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From: [email protected] (Daniel `HB9VBC' Pfund)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.psion.announce,comp.sys.palmtops,comp.answers,news.answers
Subject: PSION Series 3/3a palmtop FAQ part 1/6
Followup-To: comp.sys.psion.misc
Approved: [email protected],[email protected]
Summary: This article is a collection of information on the Psion
Series 3(a) palmtop computers. It should be read by anyone
intending to post to the comp.sys.psion.* newsgroups.
Originator: [email protected]
Date: 17 Apr 2004 11:27:11 GMT
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Archive-name: psion-faq/part1
Version: $VER: Psion FAQ v2.6 (Jun 1997)
Posting-Frequency: monthly
URL: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/8130/faq.htm

PSION SERIES 3/3a FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Original author: Chris Wesley
Actual author & maintainer: Daniel Pfund

Jun97 - v2.6

Welcome to the FAQ for the comp.sys.psion.* Usenet hierarchy. Find the
contents table below. Questions and constructive comments are welcome.
Send them to me at: [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTE: this article does not contain any software infos on
the Series 3c or the Siena. I will NOT include specific informations
concerning these new machines (except hardware stuff). Maybe there
will be a Series3c/Siena FAQ written by someone else in the future?
_________________________________________________________________

-CHANGE-Indicates a change since last version
- NEW! -Indicates an addition since last version
_________________________________________________________________

Contents

part 1

I. DISCLAIMER
II. CREDITS
III. COPYRIGHT
IV. FAQ UPDATES
V. WHERE CAN I GET THIS FAQ?
VI. NEWSGROUP NETIQUETTE

1. INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION

1.1 What is the Psion Series 3/3a?
1.2 Which model should I buy?
-CHANGE-1.3 When will the "new" Psion come out?
-CHANGE-1.4 What other machines does Psion make?
1.5 What other palmtop alternatives are there?

part 2

- NEW! -1.6 Where can I purchase a Psion?
1.7 How can I contact Psion?

2. HARDWARE

2.1 Hardware specifications
2.2 What batteries does the Psion use?
2.3 How long do the batteries last?
2.4 How does the Psion measure the battery usage?
2.5 How can I make my batteries last longer?
2.6 Can I use an external power supply?
2.7 Can I upgrade my Solid State Disk (SSD)?
2.8 Can I upgrade my internal RAM?
2.9 Can I change the keyboard?
2.10 Can I use a big (normal) keyboard?
2.11 How can I build a serial link?
2.12 How can I build a parallel link?
2.13 What is this "soap on a rope" thing?
2.14 How do I print with my Psion?
2.15 Can I take my Psion through an X-Ray machine?
2.16 Can my Psion wipe out magnetic data?

3. SOFTWARE

3.1 How do I reset my Psion?
3.2 What is killing a process?
3.3 How can I save what's on the screen?
3.4 What is the soak test?
3.5 How can I find a text in my memos with Agenda?
3.6 How can I make the cursor bigger?
3.7 How can I take out the "hum" when I record sounds?
3.8 How safe is password protection?
3.9 How can I change the icon of a program?

part 3

3.10 How can I permanently change the distance units in World?
3.11 Why do some programs crash with an "Invalid arguments"
error?
3.12 Why is my Psion not switching itself off automatically
anymore?
3.13 How can I change the fonts in the system applications?
3.14 Is Perl ported to the Psion?
3.15 How do I undelete a file if I've accidentaly deleted it?
3.16 How can I synchronize my desktop agenda with my Psion's?

