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Epoc Digest Thu, 04 Jul 2002 Volume 01 : Number 026
Sent to: 408 subscribers
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In today's Epoc Digest 19 messages:
==============================
- Re: Palm
- To Kevin Thorne with regard to CheckDisk
- Ericsson R520
- OPERA ICON
- Re: Converting DATA to PC format
- Disk Utilities won't install on S7
- Re: Future of Epoc Digest (draft message)
- Emulator Query
- Deleted subscriber
- Deleted subscriber
- Re: Future of Epoc Digest (draft message)
- Future of Epoc Digest
- Alternative computing
- Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 024
- Re: Synchronisation
- Re: Infor on the Nokia 9290
- Re: Repairs & Disinfo
- Re: The portrait screen of Dr. Pangloss.
- Big thanks, Nokia 9210 print to file
*++++++++++&
Date: 3 Jul 2002 04:27:00 +0000
From: Keith Giles
Subject: Re: Palm
Gary Y Reyes wrote:
> Subject: Palm vs. Psion
> I know what you mean. A short while back, I was getting frustrated > with my battery problems on the Revo Plus that I thought I'd try and > find another product. Walked into a Palm store and tried
> the m515, their latest. Other than the nice colored screen of the
> Palm, I found the Revo still the better product.
> The grass ain't always greener on the other side.
It is if you apply a lot of manure.
Happy Cycling,
Keith
Sunnyvale, CA
Thought For The Day: A bird in the hand is safer than one overhead.
My outgoing e-mails have been checked with Norton Anti-virus.
*++++++++++&
Date: 3 Jul 2002 05:36:22 +0000
From: "Marios Haridimou"
Subject: To Kevin Thorne with regard to CheckDisk
Kevin,
When I upgraded my S7 to 32MB RAM I encountered the same problem
and I send an E-mail to Atelier. The response (if I remember correctly
as I cannot find it anymore) was that EDU was not compatible with the
expanded memory. If you have not already tried it, the Optimize Disk
will not work either on the C drive. It stops with an unexpected error
-20.
On the other hand both utilities work fine on CF cards. I basically
only use the Checkdisk function on my CF card and nothing more. I still
have my old S5 and do use it on that machine on occasion but with the S7
the S5 is more of a backup machine.
Regards to all.
Marios
*++++++++++&
Date: 3 Jul 2002 08:19:35 +0000
From: Alan Jones
Subject: Ericsson R520
Does anybody use this phone with the 5mx or Series 7? I've been offered an upgrade from my R320s (with which I'm happy, but it's wearing out) and vaguely remember some unfavourable correspondence on it. However, I just want to use it as a phone & modem, not for GPRS or even WAP really...
Advice welcome....
Thanks
AJ
*++++++++++&
Date: 3 Jul 2002 08:29:45 +0000
From: Peter Keene
Subject: OPERA ICON
Hi Guys,
For Darryl Kempster re Opera icon:
I found that I could replace the Opera icon with the Web icon on html files by opening the files from within Web. After a certain number of files (I have no idea how many) the icon changed back to Web. How's that for a technical solution? :-)
However, some time back, there was a learned explanation about EPOC file associations by John McAleely in UPS5 Digest # 536. I have been waiting to see if he would respond to your posting but maybe he hasn't subscribed to this digest so, with acknowledgement, here follows his posting:
<There are three methods:
1) For EPOC specific file formats (Word, Sheet, etc), the first few bytes of the file correspond with the 'UID' (an ID number) of the application that opens them. This is a one-to-one mapping controlled (effectively) by the program writer. Even if you could change this, it would not help, because only the original app knows what to do with the file anyway.
* For more general, externally defined, files, there are two techniques. Examples of such files are text, html, PDF, MP3, and many others.
2) A 'file recogniser' is added to your system that is asked by the shell if it can open the file when you ask shell to open a file. If it says yes, then it will open the program it understands, and tell shell it did it. Again, this is fixed by the writer of the recogniser, and must be done in cooperation with the program it launches. So, again, you can't usefully change it. This scheme is available on all EPOC devices to date, but has no way to decide between competing recognisers of the same type of file.
3) A 'mime recogniser' is added to your system, that reads the file, and registers the 'mime type' (eg text/html or audio/wav). Having found the the type, the shell then consults a separate list of which programs understand which type, and launches the 'most preferred' one. Programmers can register their default priority - so Web is lower than Editor. This list is not exposed to users by default, but a nifty program could easily be written to do this. This would let you select whether Web, The Text Viewer, or Editor open text files, for example. Clearly a gap in the freeware market :-)
So there is nothing you can do today (except install apps in the reverse order of preference, and even that is no guarantee), but a programmer can now fix this for people with complex mime lives!
