatten post-football season churn by catering specifically to sports fans, leveraging their growing market power against content providers. ### Foldable Phone as Computer Experiment - Allison Johnson used the ZFold 7 as a purse computer for basic tasks like WordPress and Google Docs - She found the inner screen size sufficient, but reliance on a separate keyboard was necessary to feel productive - Johnson prefers the ZFold 7 because it feels like a normal phone compared to bulkier foldables. ### Keyboard Selection Journey - Johnson experimented with several portable keyboards, including a trifold Proto Arc, before settling on the Logitech Keys to Go - The Keys to Go is praised as shockingly good, lightweight, and having a long battery life (three years on coin cells), though it sacrifices key travel. ### Software and Workflow Limitations - The experiment revealed that the utility is primarily derived from faster typing, not advanced multitasking; Android fights the desktop use case, especially Google Docs, which constantly pushes users to the 'garbage' mobile app over the web version. - Tasks involving image manipulation like background cutouts proved too complicated for the setup, marking the boundary of what the phone can replace. ### YouTube TV Streaming Strategy - Jacob Feldman highlighted YouTube TV's announcement of new packages, including a Sports Plan, launched strategically after the Super Bowl to reduce post-season churn. - The sports plan is only slightly cheaper than the main plan, confirming that sports content commands a high price point in the streaming ecosystem, echoing the bundling issues of traditional cable. ### Winter Olympics Streaming Success - The streaming coverage of the Winter Olympics via Peacock was deemed a success, providing '400 streams' and 'choose your own adventure' viewing options, finally satisfying dedicated fans who previously found the broadcast coverage restrictive. - Drone technology provided innovative camera work, with some drones piloted by ex-Olympic athletes, showcasing professional tools advancing faster than consumer adoption.