4. TIPS & TRICKS FOR GENERAL USE

4.1 Known hardware problems & solutions
4.2 Known software problems & solutions
4.3 Other official Psion repair centres
4.4 User groups
4.5 Online services
4.6 Bulletin boards (BBSes)
4.7 Magazines
4.8 "Anti-thief" tips
4.9 Lost/stolen Psions

5. SHAREWARE AND FREEWARE

5.1 Relevant FTP sites
5.2 WWW internet sites
5.3 Shareware for those without online access

part 4

6. CONNECTING YOUR PSION

6.1 With an IBM or clone
6.2 With an Amiga
-CHANGE-6.3 With a UNIX machine
6.4 With a Macintosh
6.5 With an Atari
6.6 With an Acorn Archimedes or Risc PC
6.7 With a serial modem
6.8 With a PCMCIA modem
6.9 With a packet radio TNC
6.10 With a cellular phone
6.11 Via the IrDA port (3c/Siena)
6.12 Terminal emulation
6.13 TCP/IP stack

part 5

7. THE EMULATOR

7.1 Limitations & bugs
7.2 Tips & tricks
7.3 Changing permanently the keyboard mapping

8. PROGRAMMING

8.1 Overview of development possibilities
8.2 OPL programming directly on the Psion
8.3 OPL programming from a PC
8.4 C Development on PC
8.5 Advanced C Development on a PC
8.6 Available books
8.7 How to do various things: tips & tricks

A. SHAREWARE/FREEWARE AVAILABLE SOFTWARE

A.1 Applications
A.2 Games

part 6

B. COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SOFTWARE, SERVICES & ACCESSORIES

B.1 Business & Legal
B.2 Education
B.3 Drawing, Leisure & Guides
B.4 Navigation
B.5 Communications & Utilities
B.6 Diet, Health & Safety
B.7 Time Management
B.8 Mapping & Surveying
B.9 Databases
B.10 Services
B.11 Books & Accessories

_________________________________________________________________

I. DISCLAIMER

This article is provided "as is" without any express or implied
warranties. While every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy
of the information contained in this article, neither the authors, the
maintainer or the contributors will assume responsibility for errors
or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information
contained herein. This document is compiled in spare time for free,
and I cannot resource thorough checking of all its contents. However,
I am interested in making the FAQ as good as it can be, so your
constructive feedback is welcome.

This FAQ is not sponsored or endorsed by Psion PLC or any subsidary
companies they may own in any way.

This FAQ is *NOT* intended as a replacement of the User Guide which
comes with each Psion. Be sure to read that first and - most important
- please double read the manual and this FAQ before posting any
questions to the comp.sys.psion.* hierarchy!

II. CREDITS

To create this document Chris (the original FAQ author) reviewed the
Newsgroup activity of the old comp.sys.psion (it has split on the 19th
of June 1996) group over some months, used that to generate a list of
Frequently Asked Questions, used THAT to generate a FAQ structure,
then populated it with extracted wisdom from the news traffic. So a
lot of information here is provided by the newsgroup contributors, who
are too numerous to credit individually. (Chris said "I'm just the
clerk that put it all in one place.") Special thanks go to Markus
Illenseer, who owned the first (Series 3) FAQ - from which Chris also
extracted useful information. Chris also thanked Clive D.W. Feather,
Daniel Senie, Roger Burton-West, for extensive helpful comments on his
preliminary FAQ. I would like to thank Mark Gould and Jason Savage for
their precious help and comments. Other contributors are credited in
the sections they provided special help in compiling.

If you have a question which is not answered in the actual FAQ, please
Email it to me (Daniel Pfund, see address at the top of this FAQ),
otherwise if you want more information from one specific section of
this FAQ, please try to contact the author of that section first. All
the Email addresses of people mentioned in this FAQ are listed here
for convenience (in alphabetical order):

