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Epoc Digest Sun, 17 Nov 2002 Volume 01 : Number 112

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Sent to: 707 subscribers

In today's Epoc Digest 25 messages:

==============================

- Message from administrator

- EMail List Addres Management

- Re: Question about Revo (financial program)

- Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 111

- Unusual characters, liminal # 111

- JB5Launch

- Kit's Mutterings/Neuon

- Nokia 6210 - Web & OS158 - Sharp Zaurus

- Offline archive

- SIM Card in US

- ER3/5 programs

- EPOC digests on 9210

- Stick with EPOC, Nokia connections, IR printers

- HSCSD & GPRS

- Response to Rolf - Blackberry

- Marketing of Psion in US

- WANTE nearly new(mint condition) Ericsson MC218 as backup

- Re: Archive

- Fax on Nokia 6310i

- question - Ser.7 and Revo/ Mako

- Stylus or scratched screen?

- Sony laptops

- Portable printers

- WEB IN 158

- Question about Revo, Compuserve, end of rant,

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 21:03:28

From : Itamar Engelsman

Subject : Text only please

Lately several subscribers started to send us non-text message that create problems in the copying of these messages into the digest, appearing as funny caracters (see # 110 for an example). Could we please remind you all to send PLAIN TEXT messages only to the digest ? Let us know if you need instructions how to set your email program to plain text with a message to the digest team with only the word ADMIN in the subject field, and don't forget to mention which email program you use.

Thanks for the cooperation,

The Epoc Digest Team

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 04:55:18 +0000

From: Jim Watson-Gove

Subject: EMail List Addres Management

In Oakland, I managed an email list for announcements for an art club at a college I was attending. I found the easiest way to maintain the list was in Word, then connecting the addresses by eliminating the line breaks and pasting them into the address box of my 5mx email software. Worked very well (125 addresses).

Up here in Port Townsend, I have gotten involved with the Jefferson County Arts Alliance, and tonight I volunteered to put an announcement list together for them - 100+ addresses.

This time (trying to learn from my mistakes) I am trying to set it up in Data.

I've set the test file for one line and typed in the email addresses (10 of them for test). Effortless alphabetizing and it tells me how many addresses

are in the file.

I set the view to not show labels and print General to file. Then I change the file name to name.txt and open it in web. I then copy and move it into a Word file. Then suck up the spaces and the line feeds and have addresses to paste into the address box of my email application.

This works, but is there an easier way? Has anyone written freeware or shareware addressing this problem?

TIA - jim - port townsend aka shangri-la

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 08:17:42 +0000

From: "Sergio"

Subject: Re: Question about Revo (financial program)

Hi there!

On 14 Nov 2002 Antonio Luís wrote:

...

5-Please, a good site to dowload freeware a financial program, a simple one, just to keep the banking account in control (I can also use the sheet), but? ...

I cat suggest abp http://homepages.enterprise.net/pilita/abphomepage.html

It's freeware but very complete, and thanks to Malcolm Bryant (also author of EpocSync) for writing it ;-)

Sergio Alisi

Milano - Italy

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 08:24:58 +0000

From: "Andrew Gardner"

Subject: Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 111

Re: Series 7 Memory Problem

Hi Guys

Thanks for your help on this one. After sending a strong letter to Psion about their expensive support (I had made two calls at #1 minute and was invited to send in my machine for repair at #170) I recieved an invitation to call technical support on a free line. The solution was to do a hard reset and then rebuild the apps that I was using by reinstalling each one seperatley, but by running the sis files on my PC and having Psiwin install them (I had been copying the apps in zip format onto the 7, opening them with RMRzip and then installing the sis files from the 7). This appears to have done the trick and did not cost me a penny (putting the #1 minute helpline aside). Thanks for all who contributed.

Andrew

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 08:37:31 +0000

From: vlad arghir

Subject: Unusual characters, liminal # 111

> Epoc Digest wrote:

A small freeware called TwinKey allows you to define a short-key (actually a key sequence) for characters you frequently use. It runs in the background, catches the sequence and sends it to any foreground application. Works w. no glitch for me on a 5mx pro.

