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Epoc Digest Thu, 23 Jan 2003 Volume 01 : Number 153

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Sent to: 722 subscribers

In today's Epoc Digest 33 messages:

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

- Argos power adaptor

- No PC for Me

- Screen problems? OPX version, Mac Problem # 152

- NetBook 2, Usage of S7, NETBOOK II, Literal memory loss,

- Re: win2k, IRDA , Synchronization and other bits'n'pieces

- OPL data files

- Note taking solutions?

- Re: OS Grid references

- Re: English as she is writ

- Replacing a Revo - plus ça change

- Re: No PC for me

- Re: Sony Clie

- NetBook, Dana

- Re: Psion User Group Database Application

- BJC 55 Printer / No PC for me

- No More Psions on the Shelf

- Converting to Jotter/Agenda Dump/Note Taking

- Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 152

- NO PC FOR ME EITHER

- AgnDump

- I WANT MORE!

- Pocket Reader

- *.SIS file - deleted after installation.

- USB to PCMCIA interface? / Laptop wanted (OT)

- Re: Dana

- Re: MMC to PC card adaptor

- Re: Spare Revo - Series 7 backlight - EPOC licensing

- Re: Travel Modem

- Re: NetBook II

- Re: Agenda List/Outlook Sync Problem

- Re: Psion Dacom Gold Card - GPRS 6510

- Siemens Pocket Reader

- AgendaDump. Netbook vs Laptop

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 12:38:24 +0100

From: "Keith Clarke"

Subject: Argos power adaptor

Apologies for having forgotten the answer to a question that has popped up here from time to time, but is it safe to power the 5mx with a cheapo power adaptor from Argos? My Psion one keeps losing its connection, despite some attempted friendly persuasion, crimping the connector a little.

Keith Clarke

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 13:12:01 +0100

From: "Daniele Squarci"

Subject: No PC for Me

Reply to Kevin Thorne:

> I use my S7 for everything (OK, maybe not for making the tea!)

You may not be able to make the tea, but you might be interested in the latest add-on for the 5mx, namely the espresso coffee maker. Check it out at http://utenti.lycos.it/epocoffee/ Unfortunately in Italian only, so far....

You know us Italians like our coffee.... :-)

Regards

Daniele Squarci

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 13:14:25 +0100

From: vlad arghir

Subject: Screen problems? OPX version, Mac Problem # 152

& wrote:

> vertical lines on ...any way to rectify anything like this?

Save your data and be prepared to send your machine to POS... My heartfelt sympathy...

Rolf Brunsting wrote:

Thanks for replying, Rolf

>> Another idea is to install the missing opx separately >>

> Trouble is that you'll have to keep track of which OPX (version) is used

I was not aware of that. Several apps seem to use the same version of the opx. I do not seem to have any doublets. The nearest it comes to that is: date.opx resp. data.opx (opx.scan says the latter is unused)...

> I don't think that the problem has something to do with EPOC software copy > protection...There's no logic

:-) I could not see _any_ logic at all at the time, so I made this desperate half-joke... S-o said here (if I remember right), btw, that similar things occ. happen in Win as well.

> hidden data Macs write to disk (the resource fork and data fork)

This refers to the Apple data structure: it is double, whereas Win etc (and possibly OS X, Unix-based) only have a data fork, if I understand correctly. The rest of the invisibles are Desktop-icons, Finder data (who where how docs are stored on a medium, open window-status and the sc Desktop File which keeps track of all that's saved on a volume). This is as far as my understanding goes.

So this spectacular CF-corruption certainly has sth to do with file-admin. I hoped for a while s-o would come with an explanation... I'd even be willing to travel and waste a versed programmer's day with experiments... (nudge-nudge: I live in D-dorf... ;-)

> The last...to withdraw...were the...longest active... Psion, Sharp and Hewlett-Packard. Indicating > that there's (much) more to it than marketing.

Perhaps we have to admit that tmost people just don't need this kind of rather complex tool... Difficult to understand, but many still think it is easier to administer 300 yellow tags than one Psion... and to use Grafitti than a keypad... I do hope there's future for childish mavericks though...

best,

vlad

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 14:02:31 +0100

From: Itamar Engelsman

Subject: NetBook 2, Usage of S7, NETBOOK II, Literal memory loss,

Answer to : Kevin Thorne

Re. NetBook 2 - Unless the new screen or other new part of netBook 2 needs the specific OS software to run, in which case older versions will not run on the new machine.