Andrew Baldwin [email protected]
Michael Baas [email protected]
Daron M. Brewood [email protected]
Roger Burton-West [email protected]
Mark Chapman [email protected]
Steve Clack [email protected]
Nick Craig-Wood [email protected]
Alban Debeaupuis [email protected]
Mike Dolan [email protected]
Tom Dolbilin [email protected]
Paul DuBois [email protected]
Clive D.W. Feather [email protected]
Mark Gould [email protected]
Roman Habrat [email protected]
Steve Hawtin [email protected]
Jochen Hollmann [email protected]
Charlotte Holmquist [email protected]
Markus Illenseer [email protected]
Erik Johansen [email protected]
Uwe Kallmeyer [email protected]
Edwin Klement [email protected]
Dan Ko [email protected]
Philippe Lebreton [email protected]
Steve Litchfield [email protected]
Neil Masson [email protected]
Roger Muggleton [email protected]
Blake Nancarrow [email protected]
Daniel Pfund [email protected]
Angus Rae [email protected]
Dan Ramage [email protected]
Alan Roberts [email protected]
Konstantin I. Saliy [email protected]
Jason Savage [email protected]
Daniel Senie [email protected]
Jochen Siegenthaler [email protected]
Bruce Stephens [email protected]
Toby Smith [email protected]
Oliver Wagner [email protected]
Lloyd Wasser [email protected]
John A. Watson [email protected]
Chris Wesley [email protected]
Walter Wright [email protected]

If you happen to change addresses or know the new address of someone
on this list, please Email it to me, thanks!

III. COPYRIGHT

I assert copyright on this document. I encourage you to distribute it
widely, but only in its complete and original form and if you do not
make any money out of it.

IV. FAQ UPDATES

For the time being, I (Daniel) am the keeper of the FAQ. If you have
comments or suggestions, corrections, or you have some information you
want to see added or a request that I find some new answers, please
let me know. Please contact me via the Email address at the top of the
FAQ, or if that address doesn't work anymore (will stop working around
the 20th of October 1997), then contact me at: [email protected] which
(should) work all the time by forwarding me my mail to my current
account. If all else fails, do a web search on my name or check out my
current homepage for more info at:
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/8130/

V. WHERE CAN I GET THIS FAQ?

You're reading it aren't you? SAVE it :-). This FAQ is part of the
"official" news.answers FAQs and is posted monthly to
comp.sys.psion.announce and cross-posted to comp.sys.palmtops,
comp.answers, and news.answers. If you don't have reliable Usenet
access, you can also retrieve the FAQ by:

FTP
This article is archived at any site that archives
news.answers.
News.answers' main archive is at rtfm.mit.edu, and this article
is available there via anonymous ftp in the directory
/usenet/news.answers/psion-faq/partX
Other news.answers FAQ archives are:

+ cnam.cnam.fr in the anonymous ftp directory /pub/FAQ
+ ftp.uu.net in the anonymous ftp directory /pub/usenet (also
available via mail server requests to [email protected], or
via uunet's 1-900 anonymous UUCP phone number)
+ ftp.cs.ruu.nl in the anonymous ftp directory pub/NEWS.ANSWERS
(also accessible via mail server requests to
[email protected]).

You probably will find a location closer to you with the help
of archie or some other search tool. Usually, the news.answers
FAQs are held in a directory like
"usenet/usenet-by-group/news.answers/" and you would be looking
for the "psion-faq" subdirectory in there.

EMail
You can use the mailserver at rtfm: send a message containing
the lines "send usenet/news.answers/psion-faq/*" to receive all
parts or send a message containing "help" and "index" to
[email protected] for more information on how to obtain
seperate parts.

WWW
There is a HTMLized version of this FAQ on my homepage at
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/8130/faq.htm (Note that
there is no "l" at the end of "htm", this is not a typo!)
Please use this site for any reference from your own web pages
because it is under my direct control and easily changeable. It
contains links to all the Psion HTML FAQ mirrors available in
the world as well as an archive file of both the text and the
HTML versions of the FAQ for easy downloading and offline
reading.
There are also numerous WWW sites archiving all the
news.answers FAQs. My favorite site is in Oxford at:
http://www.lib.ox.ac.uk/internet/news/

Please do NOT Email me or anybody else mentioned in this FAQ for the
latest version. We simply cannot handle such matters effectively.

If the date at the top of this FAQ is more than a couple months old,
there is probably a new version available online.