Hope that helps.
J >
I doubt if that helps Darryl (I can barely understand it), but, who knows? Good luck.
Regards,
Peter
Cape Town
*++++++++++&
Date: 3 Jul 2002 14:52:24 +0000
From: Lothar.Kammann
(Lothar Kammann)
Subject: Re: Converting DATA to PC format
Hi all,
I have to convert a large DATA file from my S5mx Pro to a PC format. The file is approx. 850kB in size.
I have already tried nConvert but it does not work "This file can not be converted".
BTW the DATA file does contain embedded objects, but it would be enough to know (by some kind of icon or whatever) that there is an embedded object without converting the data within.
If PsiWin v2.3.3 can handle it, what do I have to do to make it work. I have never done any conversion with PsiWin. I am using WinXP Home.
Any advise welcome.
Lothar Kammann
Germany
*++++++++++&
Date: 3 Jul 2002 18:10:07 +0000
From: "Jon Welford"
Subject: Disk Utilities won't install on S7
I noted with interest that a number of digestees have Essential disk utilities installed on their Series 7's. I cannot get it to install on mine it stops after checkdisk has installed with 'not found'. From the PC it stalls on 'checking dependences' which from my experience normally means a part is already installed ie an opx. I normally close the install prog and restart it and then with other installs it goes fine - but not disk utilities. Could I have something on my machine that the sis cannot over write? Is there any way to open a sis to see what it is trying to do? I have tried to different zip files and same thing happens.
I am apprensive about 'bareing with you' Itamar but I'm sure it will be in the best possible taste :-)
Cheers Jon Welford
*++++++++++&
Date: 3 Jul 2002 18:32:25 +0000
From: "Harold Fuchs"
Subject: Re: Future of Epoc Digest (draft message)
Itamar,
I have a Series 5 (*not* mx so not EPOC 5) but would be willing to help if I can. I have a fully functional PC running Outlook Express 6. I have included somebody's address as bcc. If you don't see it then presumably OE6 satisfies your requirement.
Let me know ...
Harold Fuchs
Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana.
----- Original Message -----
[Deleted, we all received it. The Editor]
*++++++++++&
Date: 3 Jul 2002 18:32:28 +0000
From: "Harold Fuchs"
Subject: Emulator Query
Hello,
I'm running the EPOC32 emulator for the Series 5 (*not* 5mx).
Sheet, Data, Agenda, Time, Calc and Sketch work fine.
Word doesn't.
When I try to run Word, either by "pressing" the silk screen button or by opening one of my Word documents, I get a "Not Found" message. It doesn't say what is not found, just "Not Found".
Needles to say everything is fine on the real S5.
Any ideas anybody?
Harold Fuchs
Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana.
*++++++++++&
Date: Wed, 3 Jul 2002 17:04:42 +0000
From: Itamar Engelsman
Subject: Deleted subscriber
Message to: Paul Johnston
Unfortunately the last 3 digests came back to us with the message "exceeded storage allocation". We had no choice but to delete your email address, please subscribe again with a different email address. Looking forward to having you back.
Bye,
Itamar Engelsman
London, United Kingdom
*++++++++++&
Date: Wed, 3 Jul 2002 20:13:58 +0000
From: Itamar Engelsman
Subject: Deleted subscriber
Message to: Wade Reynolds
Unfortunately the last 3 digests came back to us with the message "quota violation - service unavailable". We had no choice but to delete your email address, please subscribe again with a different email address. Looking forward to having you back.
Bye,
Itamar Engelsman
London, United Kingdom
*++++++++++&
Date: 3 Jul 2002 18:47:08 +0000
From: Charles Barraball
Subject: Re: Future of Epoc Digest (draft message)
On Wed 03 Jul, Itamar Engelsman wrote:
> The temporary Epoc Digest was born.
>
Dear Itamar,
I am not technically competent to offer help.
But I thank you for your and your teams efforts.
Charles
--
Home: 020 8949 0708-Vox; 079 5620 0176-Mobile; 087 0164 0025-Fax
RiscOS4--Listowner procad-users. ProCAD+ http://www.zynet.co.uk/dsnell
*++++++++++&
Date: 4 Jul 2002 02:53:16 +0000
From: "Gary Y Reyes"
Subject: Future of Epoc Digest
Itamar,
Thank you very much for keeping the digest alive. This is all voluntary on your part and done for the love of the technology and Psion and of keeping others informed to help them.
I believe you should be allowed the latitude to decided what you feel is the best mechanism for keeping the digest alive.
