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Epoc Digest Wed, 10 Jul 2002 Volume 01 : Number 029
Sent to: 433 subscribers
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In today's Epoc Digest 17 messages:
==============================
- Re: Opera Cookies / Configuration Settings
- Singapore Psions?
- Re: Gone Sailing
- Re: CD drive for Psion
- 9210 report
- Re: Freesurf.fr; iPass
- Web Site
- Re: Sims/ISPs in Ireland
- Psions in Singapore
- Re: Opera Cookies / Configuration Settings
- Re: Opera, SIMPLE comms to PC, General netBook Questions, DigestFuture
- EPOC DIGEST V1 # 028 - Reply to General questions about PsionNetbook
- Checkdisk, EDU, CD-rom, Netbook,
- Singapore Psions
- Re: General questions about Psion Netbook
- Re: Synchronisation with mobile phones
- Everybody gets what nobody wants
*++++++++++&
Date: 9 Jul 2002 21:39:28 +0100
From: Jan R Gustafsson
Subject: Re: Opera Cookies / Configuration Settings
Steve Baker wrote at 7 Jul 2002 04:31:28 +0100 in Epoc Digest no. 027
> Hi Folks,
> I am having a problem with Opera. I have the fully
> registered V5.2 installed.
> The other day I tried to access my online banking
> system. I found, to my
> dismay, that there was no way that I could get the
> preferences to accept my
> modified security settings. I would save and exit,
> but when I went back in
> again, the setting were as they were previously.
> As I cannot get the system to
> accept cookies, my attempts to access the site
> fail each time.
> I am running Opera on a netBook, and have search
> the Opera FAQs, and even
> reloaded the netBook OS in an attempt to flush out
> any 'rogue' files that may
> be affected the configuration. I have also tried
> the installation on C: and
> D:/E:, with the same results.
> Help!
> Regards,
> Steve Baker
> Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Steve!
I encountered the same problems as you when I tried Opera on my 5mx and MC218. After communicating with the Opera people I learned two things:
1. There is a misprogramming in Opera that has the effect that the changed security settings does not show although they in fact are changed according to your alterations.
2. You will probably not be able to connect to your bank, I could not connect to mine. Opera does only support limited parts of the sets of Java scripts necessary to connect to the more advanced modern secure sites as most banks use nowadays.
I gave up using Opera, for me it could not do anything more than the internal Internet app in my MC218 (an app that is somewhat more competent than the Web app in 5mx).
Sorry if I disappoint you,
Jan G
Stockholm, Sweden
*++++++++++&
Date: 9 Jul 2002 21:47:56 +0100
From: "Mike Fellhauer"
Subject: Singapore Psions?
>From: "Studio >Subject: Singapore Psions?
>
>We are heding off to Singapore and Tokyo in a few days time...does any body >know if there are any Psions still for sale in these citys? and if so >where?
Well, there's a few Psion related sites in Singapore where you could ask, http://www.symbcity.com/forum/ and http://www.portal-pda.com/main.php3
Mike
Secretary of the Psion Enthusiasts Association of Toronto (PEAT)
http://www.phaedrav.com/peat/
*++++++++++&
Date: 9 Jul 2002 21:55:27 +0100
From: "Mike Fellhauer"
Subject: Re: Gone Sailing
>From: "Owen H. Morgan"
>
>I'm now on my way south along the Norwegian west coast, and intend to cross >the North Sea to Shetland from Ålesund and then continue south via the >Orkneys and Caledonian Canal.
>
>I have an Ericsson T39m and use my Mako and MC218 for all e-mail.
Did you know there's nautical software available for the Psion? Check out http://p.pellot.free.fr/indexgb.html
*++++++++++&
Date: 9 Jul 2002 22:50:06 +0100
From: "Mike Fellhauer"
Subject: Re: CD drive for Psion
>From: Darryl Kempster
>
>Now with the netBook you don't even get access to the user manual without a >PC cos it's supplied as a pdf file on the CD. At least they give you the >OS.img on CF.
>
>So yes I would like a CD/floppy drive for my Psion. The Series 3 could do >it so why can't my netBook do the same ten years later?
Well, you can download the PDF manual now from Psion's website, and there's a freeware PDF reader for the Psion...not the best solution, but it works.
As for why there's no such drive available for EPOC devices, I guess it is the way the OS is. In SIBO (Series 3, a, c, mx, Siena) it could see the files on the PC when connected that way (you could go into drive M on the SIBO machine and see the PC drive). You can't do that on EPOC, so that's probably the reason you can't have such a device.