If you're interested to learn how I prepare this FAQ, you can check
out my page about that at:
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/8130/howfaq.htm

VI. NEWSGROUP NETIQUETTE

I thought it might be useful to include a few words about using the
comp.sys.psion.* newsgroup hierarchy. We get a steady trickle of
transgressions and the ensuing admonishments. Maybe we can fix these
before they happen in future. Egg-sucking grannies may skip this
section. (Does that work outside the UK?)
1. READ THE FRIENDLY MANUAL (RTFM) and then the FAQ before posting
any questions! Remember that thes groups are here to help you out
but only if the answer can't be found by yourself. Also remember
that each time you're posting a question to the group, hundreds
(if not thousands) of people will read your question. If the same
questions come up again and again, people will just get bored and
not answer anymore...
2. DON'T BE RUDE. Obvious? Apparently not. Our newsgroup is an oasis
of civilization in a sea of adolescent vitriol and worse. Let's
keep it that way. Say it nicely or don't say it at all. If you
need to be uncomfortably direct, do it in personal mail - don't
post it.
3. When responding to a post, most handlers will give you an edit pad
with the original post inserted. Delete most of this, leaving only
the part which will set the context for your reply. This is more
effective communication, it cuts down on crud to scan through, and
reduces phone bills for those that pay them.
4. Official NETIQUETTE says you should not use the net for
advertising, but the prevalent view here is that the current level
of activity is useful without being obtrusive.
5. Posting binaries is definitively not recommended in the
comp.sys.psion.* usenet groups! There is a seperate Psion binaries
group called comp.binaries.psion which is a moderated group. The
moderator is Erik Johansen. If you wish to post to this group,
either Email your binary directly to the news group's Email
address: [email protected] and it will arrive to the
moderator or if your news program is configured correctly, post it
directly to the group. You will receive a message in return
usually in a laps of 2-3 days maximum to confirm your binary. It
has been agreed that very large programs which are not Psion
specific (ie: don't run directly on the Psion) should NOT be
posted there but to the relevant computer group. But you should
send a small message to the comp.binaries.psion group stating that
you have just posted your program. It is also common practice to
send a description of your binary; it helps to know if it's worth
downloading it or not! Usually, this description has the same
subject line but with part0(/x) suffix. All postings to this group
have been archived and are indexed on the following FTP site:
ftp.it.dtu.dk/pub/psion/index.html
6. Consider whether you should be mailing or posting. PING-PONG
personal dialogues may - or may not - be of interest to others. If
not, please don't post.
7. Post to the relevant newsgroup, and please don't cross-post!
Here's a guide to help you:
+ comp.binaries.psion
Used for ALL Psion binaries. Also used for large source code.
+ comp.sys.psion.announce
Used for posting announcements about new programs/hardware;
the FAQ is also posted to this group. This is a low volume
group and it's moderated, that means that all postings must
get approved first by the moderator (Michael L. Kaufman). If
your news server does not send your post to the moderator
(but they all do generally), you can send it yourself
directly for approval at [email protected].
+ comp.sys.psion.apps
Used for posting questions/answers to all Psion related
programs; frequented by all Psion programmers to get your
feedback and ideas of course ;-)
+ comp.sys.psion.marketplace
Used for selling/buying Psion articles
+ comp.sys.psion.misc
Used for any subject which does not fall into one of the
other categories...
+ comp.sys.psion.programmer
Used for posting programming questions ( OPL / C / ... ), NOT
programs!
+ comp.sys.psion.reviews
Used for posting reviews about Psion programs/hardware. This
group is also moderated by Michael L. Kaufman and again, if
your news server is not set up correctly, you can also send
your postings directly to him at [email protected].

_________________________________________________________________

1. INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION

1.1 What is the Psion Series 3/3a?

I will describe the more advanced 3a here. Refer to the hardware
section to see what you lose on the Series 3.

The Psion Series 3 and 3a are palmtop computers. Though packaged as
personal organisers, they are fully general, programmable, powerful
computers. The quality of the built-in applications, coupled with the
power saving hardware make Series 3's excellent personal organisers.
The sophisticated operating system, the hardware, the built-in
programming language, and the options to program in C and assembler
make them excellent general-purpose computers, with the major benefits
of compactness and battery endurance.