> Phil wrote:

> liminar but very efficient'.

>> more Asterix. 'Liminar', I expect, is similar. ...'in the initial stage'. >> I assume 'liminar' is just a variation common in Vlad's native tongue. Ummm... yes, checked, right, thanks. Btw, both variants seem to be correct in Romanian. I have been using it occasionally in what I pervceived to be its etymologic sense: x limes, limit, i.e., I guess, barely perceptible & hence minimal. Btw, what would natives do w-out daring and resourceful polyglots and their asterisky language feats? ;-)

best,

vlad

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 09:04:55 +0000

From: Andy Hayes

Subject: JB5Launch

Hi All

With the mention of John Boyce and his vast collection of freeware, I thought that I would go and have a look around his site. I found a wonderful little gem called JB5Launch. For those that have been bitten by the failure of NoMore, this should solve the problem of too many icons on the extras bar. In fact the app is a non-graphical equivalent of ExtraBars. This will also come as good news to Revo/Mako owners as Extrabars does not fit properly on this device's screen. JB5Launch does according to the help file. The only drawback to a perfect little app is that after you launch an app from JB5Launch the launcher app closes down. I expect that this was done as a memory consideration, but it would have been great to have an option at least to always have it running in the background.

Bye

Andy Hayes

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 09:36:04 +0000

From: Philip Adkins Potter

Subject: Kit's Mutterings/Neuon

Hi,

Kit, you ranted:

"I am beginning to get a bit fed up with the Psion, the keyboard's great, but I have now had 4 5mx's and each one has had a problem - if the screen doesn't buzz, the keys stick, and if that doesn't happen, the cable goes. Anyway, I always drop it and break the casing (hence 4...). I'm beginning to start looking at other technologies - it's always a compromise [end of rant...]"

What pocket computer will you drop next? : • )

Itamar mentioned Neuon but I think that he was misled a bit by their website. Neuon are still active though for how much longer I don't know. At the moment (well, 10 days ago anyway) they are still developing software and I think RMR are the same. But some developers I know have *definitely* dropped writing ER5 program, even in the middle of beta testing. Their software has either become free or has been withdrawn.

Though it's understandable it's also rather off-putting. I've been told that I should have migrated to Windoze some time ago (eeuugh) because EPOC is out-of-date! Since I prefer a stable OS that is virus-resistant I'll stay with EPOC for a while yet (actually until my second 5mx looks like failing; and my first hasn't given up yet). I find the 5mx much the easiest handheld for me and I have always preferred handhelds to desktops. Like a few others, I only use a desktop for the I'Net.

Happy days,

Two Psions Phil.

"Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of -

but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards."

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 11:26:12 +0000

From: Grant Mearns

Subject: Nokia 6210 - Web & OS158 - Sharp Zaurus

[Nokia 6210e signal loss]

My company returned sveral hundred of these models due to 'terrible' performance. Signal loss, complete signal failure, hardware faults, constant software crashes. You name name it, the 6210 did a lot of harm to Nokia's corporate reputation. Particularly the earlier models.

[Installing Web in Build 158 of the netBook ROM]

Psion's WAP browser suffers from exactly the same problem. Shame, really. Its still the best WAP browser for any platform on the market.

[Playing with Sharp Zaurus]

O2 hold quarterly conferences in the Hyde Park Hilton, London. Its primarily a developer conference, but the latest devices are always available for people to play with. The last one was held on 28th Oct, and had most new devices on display - even the elusive P800! The conferences are free, you just have to register at www.source02.com. In fact, last time I didn't even sign-in at the event, they don't seem to care. Lunch is provided for free, too.

Kind regards

Grant Mearns

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 13:47:00 +0000

From: slitchfield

(Steve Litchfield)

Subject: Offline archive

I saw the comments about an offline archive of all ER3/5 software.

See http://3lib.ukonline.co.uk/cdrom.htm 8-) All that, plus SIBO stuff, plus PsiWin...

