The keyboard wasn't much smaller than the netbook keyboard I'm using today, yet the clamshell design meant it folded down into a very neat package. You could easily touch type, which was a very useful thing, as it came complete with a full office package that was compatible with Microsoft Office, yet it ran on a tiny memory. It could multi-task, and it even had a mobile browser. Touch screen technology and a with a bit of persuasion it could even do handwriting recognition. You think ebooks are new? I was reading them in 1998 on this. The majority of my HND was written through this machine. Internet wasn't a problem, as it would connect to a dial up modem, or even wireless through my mobile phone.
This was a highly efficient design Two AA batteries would last me a couple of days, even if I was using rechargeable batteries. They made every byte of memory count.
But it does have its downside. For Psion, the predecessor to the Series 5, the Series 3 family were very well built machines with a loyal following. People were reluctant to switch over to a new device when the one they were using was still serving them well. And for me, the end of my Psion was when the screen cable died. The clever folding design had a weak point in that the ribbon cable between screen and motherboard would give way. Out of warranty, this was an expensive repair, so after nearly four years of daily use, I had to retire my Psion.
I managed to track down a replacement screen cable the other day, and I was going to attempt a fix, but I'm afraid this Psion is too far gone. Deeper investigation revealed a couple of problems that I must have caused myself somewhere along the way.
It's just a shame that Psion is no longer in the palmtop computer market any more. I am yet to find a machine that is as functional as the Psion.
Rest in pieces Psion Series 5, you served me well.
I had a Psion Revo. Psion was the best, much better than pocket pc.
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