Re. Usage of S7 - I have to admit that I do have PC, both at work as well as at home. I use the PC at home for websurfing, writing of letters, storage of photos and improving them digitally (my 2nd income comes from photography) and playing some games. At work my main usage is communications (email and fax) and spreadsheets. I use my S7 for storage of all data I want to have with me at all times, from simple databases with addresses to the full addressbook of my work, spreadsheets with stock figures, sales figures, prices, etc. My S7 is also my communications machine when traveling, receiving all faxes and emails from work and sending both faxes and emails. My private email is exclusively on my S7. My bank records are on the S7 as well (ABP). My Agenda file is an extensive tool for following up of client contacts as well as private and business appointments (in 1 file, I can't make a private appointment when traveling, right ?). Oh, and of course it is used for handling the digest when it is my turn.

Answer to: Peter Keene

Re. NETBOOK II - I'll continue to run EPOC unti I can't find 2nd hand machines anymore. By that time who knows what will be available and what I'll choose.

Answer to: Peter McCafferty

Re. Literal memory loss - As POS are only down the road, I suggest you go back to them and show them the problem. A 5MX should have 16 Mb internal memory, no doubt about it.

Best regards,

Itamar Engelsman

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 14:23:19 +0100

From: "Tim O'Callaghan"

Subject: Re: win2k, IRDA , Synchronization and other bits'n'pieces

>Dear Tim,

><< The two devices can see one another, but they cannot seem to communicate >for file transfer, and Psiwin doesn't see the USB device at all >>

>PsiWin wasn't developed with IrDA or USB in mind. It's therefore not >strange

>that it doesn't work. Specially when Microsoft withdrew the support of >virtual

>serial COM ports from Windows 2000 onwards. PsiWin via IrDA or via USB is >therefore either a hit or a miss.

what about just file transfers?

><< I have tried using the IrCOMM2k tool (www.ircom2k.de), but that doesn't >seem

>to help >>

>That's certainly not going to work as this driver is for built-in infrared >ports, not for the USB to IrDA dongle you're using. When the manufacturer >of the

>dongle doesn't supply a native Windows 2000 serial driver for it, I'm >afraid you

>have to call it quits.

fair enough.

><< lastly has anyone in the UK tried using their Revo/Psion with GPRS? >> >

>The answer is : Yes. Now, what is it that you wanted to know?

just interested. I have a GPRS capable phone (8310) on t-mobile, and i use a standard dialup at the moment (ukonline). I was wondering what peoples experience with pricing vs usefulness was?

Tim.

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 14:46:02 +0100

From: Simon Jeffree

Subject: OPL data files

Answer to: Trygve Henriksen

<< No....

A resource file is used for localisation purposes.

(You stuff the strings used in dialogs and menus in it and load the strings as they are needed. Then it's just a question of adding a new file .rsc file to the .sis file when you add support for new languages) >>

I'm sorry, I stand corrected. I thought resource files were for general use also - not just localisation.

Regards,

Simon Jeffree

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 19:58:19 +0100

From: Kate Head

Subject: Note taking solutions?

>>Date: 20 Jan 2003 02:44:08 +0100

>>From: Andrew

>>Subject: Note taking solutions?

>>I am looking for advice / experiences from those that use their epoc >>devices to take and use notes & quotes. I am starting some part time >>study and want to use my S7 as the main tool for taking notes, copying >>quotes, and generating assignments/reports (at least draft versions). >>Hence I would like to be able categorise the entries somewhat to allow for >>some smart searching. Also the ability to link or embed files and to allow >>rich text notes will be an advantage.

>>Regards,

>>Andrew Morphett

>>Geelong, Australia

Hi there Andrew,

I studied Java programming in a weekly class for 3 terms over a year; I used Jotter on my netBook to take notes in class, with a new entry for each class (weekly), which worked quite well, and I could add diagrams using insert sketch, and tables using insert sheet.

At the end of each term I merged the Jotter entries into a Word file, set page breaks for the end of each weeks entry, and printed the file out to put into a folder where I could add class handouts, photocopies from relevant articles etc., while I have the Word file (71 pages) on CF for quick revision "on the move".

All the best,

Kate!!