Cheers

Steve

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 16:05:12 +0000

From: "Hoffman, Susan"

Subject: SIM Card in US

Check with T-Mobile regarding temporary service in US. I think they sell pre-paid service, and they are the only US carrier that uses SIM cards in their phones.

Susan Katz Hoffman

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 16:27:21 +0000

From: "Philip Carlisle"

Subject: ER3/5 programs

Philip Potter wrote about preserving ER3/5 programs in an archive.

Palmtop magazine produced a series of CD-ROMs containing a wide range. presumably the new Palmtop Ustill sell them. eBay UK has a number of Psion product pages and a regular advert is for CDs containing a range of published EPOC software.

What do readers think about the morality of one or more of the more expert working to crack the registration codes of those programs whose authors have disappeared?

Regards to all

Philip Carlisle

London

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 18:29:09 +0000

From: Kevin Thorne

Subject: EPOC digests on 9210

Has anyone used a 9210 to download the Digest? I find that it downloads at normal speed with no trouble but can takes quite some time to actually open it (over 2 minutes sometimes). Using my S7 it opens just as fast as any other email, big or small. I would guess the Nokia for some reason has trouble opening any email with a large amount of text in the body (large attachments are fine though). It makes no difference where the message store is, which doesn't surprise me as both the internal and MMC memory are the same type i.e. flash. On the S7 my messages are currently stored on C in RAM but I have in the past stored them on D (a CF card) and they still didn't suffer the huge delay in opening as they do on the Nokia.

Regards

Kevin Thorne

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 18:29:15 +0000

From: Kevin Thorne

Subject: Stick with EPOC, Nokia connections, IR printers

Reply to Randall McLaughlin:

Me too. For this reason I use the Nokia Communicator :-)

Reply to Keith Clarke:

Subject: Nokia 6210

I can't comment on the 6210 as I've never used one but I do know from past discussions with a Nokia service engineer that the handsets with built-in antennas can never perform quite as efficiently as one with an external one. Certainly my 8210 wasn't exactly great for holding on to a signal and would definitely drop more calls in a fringe coverage area (my own home is a good example) than one with an external antenna. For example, my 9210 is a lot better at holding on to the call at home than my old 8210 ever was.

Reply to Itamar Engelsman:

Subject: Printer for Psion

I use my old Canon BJ-10e (remember them?) with an Psion IR pod and this works very well. The only thing that doesn't seem to work well is trying to print graphics as the POD doesn't seem to like this and protests by dropping the IR connection! However, for extreme portability, the Citizen PN60 is very neat with built-in IR and small battery pack - it's very small indeed :-)

I've heard it works well with a Psion but will give you a better print if you use Andrew Johnson's own drivers as the built in drivers for Canons are a bit naff.

Regards

Kevin Thorne

*++++++++++&

Date: 15 Nov 2002 22:42:59 +0000

From: Mike McConnell

Subject: HSCSD & GPRS

To: Itamar Engelsman

<<Re. HSCSD - Thanks for the answer. My only problem with GPRS is ... the cost <smile>. While basically it is not that expensive, the total per month can quickly add up to a larger amount>>

HSCSD adds up too! Why do you think I'm trying GPRS? :-)

In very general terms, HSCSD gives three times the data tranfer rate for three times the cost so you get your data faster, then disconnect. Problem is, if the login to the ISP or the mailbox happens to be slow, it is costing three times as much for this "idle" time. GPRS doesn't have this cost - you pay for exactly the amount of data transferred.

Regards,

Mike [Dundee, Scotland] __________________________________________

Mobile Phone & SMS: +44 (0)7870 236984

Mobile Fax: +44 (0)7977 156138

Web: http://www.mikemcc.net

__________________________________________

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 00:06:17 +0000

From: "Hoffman, Susan"

Subject: Response to Rolf - Blackberry

You wrote: The Blackberry is a corporate product as it relies on companies installing additional software on their Microsoft Exchange mailservers to pass on somebody's incoming mail to his/her Blackberry. This makes a Blackberry much less interesting to private individuals as they tend not to have the infrastructure while the server software is too expensive for a single person.