Gary
Itamar Engelsman wrote:
**** Quote message was deleted by the Editor ****
We all received it
__________________________________
www.mysurfcard.com
Global Roaming Internet Acces
*++++++++++&
Date: 5 Jul 2002 04:47:09 +0000
From: Darryl Kempster
Subject: Alternative computing
Packing up my stuff cos moving out and gone through all my old psion stuff. Struck me how much more independent the older Psions were compared to their modern counterparts, and even better featured. I have never owned a PC - Windows or mac. Psion was my first and only computing platform and as such I try to do everything on it. Am now on a netBook with nConvert for onboard conversion and just about managing to keep up with the windows masses. But still lacking a lot of features which previous Psions have sported years ago.
First the MC 400 - came with a removable rechargable battery pack - as now do the S7/netBook. But the MC's could be replaced with a dummy pack containing 8 alkaline batteries. Best of both worlds.
Series 3c - had external floppy drive.(Cyclone) Where is the same or even a CD-Rom drive for the netBook? I have one mate who I bought a Series 3c for just for so I could use his Psiwin enabled PC to load apps from CD.
Siena - had external SSD drive. Whereas the Revo has no back up options except a PC. And AA batteries never gave the problems the revo battery has.
Psion seemed to have it all for the taking at one point - a serious challenge to the Windows dominated computing world with it's memory hungry, crash-prone, low battery life, slow boot up etc. etc... You get the picture. But instead of becoming a fully fledged alternative platform for mobile computing it chose to tie itself to Windows as an adjunct, and not a very adept one either with it's buggy PsiWin package. It's even worse Mac connection package shows the extent of Psion's uninterest in being anything other than a windows accessory. Wasted opportunity or what. But despite the failings of the company the machines are still an amazing example of British ingenuity. But in true British tradition it seems Psion is destined to become another gallant loser on the world stage.
I'll keep on using my Psions until the dreaded screencable takes it's toll (My Series 7 is in serious need of a new screen at the moment) but without some serious innovations in future models (if there are going to be any) Psion will very quickly become outmoded as the windows empire moves inexorably on. A great pity.
Sorry for the eulogy but it's 4am and I had the urge to write. Thought it might make a good topic for discussion.
Darryl
*++++++++++&
Date: 4 Jul 2002 21:15:47 +0000
From: Rolf Brunsting
Subject: Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 024
Dear Thomas,
<< About Mocha PPP: I agree with Itamar that it works splendidly. It is an ideal way to test new Psion communications software without making your mobile provider VERY happy. ;-) >>
Looks there's an alternative to Mocha PPP for data transfer in the form of 2Connect. This is what "Baz" said about it on the Psion newsgroups.
[Quote] ... it has been a while since I tried this out, but from what I remember you open a browser and view your psion contents. In this manner it is a bit like a mini apache server of sorts, but it also handles forms of conversion and the such .... [Unquote]
Haven't tried 2Connect myself as I don't have a use for it.
--
Kind Regards,
Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands
*++++++++++&
Date: 4 Jul 2002 21:15:50 +0000
From: Rolf Brunsting
Subject: Re: Synchronisation
Dear Janet,
<< I am suddenly having difficulty synchronizing my 5mx with my PC (OS=Windows 98), although this has not been a problem before. The synch kept getting "stuck" writing to the Psion and I had no choice but to stop the process. >>
There's the possibility that a minor corruption which doesn't prevent Agenda from working does prevent the synchronisation from finishing its job. I'd recommend to create a completely new empty Agenda file, merge your old file into it and to synchronise again.
--
Kind Regards,
Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands
*++++++++++&
Date: 4 Jul 2002 21:15:53 +0000
From: Rolf Brunsting
Subject: Re: Infor on the Nokia 9290
Dear Itamar,
<< Re. Nokia 9290 - Mark Fraklin informs the digest that CompUSA, a computer chainstore in North America, has details of the Nokia 9290 on their website www.copmusa.com >>
Why not go to the original source : www.nokia.com? The selection options at the top right section of the page allows you to have a look at Nokia's phones for the US market or to go straight to their pages on the 9290.
--
Kind Regards,
Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands
*++++++++++&
Date: 4 Jul 2002 21:15:56 +0000
From: Rolf Brunsting
Subject: Re: Repairs & Disinfo
Dear Itamar,
<< Re. Psion repair - Psion repair long ago moved away from Greenford and are currently in Milton Keynes >>
It's now that you write about it that I remember the move to Milton Keynes. I'll immediately wipe the old Greenford address from my Contacts database as that's where I copied it from while on automatic mental pilot.
<< However, in my personal opinion I would appreciate it if this digest would stay clear of personal attacks on any of the subscribers >>
My message is equivalent to the warning "Bought a [Enter Product] from [Enter Company] - had much troubles with them - strongly advise people not to buy gear from [Enter Company]". However, it's unavoidable that the message will have a somewhat stronger impact as it's about a person rather than a (impersonal) company.