Optional link facilities can connect the Series 3 to desktop machines,
allowing data backup and access to the resources of the larger machine
from the Series 3. Modems, fax modems, printers and other peripherals
may also be connected via industry-standard serial and parallel
interfaces.

The built-in applications include a database manager, a sophisticated
word processor, time manager, world date/time and dialling codes
database, calculator and spreadsheet. The latest models (1Mb and 2Mb
RAM models) also include the spell checker/thesaurus and a patience
game (solitaire card game). Many other applications are available
commercially and from shareware outlets. More details in the last part
of this FAQ.

The built-in OPL programming system provides a structured BASIC-like
programming language with access to all the features of the machine.
This includes the ability to program polished Windows/Icons/Menus
interfaces like those found in the built-in applications.

The sound interface can record and playback digital sound. DTMF
dialling tones can be created which allow the Series 3a to dial
numbers directly through a telephone.

1.2 Which model should I buy?

This question is really a personal matter. I would definitively
suggest getting a Series3a (and not 3) because of the greater screen
resolution. As for which memory model, this depends entirely of your
needs and what you plan on doing with your Psion. In general, the more
memory the better (and keep in mind also that the 1/2Mb models offer
the spell checker/thesaurus and solitaire game which you might need).
If you're reading this, you probably have access to Psion
free/shareware also. You will see that these programs will quickly
fill up your memory ;-) so I would suggest to get the biggest model
(2Mb). If on the other hand, money is tight and you don't plan on
using much more than the Agenda and the built-in apps, then I think a
512k is big enough for you. As you can see, there is no simple
solution to this answer!

1.3 When will the "new" Psion come out?

Good question... next please!

Joke apart, nobody really knows. So please folks, just stop asking!
Before the 3c was announced, people didn't expect a new Psion until
1997, but Psion was 3 months early (just in time for Christmas,
heh?!).

The reason no one knew exactly is that Psion is quite relunctant to
give such information simply because they've learned from the past
(from Osborne computers to be more precise ;-) .

Psion have formally announced that their will be new machines during
the year 1997. By the time you read this, the new "Series 5" will
probably be available as it has been rumoured to come out during June
97. That will mean the end of this FAQ... as I'm sure the Series 5
will be a must-have fantastic palmtop!

People were hoping for Infrared comms (IrDa compliant), PCMCIA (most
debated!), RISC (ARM 7100) 32bits, pen for navigation (but hopefully
still a keyboard!), backlight ... You see that Psion have added most
of these features into the 3c!

1.4 What other machines does Psion make?

1.4.1 WorkAbout

This is the latest Psion machine. Very comparable to a Psion Series
3a, it is more robust and has an A-Z keyboard for size reasons. One
nice point: a back lit screen is present. Targeted at the vertical
market, thus not so well known to the general public.

1.4.2 Acorn Pocket Book (by Acorn)

Re-badged Series 3a, aimed at education-related markets. Contains all
the 3a applications, though named differently, plus a spell checker,
thesaurus and a graph plotting application in a 2MB ROM. Password
protection capability is removed. Costs about 20 GBP more than a 3a.

1.4.3 Series 3

The immediate predecessor to the Psion Series 3a is the Series 3. It
is the same machine in size and concept, but is more limited in many
respects. See the hardware comparison table in section 2a for a list
of differences.

1.4.4 Series 3c

The immediate sucessor to the Psion Series3a; was launched 05Sep96
(same time as the Siena). It has the following added features:
* Infra Red connector for Psion to Psion or Psion to printer
connections
* RS232c internal connector for fast connections (upto 57k6)
* Toggleable backlight screen (US model only?)
* Data APP includes a table view and sort option
* Agenda supports a month view (finally!)
* Jotter application added
* Calc application cosmetically changed
* Sound editor included
* Filer app (sort of File manager) with the much awaited "move"
command ;-)
* OVAL run time in ROM (for programmers)
* Tips on startup a la MS
* Optional add on synchronizers for Lotus Organizer and Schedule+
* Optional self powered PC-CARD (PCMCIA) adapter

But, it must also be noted that the 3c does NOT have the definitions
in it's spelling checker/thesaurus application. Psion didn't have
enough room in the ROM to keep them.