Another aspect is that the Blackberry is the next step in development of the alphanumeric pager. These pagers are widely used in North America but you hardly see them in Europe. Their job is performed by the Short Message System of the GSM mobile phone network. The reason why Blackberries are sold in very small numbers over here.

All very true. And I know my Blackberry won't work when I'm visiting next month. I'm counting on the availability of an Internet Cafe. Or talking my husband into bringing his laptop along, which has internet access in Europe (will the US analog modem work over there?).

Susan Katz Hoffman

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 00:18:56 +0000

From: "Hoffman, Susan"

Subject: Marketing of Psion in US

If I can add my two cents (US) worth, we bought our first Psion product (a classic 5) in late summer or early fall 1998, for my son to use in 8th grade. We didn't want to spend the money on a laptop for a kid (knowing he was a klutz), and we didn't want something he could easily load games onto (knowing he would if he could). Our local computer superstore had a display of CE devices along with a lone Psion. The Psion clearly had a better keyboard, and it was on that basis alone that we chose it. We didn't know, of course, about all the games that could be downloaded (it took our son about two months to figure that out). At the end of the school year, I "borrowed" his 5 for the summer, and fell in love with it. That was just about the time the 5mx was coming out, so I pre-ordered one. By that time, I think only CompUSA had them available on display, but the product was widely available through the discount retailers (I think I got mine from one of the NYC electronics resellers). That's the 1999 vintage 5mx I am still using today. We bought a Revo on sale when the classic 5 was in for lengthy repairs (hinge) and Psion was resisting covering it under warranty (they eventually came through, so we had both the Revo and 5), and then bought another when they were dumped on the market for under $100. My son is no longer using his (he finally figured out how to write with a pen), but my husband and I are using them. The classic 5 is on the shelf because it started eating batteries rapidly without any apparent cause, and the "old" revo is sitting around as a backup in case mine dies. Next year my son is off to college (I hope), and I am looking at getting him a Sidekick -- drawback is that it won't syncronize with a computer, but for a college student that probably doesn't matter much.

I do think that Psion missed the boat here, but I'm not sure how it would have been different. Most of my colleagues do not want a PDA that does what Psion does -- they are quite happy with the Palm for calendars and addresses or the Blackberry for e-mail, and are willing to lug around a laptop when they need one. Of course, some of them are still dictating to their secretaries <g>. And there is one infamous partner who was forced into computer training for e-mail, and his first question was, "what's this thing called a mouse that everyone keeps talking about?" I think the major problem that Psion faced in the US was the fact that the majority of the US cell phone systems are not really compatible with Psion technology. If Psion had been able to market internet connectivity with the apparent ease that you folks on the right side of the Atlantic enjoy, I think things might have been very different. Of course, what do I know -- my mother was a poll watcher in Palm Beach County in 2000 and we still think Gore won the election.

Susan Katz Hoffman

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 01:56:36 +0000

From: ROY.R. (MobileP.D.A.)

Subject: WANTE nearly new(mint condition) Ericsson MC218 as backup

If anyone knows where I can get a second Ericsson mc218 for backup etc, i'd appreciate knowing. I'm in Essex, UK.

You can also backchannel meThank You

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 13:52:38 +0000

From: Ketil Kristiansen

Subject: Re: Archive

Philip Adkins Potter wrote:

> As a comment, there are a lot of free ER3/5 programs out there and some > are *very* good, but they will soon disappear (and some already have). I > still have a Psion 3a and the University College site has a huge archive > of useful software, though some commercial/shareware cannot be used as

> it can't be registered/bought.

> I can't yet provide hard disk space for a software archive though I will > but we're talking about a Gigabyte (maybe more). But I think there

> should be at least two such archives. I know the Digest can't provide

> such an archive, even off-line as mine will have to be at first, but

> maybe someone else can spare the space?

I have plenty of space and a fast connection, so if someone is willing to manage the archive I can provide server space. (I'm in the process of upgrading my web server - once that is done, web pages/files can be managed from any PC or other computer with web folders/WebDAV support.)

Please contact me directly if interested, as I don't always get around to read the digest within reasonable time...

Best regards,

-K

"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away."

