Psion 5
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2005-04-16_Psion_Serie_5mx_PRO_24MB_beschn_unscharf_scharf.JPG
The Psion 5 is a PDA from Psion. It comes in two main variants, the Series 5 (launched in 1997) and the Series 5mx (1999), the latter having a faster processor, clearer screen, and updated software. There is also a rare Series 5mx Pro, which differs only in having the operating system loaded into RAM and hence upgradable. Ericsson produced a rebadged version of the Series 5mx called the MC218.
It has a clam-shell design, the keyboard sliding forward to counterbalance the touchscreen. At the heart is a 32-bit RISC-based ARM710T processor running at 18MHz (Series 5) or 36MHz (5mx), with 4, 8 or 16MB of RAM. It's powered by two AA batteries, typically giving tens of hours of use. The display is a touch-sensitive, backlit half-VGA (640x240-pixel) LCD with 16 greyscales. The keyboard is one of the best for its size, with large-travel keys and touch-type capability. Both RS-232 and IrDA (infra-red) serial connections are provided, along with a speaker and microphone, giving dictation ability as well as playing music. External storage is on CompactFlash.
The EPOC operating system is built-in, along with applications for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, contact and diary management, and software development using Psion's own OPL language. A version of the Opera web browser is bundled with the 5mx, as is a Java Virtual Machine, and synchronisation software for Windows. A wealth of third-party software is also available, from games and utilities to navigation, reference, communications, and productivity applications, and standard programming tools like Perl and Python.
It can also run Linux to some extent: see the PsiLinux site (http://linux-7110.sourceforge.net/).
Psion's experience designing for this form factor and attention to detail has made these machines a favourite with power users, many of whom have stuck with them, despite their age and the appearance of Symbian OS-powered mobile phones and other PDAs with more impressive-sounding specifications. There have been intermittent rumours of Psion's return to the consumer market, but the Series 5mx would seem to be their swansong.
External links
- Psion's own site (http://www.series5mx.com/) promoting the 5mx.
- The Tucows EPOC software index (http://www.epocsoftware.com/epoc.html).
- 3-Lib (http://3lib.ukonline.co.uk/), the Psion freeware and shareware library.
- POS Ltd (http://www.posltd.com/) are the main repair and service centre for Psion computers in the UK.