As a Revo/Mako owner, I really wished I had access to an external storage device...even if it's something like a ZIP or CLIQ drive, or even if it was similar to the SSD drive that they had for the Siena way back when as it didn't have its own SSD slot due to size that can read CF cards.
Mike
Secretary of the Psion Enthusiasts Association of Toronto (PEAT)
http://www.phaedrav.com/peat/
*++++++++++&
Date: 9 Jul 2002 23:01:11 +0100
From: Kevin Thorne
Subject: 9210 report
Reply to Itamar Engelsman:
<Answer to: Kevin Thorne
Re. 9210 - I would appreciate if you could inform us in due course with some more "on hand" reports about the 9210.>
Certainly. I've been using my 9210 for just under 2 weeks now. First impressions are good, although I don't think this machine is really a direct replacement for a Psion if the owner is a power user. I still think the Psions offer more power and versatility. If anyone wants to know about anything I haven't covered please feel free to ask and I'll try my best to answer your query.
WHAT I DO LIKE:
Screen. Beautifully crisp and clear, just as you would expect from an expensive 4096 colour TFT unit. Even in bright sunlight, as long as the sun doesn't shine directly on it then it's perfectly readable although the colours look a bit washed out, as with any colour screen. Indoors it is just superb and going back to the gloomy monochrome LCD unit on my 5mx after that is just truly horrible and quite a shock! Even the Web browser is suprisingly enjoyable to use, despite the fact the screen is smaller than on the S5 - all in wonderful colour of course.
Integration. As a "one box" solution to mobile data, it's hard to beat. I've always carried my 5mx and Nokia 8210 with me in the past but have often longed for everything in one place. Now I have that :-) You can call someone straight from Contacts then book them into your diary (Calendar) all at the same time by using the speakerphone facility. I particularly like the call logging feature which records all comminications in a log table.
Speakerphone. I heard a lot of good things about this before I bought the machine and now having used it, it really is good. The quality is superb (better than most desk units) and it's great to be able to use other applications when talking to someone handsfree at the same time. I've had the 9210 sitting on my kitchen table whilst I talked to someone whilst washing the dishes at the same time - all from 3 metres away and even from that distance the call quality was good.
Battery life. Considering the battery has to power both phone and PDA functions (including brilliant colour screen) then the battery life is excellent. I use the phone for around 40 to 50 minutes of calls per day and use it for PDA duties for around 90 minutes per day and yet only need to recharge it every 3 to 4 days. I can confidently take it away for a weekend knowing it will still only be half discharged when I get back home. With more restrained use it would probably last nearly a week.
WHAT I DON'T LIKE
Keyboard. Not very good and certainly can't compare with a S5. It's a bit like using those rubbery keys found on some calculators. I'd say even the S3 Psions were slightly better than the 9210 for intensive data input. The 4 way rocker switch is particularly bad - it's too easy to go the wrong way when using it and this gets annoying after a while. Oh for a S5 keyboard on this!
Software. The built-in stuff is very EPOC like but some of it isn't as powerful or versatile. For instance, in Calendar (ER6 version of Agenda) you can't print specific coded entries, just the whole lot between specified dates. Desk (ER6 version of System) is not so intuitive as it doesn't use folders and subfolders but rather simple shortcuts. ER5 software is now very mature (so there's so much more of it around than for ER6). There is no "print to file" option and the printer drivers are very basic too. File conversion to PC formats is very limited - such a shame something like nConvert isn't available for ER6.
CONCLUSION
I suppose it all boils down to asking yourself what do you want from your machine? Personally I've always wanted a decent colour screen but to get that, I have to put up with a mediocre keyboard. The 9210 certainly doesn't make me any more productive but it does cut down on baggage to carry if mobile data is important. My 5mx is still more powerful, easier to use but doesn't have a built-in modem or a decent screen, two things which are important to me. As they say, you pays your money and takes your choice. I think we will see many more machines of this type in the near future. I think it's a real shame that Psion wouldn't continue to develop the 5mx - to me it's already a good machine but further development would have modernised and improved it still further. With a 9210 costing upwards of £400 (and this is WITH a 12 month contract) and selling well then surely there is still a market for a decent keyboarded clamshell palmtop with modern goodies such as a colour TFT screen, built-in modem and maybe Bluetooth connectivity. After all, there are enough of these clip on keyboards around for the handwriting Palms and Compaqs of this world! Perhaps we should do our own market survey and try to persuade Psion to do a policy U turn?
Regards
Kevin Thorne
*++++++++++&
Date: 9 Jul 2002 23:05:33 +0100
From: "J."