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 20:21:08 +0100

From: Alan Morris

Subject: Re: OS Grid references

Anthony Napier wrote:-

<< Guide books such as the National Trust and others list the british ordanance survey may grid references for historic properties. These can't be entered as new overlay entries on the en route maps without being converted to long/lat coordinates which seemed a higly complex coversion until I found "locations" which calculates the conersion. I am addicted to adding visitable features to the en route maps, useful if you are travelling. >>

I have 'Locations 1.12' on all my Psions, as I find it very useful. However the comment above is not correct as I just type OS references into a text file (using Editor, except on my Revo+). This file then becomes an input file to 'Overlay Maker' which automatically makes an overlay file that can be used with 'en route' - RP and also SP - Citymaps.

It also works in reverse and also with Lat/Long references.

Sample input text file:-

SU963982 "Amersham"

SU995976 "Chalfont & Latimer"

SP960017 "Chesham"

TQ025961 "Chorleywood"

TQ074851 "Hillingdon"

TQ086860 "Ickenham"

TQ056947 "Rickmansworth"

See:-

www.pseudocode.co.uk

Alan R Morris, G4ENS.

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK.

Using a Psion 7 & Nokia 6210e

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 20:21:40 +0100

From: Alan Morris

Subject: Re: English as she is writ

"Philip Carlisle" wrote:-

<< One advantage of Outlook on a PC is its ability to spell check before sending. That would have saved you from the embarrassment of writing Dcember rather than December! >>

Just like using a Psion, but you don't need to install 'Word' to make it work.

Alan R Morris, G4ENS.

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK.

Using a Psion & Nokia 6210e.

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 20:26:33 +0100

From: Tim Williams

Subject: Replacing a Revo - plus ça change

On Tuesday, January 21, 2003, at 08:03 AM, Epoc Digest wrote:

> << At the risk of sounding very stupid, I'd like to know what > post-Psion machine I can replace my Revo with >>

> I'm not able to come up with a recommendation when you don't describe > what you're using your Revo for, the applications you've added to your > Revo, etc.

With my Revo broken, I bought both a Palm and a Jornada this summer. I needed a machine essentially for word processing and for the spread sheets and address book

I can't stand the Jornada 710 - among other thngs I find the screen hurts my aging eyes. Most hateful aspect is that I can't interface it with my Mac. A waste of money as far as I am concerned. It is now next to the tv and I use it for Halliwell's film guide.

The Palm is more likeable and interfaces marvellously with the Mac - but after using a Psion keyboard, I find I have little time for writing on its screen.

So in the end I got POS to repair my Revo. Thank you, POS, I needed that.

Now that the Revo is playing silly buggers six months later - all my many Psions since 92 have broken down within two years of purchase, so please don't hold me responsible for the company's demise - I see no alternative but to buy a refurbished 5mx- possibly the Pro model.

That I should decide to buy a machine that is now 5 years old is surely proof of just how user friendly the Psion platform is. What a pity that the 5mx nd the Revo have not been updated.

Let's hope Apple produces a pda soon.

What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals! And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?

Man delights not me.

No, nor women neither.

Withnail and I, 1987

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 22:09:40 +0100

From: Keith Giles

Subject: Re: No PC for me

You didn't ask for it, but here it is anyway. As the editor of one monthly bulletin (a Retired Officer's Club) and photo layout editor of another (bike club), I don't see how I could operate with only a Psion. Yes, I could put out a simple text bulletin, but is there an Epoc equivalent to PageMaker, a sophisticated publishing program? Do commercial printing companies accept it? Is there an Epoc equivalent to PhotoShop? I don't know.

Run it down all you want with your cutsy Windoze, Window$, etc., but I'm delighted with my WindowsXP desktop PC. Don't get me wrong - I'm also delighted with my 5ive and 5mx (but not that damned Mako battery. :-( ). The 2 systems occupy 2 different niches in my life.

Happy Cycling,

Keith

Sunnyvale, CA

http://home.attbi.com/~ohsix827/

Thought For The Day: Anybody can grab a tiger by the tail. You only survive by knowing what to do next.

From my above statements, maybe *I've* got a tiger by the tail. :-)

All my outgoing e-mails have been checked by Norton Anti-virus.

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 22:30:29 +0100

From: James John

Subject: Re: Sony Clie

Rolf,

<<Psion foresaw this development and had already moved towards the next generation of mobile devices - the ones that merge PDA functionality with mobile telephony.>>

I agree with you. However I do not think you are going to get your core applications on the smartphone. What I am trying to say is I dont think I can switch my Revo to a smartphone and have the same functionality and definately without OPL.

I am also quite sure that you are not going to have your wordprocessor, spreadsheet and database on board to work with except for a viewer. In other words, you have to work on the PC and sync to the phone. I maybe wrong.