1.4.5 Siena

This is not really a palmtop computer, but should more be classified
as a "PDA" (Personal Digital Assistant). It is basically the same as a
3a but available only in 512k/1Mb RAM versions with a half-sized
screen (240*160 pixels). It also includes Jotter but not Files nor
Oval. Next to the top half of the screen you can find a numeric
keypad. Unexpandable (no SSD slots built-in, but you can buy an SSD
adapter); has built-in RS-232 port. See Psion's web site for more
infos.

1.4.6 Organiser II series:

* CM - available in 16K only, 16x2 screen, limited software
* XP - available in 16K or 32K, 16x2 screen, limited software
(database, OPL)
* LZ - available in 32K or 64K (LZ64), 20x4 screen, introduced
notepad (basic text processor), dialing codes database, on-screen
clock)

There is an Organiser II homepage at
http://homepages.enterprise.net/djw/psion/psion.html

1.5 What other palmtop alternatives are there? (by Jason Savage)

See section 2.1 for the Psion Series 3 and 3a hardware specifications.

Make: Apple
Model: Newton MessagePad 120

Processor
Model: ARM 610
Speed: 20 Mhz
Bit size: 32-bit

Display
Type: Monochrome, reflective LCD
Pixel Screen size: 320 x 240

Memory
Size: 1MB RAM (385K user data & 639K system) or 2MB RAM (1,361K
user data & 687K system)

Expansion slots
Type: Type II PC-Card (PCMCIA 2.0)
Number: 1

Dimensions
Size (W x D x H): 10.16 x 20.32 x 2.9 cm (4.0" x 8.0" x 1.2")
Weight: 480 grams (16 ounces)

Power Requirements
Batteries: 4 x AA (main) & 1 x CR2032 (backup)
Battery Life (Approx): Up to 22 hours
Provision for AC Adaptor: Yes

Input/Output Ports
Serial (max speed): Yes, RS-422 8-pin DIN (230,000 bps)
Parallel: No
Infrared: Yes, (38,400 bps)
Other: Optional FAX modem

Keyboard: Yes, Popup virtual keyboard (QWERTY, Numeric, & Phone pad)

Included Applications:

+ Newton Intelligence (Handwriting Recognition, Object Oriented
Database Programming language and Communications services)
+ Calendar (like Agenda)
+ NewtonMail (email client)
+ To-Do Lists (like Agenda)
+ Rolodex-like Address Book (like Data)
+ Digital Ink ScratchPad
+ Calculator (like Calc)
+ World Time Clock (like World)
+ Dictionary (13,000 words)
+ Notion List Manager (like Data)

Make: Casio
Model: Z-7000 (AKA: Zoomer, Tandy Z-PDA, AST GRiDPad 2390)

Processor
Model: NEC V20
Speed: 7.7Mhz
Bit size: 16-bit

Display
Type: Monochrome reflective, touchscreen
Pixel Screen size: 320 x 256

Memory
Size: 1 Mb (384K user data & 640K system)

Expansion slots
Type: Type II PC-Card (PCMCIA 2.0)
Number: 1

Dimensions
Size (W x D x H): 10.76 x 17.62 x 2.6 cm (4.2" x 6.8" x 1")
Weight: 430 grams (15.2 ounces)

Power Requirements
Batteries: 3 x AA (main) & 2 x CR2032 (backup)
Battery Life (Approx): 100 hours (catalog: 90 hours)
Provision for AC Adaptor: Yes

Input/Output Ports
Serial (max speed): Yes, 10-pin, (19,200 bps)
Parallel: No
Infrared: Yes, (9600, Casio)
Other: Round telescoping pen

Keyboard: Yes, Virtual Pop-up software QWERTY, A-Z or International

Included Applications:

+ Date Book (like Agenda)
+ Address Book (like Data)
+ Note Book (Digital Ink Scratchpad & Document Manager with
outliner)
+ Pocket Quicken (Financial Organiser)
+ America Online (Access software for the service provider of
the same name)
+ Calculator (like Calc)
+ Forms Calculator
+ World Clock (like World)
+ Language Translator (26 languages & up 1000 words per
language)
+ Games (Solitaire, Pyramid Solitaire & UKI)
+ File Manager
+ Consumer Information
+ U.S. Information
+ World Information

Make: Hewlett Packard
Model: 200LX

Processor
Model: variable speed Hornet
Speed: 7.91 MHz
Bit size: 16-bit

Display
Type: CGA-compatible FTN liquid crystal
Pixel Screen size: 640 x 200

Memory
Size: 1 or 2MB of RAM

Expansion slots
Type: Type II PC-Card (PCMCIA 2.0)
Number: 1

Dimensions
Size (W x D x H): 16 x 8.64 x 2.54 cm (6.3" x 3.4" x 1")
Weight: 312 grams (11 ounces)

Power Requirements
Batteries: 2xAA (main) & 1xCR2032 (backup)
Battery Life (Approx): 80 hours
Provision for AC Adaptor: Yes

Input/Output Ports
Serial (max speed): Yes, 9-wire (115K?)
Parallel: No
Infrared: Yes
Other: No

Keyboard: Yes, QWERTY

Included Applications:

+ Pocket Quicken (Financial Organiser)
+ cc:Mail (E-mail client)
+ Data Communications (VT-100, ANSI & TTY emulation)
+ Lotus 1-2-3 r.2.4 (like Sheet)
+ Laplink (like Remote Link) for file transfers
+ Appointment Book (like Agenda)
+ Phone Book (like Data)
+ HP financial calculator (like Calc)
+ Memo editor with outliner (like Word)
+ Notetaker (like Notepad)
+ Database (like Data)
+ Filer (like File Manager)
+ Worldtime & Stopwatch (like World)
+ System Macros
+ Application Manager
+ Setup Utility

See also the following WWW site for a more complete comparaison
of Psion3a-HP200lx with over 170 articles:
http://www.primate.wisc.edu/people/dubois/psion/index.html

Make: Hewlett Packard
Model: OmniGo 100 Organizer Plus

Processor
Model: Intel 80C186 compatible
Speed: 16 Mhz
Bit size: 16-bit

Display
Type: FSTN LCD with Touchscreen
Pixel Screen size: 240 x 240

Memory
Size: 1MB RAM

Expansion slots
Type: Type II PC-Card (PCMCIA 1.0: SRAM memory cards no Flash
or Modems)
Number: 1

Dimensions
Size (W x D x H): 15.3 x 9.5 x 2.6 cm (6" x 3.7" x 1")
Weight: 329 grams (11.6 ounces)

Power Requirements
Batteries: 2 x AA (main) & 1 x CR2032 (backup)
Battery Life (Approx): ?
Provision for AC Adaptor: No

Input/Output Ports
Serial (max speed): Yes, 10-wire, (?)
Parallel: No
Infrared: No
Other: Yes, Pen

Keyboard: Yes, QWERTY (5 function keys)

Included Applications:

+ Appointment book (like Agenda)
+ Phonebook (like Data)
+ Notepad (like Word)
+ Database (like Data)
+ Worldtime and stopwatch (like World)
+ Jotter (Digital Ink Scratchpad)
+ Geoworks Book Reader
+ Financial Tools
+ Spreadsheet (like Sheet)
+ Emulated HP 12C financial calculator (like Calc)
+ Graffiti handwriting system (handwriting recognition)
+ Transfer (like Remote Link)
+ Setup Utility (like Install)
+ Solitaire