Subject: Re: Freesurf.fr; iPass
To: Kevin Collins <Suject ....Freesurf.fr >.......To Anyone who uses French ISP freesurf.fr: >.......Does anyone know a number other than the internal 0860 912600 ....
RE May Thomas F. van der Zijden answer this one?
One also could swap to free.fr who keep a special "for GSM" number ie +33155701060
________
To : Daniel Meyer Subject: .... iPass .......
>I remembered a database and software instructions for using Psions on >the iPass network on the Psion site but the link does not seem to work. If >anyone succeeds in finding the info it could be jolly useful for travellers with >Psions.
I can mail (270Ko) the PDF instruction and Ipass22.sis to anyone asking in this UG
Jack
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 00:09:03 +0100
From: Keith Giles
Subject: Web Site
If anyone is interested, I have put several macros on my web site. They have to do with restoring your home city and second city in Time after a hard reset; changing to/from Daylight time; and checking your battery. They're fairly simple, but I've found them helpful. I've also included Kit Byatt's macro to get
your Extras bar back to the way you like it organized after something causes it to return to a default arrangement.
I'm new to this "web site" business so if anyone finds any problems in downloading, or finds any errors in the macros, let me know. I have tested them all on a 5, 5mx and Mako.
Happy Cycling,
Keith
Sunnyvale, CA
http://home.attbi.com/~ohsix827/
Thought For The Day: A class reunion is when everyone gets together to see who is falling apart.
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 00:26:11 +0100
From: Kevin Collins
Subject: Re: Sims/ISPs in Ireland
Hi folks,
To Owen Morgan :
Hi Owen, I can only speak for Ireland (ie Republic of: FYO not referred to as Eire here for many years), and my recommendation would be a prepaid or cash sim card from Vodafone (which fairly recently took over Eircell, the 087 number here). It allows HSCSD even on a cash sim (you simply ring up and ask to have it activated) at no extra cost, and data calls are about 12 Euro cents per minute. When you have your 087 number, you can go to www.e-merge.ie, where you can receive an e-merge email address free of charge, and also they will text you (free) every time you are in receipt of an email. Another email address, free to everyone, can be found at www.eircom.net..
Happy sailing, and enjoy your trip!
Regards,
Kevin [Cork, Ireland]
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 02:52:06 +0100
From: "Gary Y Reyes"
Subject: Psions in Singapore
>Date: 9 Jul 2002 15:58:24 +0100
>From: "Studio 70" >Subject: Singapore Psions?
>
>We are heding off to Singapore and Tokyo in a few days time...does any body = >know if there are any Psions still for sale in these citys? and if so = >where?
>
>TIA
Try Systech in Singapore. They are the Psion Master Distributor for Southeast Asia. Call the Psion Teklogix office in Singapore (65-6)735-8108 to get contact details.
Gary
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 05:20:29 +0100
From: Steve Baker
Subject: Re: Opera Cookies / Configuration Settings
Hi Jan,
Many thanks for the feedback. Based on previous experience, I would say that
this 'sounds about right'. I do find it strange, however, that Opera haven't
documented this 'feature'.
Thanks again for your input. Happy browsing with the MC218,
Steve
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 06:15:34 +0100
From: Steve Baker
Subject: Re: Opera, SIMPLE comms to PC, General netBook Questions, DigestFuture
Reply to: Trygve Henriksen
Regarding Opera, you are right (and my brain got fudged at breakfast time this
morning) my installed version is 5.13. I'll download 5.14, but I doubt it will
change matters - based upon yours and Jan's comments.
Regarding communicating with PC (other than using PsiWon't), try using the
good old-fashioned 'rcomm' program. It works fine for me with my
occassionally-used Libretto L50 - running MS-DOS 6.22 of course!. I can
exchange data using the serial connection or the PC card slot, and download
whatever I need from a PC-Card CD-ROM into the bargain.
Reply to: guillaume.favre
1. Is the PCMCIA slot suitable for a PCMCIA modem?
A: No problems with using a PC card modem from a 5MX in the netBook.
2. Zip® has released a PCMCIA reader for 40MB Zip® disks. Is that suitable
for the Netbook?
A: Probably not - not tried it! However, Compact Flash cards are MUCH cheaper,
and with greater capacity, so I believe that the question is irrelevant unless
you have an existing requirement to access these disks.
3. Does the Netbook work better with a printer?
A. I personally don't have any problems printing from the netBook. Depending
on your printer model, there are later printer drivers available, most
notabley for HP and Canon products.