- Philip K. Dick

Best regard

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 17:36:03 +0000

From: Mike McConnell

Subject: Fax on Nokia 6310i

To: Andy Hayes

<<Faxing. A very quiet member of the list suggested the following: Put ATZ in the Init (reset) String and leave Data and Fax fields blank in the settings for the modem.>>

I think I must have tried every conceivable combination without success. I have made a bit of progress though - if I use a cable connection instead of IR, I can send a readable fax which *almost* completes the first page before it fails :-)

Regards,

Mike [Dundee, Scotland] __________________________________________

Mobile Phone & SMS: +44 (0)7870 236984

Mobile Fax: +44 (0)7977 156138

Web: http://www.mikemcc.net

__________________________________________

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 19:07:54 +0000

From: PaulDDB

Subject: question - Ser.7 and Revo/ Mako

Question to Alan Morris

You say you use Ser. 7 and a Revo/ Mako to carry around.

I've had a Mako for about a year but never yet charged it up - fear of battery problems. But I think it's time to use it as a portable adjunct to my now elderly 5mx.

My question is - do you have to charge the Revo every day, and do you do frequent EpocSync conversions between the 7 and the Revo?

Which one do you use as a "master", and which do you sync to the PC?

Anyone else have any comments?

thanks,

Paul Bishop

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 19:11:56 +0000

From: PaulDDB

Subject: Stylus or scratched screen?

I just realised that I vever use the stylus anymore - I use the plastic tip of a Papermate ballpoint pen (ballpoint retracted!). It's accurate and convenient.

Anyone else use any other substitute stylus?

Paul Bishop

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 19:30:14 +0000

From: PaulDDB

Subject: Sony laptops

Christopher Marwood asked

<< Daniel Meyer waxed lyrical about his Sony PCG-SRX41P - can anyone advise on Psion connectivity from small laptops which are often lacking a serial port? >>

My recommendation, for what it's worth, is a Sony VAIO PCG-505SEL(it's also marked as 643L)

It's about the size of a S7 and includes a thin detachable base station with serial, USB ports etc. Runs on Win-XP and syncs fine with PsiWart.

Paul Bishop

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 20:06:06 +0000

From: PaulDDB

Subject: Portable printers

To Itamar and others

re portable printers. A few years ago there were postings about the incredibly small printers from PENTAX TECHNOLOGIES, and I nearly bought one. The PocxketJet II and PocketJet 200 speficially are compatible with 5mx, S7 and Revo.

Has anyone experience of them?

http://www.pentaxtech.com/

Paul Bishop

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 20:23:34 +0000

From: Peter Keene

Subject: WEB IN 158

Hi Guys,

Re installing Web in Build 158 of the netBook ROM:

I'd like to express my gratitude to Darryl Kempster for all the trouble that he went to help me get this right. The solution in the end was that he e-mailed me all of the Web-related files from his machine together with the info about which System folders they had come from.

Result - I now have Web as an alternative to Opera v5 which, although it works with secure websites like my bank, is as flaky as ever, dropping connections and crashing with gay abandon.

Thanks Darryl, your efforts were in the true spirit of the digest.

Regards,

Peter

Cape Town RSA - don't mention the rugby :-(

*++++++++++&

Date: 16 Nov 2002 21:25:05 +0000

From: itamar

Subject: Question about Revo, Compuserve, end of rant,

Answer to: António Luís

Re. Question about Revo - Unfortunately all Psion machines are out of production but for the netBook. You will probably not find them in London either, but could try the usual mail Companies and auction sites for 2nd hand ones. The 5MX has a larger memory, a larger screen but less clear, a backlight and possibillity to add memory with a CF card. The programs are almost identical.

Answer to: Martin Yirrell

Re. Compuserve - If you want to copy and paste emails between PC and Psion you will have to use a synchronise program. I never did this and can't help you in this matter. Sorry.

Answer to: Kit Byatt

Re. end of rant - Seems to me the netPad is just for you. Very expensive bbut drop it from 1 meter high and apparently nothing happens ....

Best regards,

Itamar Engelsman

London, UK

*++++++++++&

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