Make: Motorola
Model: Envoy Communicator

Processor
Model: Motorola Dragon 68349
Speed: 16 Mhz
Bit size: 32-bit

Display
Type: Reflective FSTN Touch Screen
Pixel Screen size: 480 x 320

Memory
Size: 1 MB

Expansion slots
Type: Type II PC-Card (PCMCIA 2.0) slots
Number: 2

Dimensions
Size (W x D x H): 14.8 x 19.2 x 2.9 cm (5.8" x 7.6" x 1.2")
Weight: 770 grams (1.7 pounds)

Power Requirements
Batteries: Rechargeable Ni-Cad (main) & 1 x CR2032 (backup)
Battery Life (Approx): 8 hours
Provision for AC Adaptor: Yes, combined with Charger

Input/Output Ports
Serial (max speed): Yes, 14-pin MagicBus (38,400 bps)
Parallel: Yes, MagicBus
Infrared: Yes, FSK compliant
Other: 2 round full length pens, 4800 bps send/receive radio
packet modem, 9600 bps FAX send modem & 2400 bps data modem

Keyboard: Optional, QWERTY

Included Applications:

+ Date Book (like Agenda)
+ World Time Clock (like World)
+ Address Book (like Data)
+ Notebook (like Agenda To-Do List)
+ Calculator (like Calc)
+ America Online (connection software for the service provider
of the same name)
+ AT&T PersonaLink (connection software for the service
provider of the same name)
+ SmartWallet

Make: Sharp
Model: ZR-5000 & ZR-5000FX AKA: Zaurus K-PDA

Processor
Model: Sharp Proprietary
Speed: ?
Bit size: 16-bit

Display
Type: DFSTN LCD, Touch screen (finger or stylus)
Pixel Screen size: 320 x 240

Memory
Size: 1MB RAM (750k user data & 250K system)

Expansion slots
Type: Type II PC-Card (PCMCIA 2.0)
Number: 1

Dimensions
Size (W x D x H): 17.0 x 10.0 x 2.54 cm (6.7" x 3.9" x 1.0")
Weight: 385 grams (13.6 ounces approx.)

Power Requirements
Batteries: 2 x AA (main) & 1 x CR-2032 (backup)
Battery Life (Approx): Up to 60 hours (~2 months)
Provision for AC Adaptor: Yes

Input/Output Ports
Serial (max speed): Yes, 15-pin proprietary, (19,200 bps)
Parallel: No
Infrared: Yes, (IrDA & ASK Compliant)
Other: Round pen & FAX modem with ZR-5000FX

Keyboard: Yes, QWERTY configuration

Included Applications:

+ Activities (like Agenda)
+ Contacts (like Data) limited to 3 files
+ Data Files (also like Data) limited to 3 files
+ Notes (Digital Ink Scratchpad)
+ Documents (like Word) with Spell Checker
+ Outline (like Outline mode in Word)
+ Home & World Clocks (like Time & World)
+ Calculator (like Calc)
+ Filer (Manages Printing, Faxing, Email & File transfers)
+ Messaging (E-mail client)
+ FAX/Sending (FAX client)
+ Terminal Mode (ASCII & VT-100 emulation)

Make: USR
Model: Pilot

Specs thanks to David Richards at [email protected]

Processor
Model: Motorola 68328 "Dragonball"
Speed: 16 MHz?
Bit size: 16-bit

Display
Type: Monochrome, reflective LCD
Pixel Screen size: 160 x 160

Memory
Size: 512K ROM
128K RAM (Pilot 1000), 512K (Pilot 5000), or 1Mb upgrade

Expansion slots
Type: Proprietary memory (replaces RAM)
Number: 1

Dimensions
Size (W x D x H): 3.2" x .7" x 4.7"
Weight: 385 grams (5.7 ounces approx.)

Power Requirements
Batteries: 2 x AAA (main)
Battery Life (Approx): 30 hours
Provision for AC Adaptor: No

Input/Output Ports
Serial (max speed): Yes, Proprietary edge connector (57,600
bps)
Parallel: No
Infrared: No

Keyboard: Yes, Popup virtual keyboard (QWERTY, Numeric, accent)

Included Applications:

+ Date book
+ Address book
+ To Do List
+ Memo pad
+ Calculator

End of part 1/6
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