4. Are all the programms that run on my 5MX compatible to the Netbook?
Q: Yes.
5. Is the EPOC Emulator running on a Notebook an alternative to the Netbook?
A: No idea.
6. What should be the price of a second-hand Netbook?
A: Good question. How long is a piece of string?
Reply to: Itamar Engelsman
Regarding the future of the (excellent) digest, I believe that what you are
[proposing is the right course of action.
I am not sure what I can do to assist, as my internet connection in Saudi is
not the most reliable, but please feel free to put my name down - even if it
is only on the reserve list.
Thank you all for your time.
Regards,
Steve
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 08:08:32 +0100
From: "Mike Woodward"
Subject: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 028 - Reply to General questions about PsionNetbook
Hope the information shown below will help in deciding if the Netbook is for you, I have been using a 5mx with a Netbook since October 2001, having been a Psion 3a, 5 & 5mx user for many years.
The PCMCIA slot is suitable for a specific range of modems as well as a generic modem setting, consisting of Psion Gold, Psion Dacom, US Robotics Sportster & Psion Travel modem.
You can only use the PCMCIA slot for cards that have suitable Netbook drivers, this is modems, Ethernet cards & CF memory cards, including the IBM Microdrive. It is also possible to insert other types of flash memory, if they include a PCMCIA adapter. In other words the ZIP drive will probably not work.
I use the 5mx as well, Netbook screen & keyboard are much better, although Netbook screen is limited to 256 colours, so not so good looking at photographs.
Printing is the same as the 5mx, so don't expect any improvements, but make sure you have the latest drivers. I print via PC, Psion printer cable & Infrared, on the printing via the PC supports a range of fonts.
Virtually all Psion 5mx programs run on the Netbook, most take advantage of the larger screen & colour.
You can run the emulator on a PC, however most third party software will not work, all the standard applications do work well with no limitations. Yo will need to get used to using the screen more as for example a PC does not have a menu key, so you have to use the mouse to click on the silk screen menu option.
New Netbooks are not cheap, expect to pay £800 - 1,000, also make sure you download the latest version of the operating system, released in April 2002. I paid just over £300 for a second hand model, including extra memory & modem card.
Suggest that you also look at the www.psionplace.com message boards for more information on the Netbook.
Mike
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 12:58:51 +0100
From: Itamar Engelsman
Subject: Checkdisk, EDU, CD-rom, Netbook,
Answer to: Trygve Henriksen
Re. Checkdisk - I meant more the internal C disk than a CF one. By the way, when traveling I always back up my C disk on the CF disk. At least if I'll have to do a hard reset I will still have my files. And if the CF disk goes, I'll have at least my basic programs (but not much else ... <G>).
Re. GPRS - I think you can find further details on Mike's website at http://www.mikemcc.net/.
Answer to: Marios Haridimou
Re. EDU - Thanks for the explanation. In principle I agree with you, but my question was whether someone had actually "experienced" these problems, specially on the internal C disk.
Answer to: Darryl Kempster
Re. CD-rom - The S3 had a third party floppy disk reader, but i don't remember you could connect a CD-Rom ? Today hardly any software still comes with floppies, it would not fit anymore. As to whether an external CD-Rom for the Psion's could work or not I don't know, but with the demise of Psion unlikely we will ever find out <sigh ...>.
Answer to: Guillaume Favre
Re. Netbook - I've got another question. How long can one work on a full battery load, how long before you have to replace the battery pack and can you do that yourself ? (Would it be feasible to take an extra full battery with you ?)
Bye,
Itamar Engelsman
London, United Kingdom
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 13:56:58 +0100
From: Darryl Kempster
Subject: Singapore Psions
For Bob and Loris Hancock :-
"We are heding off to Singapore and Tokyo in a few days time...does any body know if there are any Psions still for sale in these citys? and if so where?"
I was in Singapore in April and went eagerly looking for Psions but without much success. The Psion distributor in Singapore is called Systech but he only had a couple of Revos when I was there. I think I found another couple of shops in Sim Lim Square with some old software but generally Psions had disappeared from sight, same as when I got back to London and discovered Tottenham Court Road completely devoid of Psions. I was also in Hong Kong and tried to find the Chinese revo (SC18?) but only came across one shop selling it. Psion has withdrawn almost completely from sight nearly everywhere it seems.
Darryl
In Scotland for T-in the park
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 20:03:56 +0100
From: Jeffrey de Grijs
Subject: Re: General questions about Psion Netbook
Hi Guillaume,
I went from my series 5 to a netbook 2 years ago and haven't found any
problems sofar.