--
Kind Regards,
Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands
*++++++++++&
Date: 4 Jul 2002 21:16:08 +0000
From: Rolf Brunsting
Subject: Re: The portrait screen of Dr. Pangloss.
Dear Philip,
Sorry for the late response. Had the time to sent our a quick message to Eric but not sufficient time to finish this one before a short business trip.
<< Panglossian in nature, Rolf Brunsting seems to assume that I am insisting someone write an app. to turn the Psion screen >>
What I did before writing my reply was to check what my Psion's Thesaurus gave for "ought" - which were the verbs "must" and "should". These confirmed the way I read your sentence "Nevertheless someone ought to try" - that there's a compulsory aspect to it.
<< I simply made a suggestion that someone more talented than I might take up >>
It's clear that I didn't read it that way.
<< English, like all languages, is tricky even when it is one's first tongue. When it's not it pays not to assume too much >>
Well, when it comes to assumptions, how many native English speakers know what "Panglossian" means without looking it up in the dictionary? And what's the chance that a non-native speaker will know the term?
Discussing who's to assume what and why I should have picked up what you meant is pointless at this stage. I understood something different from what you intended and wrote a reply you didn't expect to receive. Something that will happen to all who communicate by electronic means at some point in time. We're not sitting opposite each other and can't rely on such visual clues as facial expression or posture. It's the words that have to do the work.
You've now clarified what it was you wanted to say - I see what you mean - the misunderstanding's out of the way.
<< Freedom of speech goes both ways. Rolf Brunsting has as much right to declare his opinion as Arent Kits van Heijningen or I. And we all have the right to think whatever we want, even Rolf Brunsting >>
There's no problem in mr. Kits van Heijningen and myself having a different opinion on the relative merits of (say) a Compaq iPaq versus a Psion Series 5mx. What we can't have an opinion about is on what a Siemens SX45 consists of - like its operating system - as that's a fact. Nor can we have an opinion on what Symbian OS is (say) three years from now as we're both not able to tell what the future will be.
<< My opinion is that we all have a right to an opinion. Knowledge of truth belongs to gods >>
An opinion can be described as what a person considers to be right, based on the interpretation, evaluation and weighing of factual information. Different opinions on a subject can coexist when they're the result of a different interpretation and/or evaluation. And an opinion might need to be modified when facts change. Get the facts wrong, however, and the evaluation becomes meaningless and the opinion evaporates into thin air, so to speak. Facts can be verified - is it true that a Psion Series 5mx is equipped with 128 MByte of RAM memory? As that's not the case, an opinion based on the 128 MByte as factual information can become invalid.
<< Well I will make up my own mind. I don't need anyone to do it for me ... >>
I'm sorry, making your mind up is a pointless exercise when you say that knowledge of truth belongs to (the) God(s) as you've given the means to test the validity of an opinion away to (a) supernatural supreme being(s). An opinion based on the above 128 MByte Series 5mx can't be discarded because you're not able to say whether there's any truth in such a 5mx - literally anything goes.
I'm therefore able to refute your opinion that I'm "Panglossian in nature" because the moon is made of green cheese.
--
Kind Regards,
Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands
*++++++++++&
Date: 4 Jul 2002 21:44:37 +0000
From: Kevin Thorne
Subject: Big thanks, Nokia 9210 print to file
BIG THANKS
To Michael Degn, Daniel Meyer, Peter Keene and Mike McConnell - all who emailed me to tell me not to worry about Atelier's CheckDisk reporting a non existent problem with my S7's upgraded DIMM. I had a feeling the trouble was due in some way to the additional upgraded RAM but it was great to have it confirmed by other Psion enthusiasts and I can now sleep soundly at night, knowing my internal drive is in good health after all :-)
NOKIA 9210 PRINT TO FILE
Well, I finally took the plunge and upgraded my Orange contract with one of these EPOC ER6 hybrid palmtop/phone devices. By far the best thing about it is the beautiful colour TFT screen but other than that I can't say it's as good or as versatile as a dedicated palmtop such as a Psion. Once you've been spoilt by the superb keyboard of a 5, anything less for extended data entry is simply inferior. No wonder so many users want to stay with their Psions. Some people have likened the Nokia's keyboard to a Psion 3 Series but my personal thought is that it isn't even as good as that - it's better than no keyboard though! Some of the ER6 software seems to have been "dumbed down" too - my personal favourite annoyance is the disappearance of a "print to file" option on the menus. Does anyone know a workaround for this? I seem to remember reading somewhere about extended printer drivers for the 9210 - are these on the accompanying CD or available as shareware and do they offer the missing "print to file" option or do they simply support extra printer models?
Regards
Kevin Thorne
*++++++++++&
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