> 1. Is the PCMCIA slot suitable for a PCMCIA modem? I've read that there may be
> some problems of voltage. I would like to use the PCMCIA modem that is
> currently in the Psion PCMCIA adapter for my 5MX.
I might depend on the type of modem you use. I have been using the Psion
Dacom Gold Card 56K modem and 10MB ethernet for years now.
> 2. Zip® has released a PCMCIA reader for 40MB Zip® disks. Is that suitable for
> the Netbook?
I don't really know, I would suggest buying a Compact Flash card. I use a
64MB Dane Elec which is not expensive too which can also be used in digital
camera's
>
> 3. The only things I have again my 5MX are the bad screen (especially when I
> use it 8 hours a day...) and the fact it doesn't handle properly a printer
> hence a Netbook. The 5MX is the only computer I owe and I must always print my
> Word files through PsiWin by a friend. Does the Netbook work better with a
> printer (handling of all sizes of font, inter-line space, styles) or would I
> always have to use PsiWin to print something other that ASCI texts?
Sorry, I hardly print with my Psion so I can;t help you with this.
>
> 4. Are all the programms that run on my 5MX compatible to the Netbook?
Mine have been working all fine sofar. Bigger and color screen is not often
supported with 5 software. Check for updates of other versions.
>
> 5. Is the EPOC Emulator running on a Notebook an alternative to the Netbook?
> That's an important question. I've never seen the emulator "in action". Does
> he enable to work on a Word file like on a 5MX and to use and change Data
> files? I really need a computer with a better screen and keyboard. The 5MX is
> perfect for me as it fits my pocket on the ward and I can have
> zero-reboot-time access to my notes. I would like to edit these words and data
> files on a better screen and keyboard computer. Is the emulator fit for that?
I would say NO, working with a notebook compares in no way to a netbook
accoring to weight, battery life and connectivity...
>
> 6. What should be the price of a second-hand Netbook?
You might want to check out ebay.com for this? EUR 500? Series 7 (cheaper)
might be a good solution too, somewhat slower and the OS is not upgradeable,
but connectivity is the same (modem/ethernet).
>
> Many many thanks for your answers and it's great to have such a top-quality
> mailing list!
It is not much, but I hope it helps! All I can say that the netBook is a
wonderfull machine.
Jeffrey de Grijs
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 21:28:42 +0100
From: Rolf Brunsting
Subject: Re: Synchronisation with mobile phones
Dear Jan,
My apologies for the very late response. The reason is a simple one : I completely overlooked your e-mail.
<< Maybe I'm ignorant but I still do not see why I am able to perform synch between my PC & Psion by infrared and my PC & T39 by infrared, but not 5mx & T39. To me it still seems that it would be possible to write a sw for 5mx that does the same as Outlook does on my PC & T39 or have I missed something vital here? >>
You're perfectly right to say that software can be written for the Series 5mx that allows data synchronisation with the Ericsson T39. An EPOC developer has the complete documentation on how to get data in and out of the Agenda and Contacts applications of the Series 5mx. The same goes for basic data communication via infrared. Becoming a registered EPOC developer doesn't cost you anything and the software development kits are supplied free of charge.
What the developer also needs to know is how to get data in and out of the T39. There are a few exchange mechanisms I can think of like IrOBEX, SyncML, ETSI or a native Ericsson protocol. Information on IrOBEX can be obtained from the Infrared Data Association (IrDA). The European Telecommunication Standards Institute will be able to supply the documentation on the ETSI 7.05 and 7.09 command sets. And the developer will need to get into contact with Ericsson, of course.
Question is whether the necessary information is also free of charge. If not, the associated costs may prevent a developer from creating a synchronisation tool. The alternative is then to eavesdrop on the communication between the PC-Outlook combination and the T39 in order to reverse engineer the exchange mechanism. Which isn't a job for the faint of heart and can also prevent the development.
--
Kind Regards,
Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands
*++++++++++&
Date: 10 Jul 2002 21:39:13 +0100
From: Ashley
Subject: Everybody gets what nobody wants
Hi all.
The recent demise of the Psion in PDA circles echoes familiar memories.
We had the VHS video system that was not a good as Beta, and not a patch on Philips V2000.
We have Windows PC's no where near as good as Mac's
We now have to buy 100Hz CTV's that create more problems than they overcome.
Psion has been swallowed overtaken by Palm Pocket PC
So it seems inevitable that we will end up with the dominate product being the least customer friendly or desirable.
All to best
Ashley
*++++++++++&
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