<<< Sony's latest or rather soon to be released NX 90 has a 2 Megapixel camera built in, flash, keyboard (sort off) , 320x480 screen, MP3 player >>>

<<Sorry, but I'm not impressed because Sony concentrates on functionality I'm absolutely not interested in.>>

Well it seems that Nokia's offering with EPOC and the P800 from SONYEricsson all have built in camera's

Regards

James J

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

Date: 21 Jan 2003 23:18:21 +0100

From: Jim Watson~Goive

Subject: NetBook, Dana

<<This is news I got last November at a Psion Conference here in Asia where preliminary specs were released for the NetBook II. By the way, it will be a Windows CE machine as it appears Symbian is unable to spend time and resources anymore on EPOC because they are concentrating on the smartphones

market.>>

Kaka Poopoo, as my daughter used to say. Great news about the hardware - terrible news about the OS.

My adventures with the Dana are continuing. There's so much activity on the software front that it's wading through chaos to figure things out. Wish there was an elist for Palm like this one for Psion.

My report of one address book file like Contacts was premature. It has filters like the old Zaurus which gives you the functionalty of 15 databases.

The problem is that, unlike the Zaurus (if memory serves me) where you could have one record appear in several filters. You can have a record appear in only one filter or "all".

My adventures into the world of Palm OS is slowed by not having my winows machines to run the transfer software.

My 5mx is dead, about to go in for repairs, one of my Mako's is having the classic battery charge problem (did hard reset, long prelim charge, etc.), the other is periodically hardbooting randomly. I suspect a faulty internal power connection.

Once the 5mx is repaired, both Makos will go to D&G in England for the battery upgrade.

I plan to run Dana on the desk and Mako in the pocket until I am happy with my knowledge of Palm OS, and then move to a Treo in the pocket, and keep the

Makos for specialized chores (elist maintenance, reading e-books downloaded from the old Psion C$erve site, etc.).

I found two BASIC interprters for Palm OS so will be a ble to write somes specialized programs for my Palm eqpt. Love Psion but don't trust the

hardware any more. Will walk in both worlds until the hardware dies and can't be repaired. I ran Zaurus and Psion together for a couple of years.

jim - port townsend

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 01:04:05 +0100

From: Steve Truesdale (M)

Subject: Re: Psion User Group Database Application

>This is the one important feature that is missing from the

>EPOC Data application. Please, please please can someone

>tell us where we can find this application. Being able to do >nested searches on EPOC Data files would be so useful!

Smallbase (http://corisoft.free.fr/index_sb.html) does this and much more and has a pretty nice interface. It lets you define multiple filters, each with support for multiple AND/OR conditions for individual fields and forrmulas. These filters can also be used to set the font for those fields/rows.

It is written in C and so is very fast, and can import EPOC Data, CSV, and dBase files (although the import is a bit flaky).

Nice replacement for Data if you are looking for something more powerful.

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 02:26:30 +0100

From: Darryl Kempster

Subject: BJC 55 Printer / No PC for me

David McCorquodale asked :

"Could someone explain which BJC-55 driver I need ..."

The drivers you need are third party freeware by Andrew Johnson available from :

http://www.aps.anl.gov/~anj/pcl5/

As regards Landscape printing simply print to fax and then rather than sending the fax just print the fax preview.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kevin Thorne broached the subject: No PC for me

Likewise I have never had a desktop to replace. Bought my first Series 5 six years ago because didn't want a laptop and it did everything I needed to get done! And for a fraction of the cost, was more portable, didn't crash and batteries lasted for weeks!

I work on the road all over Europe selling merchandise at rock concerts and festivals. So usually work away from power outlets and phone lines so need the battery power and instant on the Psion provides.

Have to do sales predictions before the tour, email sales sheets to the office every day, analyse sales figures and estimate restocking figures, and print out sales,expenses + banking sheets on my BJC via IR to produce an end of tour report (embellished with embedded EPOC logos!) I have successfully formatted Sheet to mimic a Windows programme which I convert with nconvert. Only drawback is no linked spreadsheets so have to paste everything by hand. Plus would be great to be able to open all the weird windows file formats I get sent that nconvert can't handle.

I have since upgraded to a netBook (via a MC218 and a Series 7) simply because the bigger screen makes life so much easier. But still use the MC218 on a belt mount for diary/address/note taking when out and about. Just seen a Nokia 9210 for £50 on Orange so will probably replace my Psion/phone combo with that as one less thing to carry but still use the netBook for 'work' as opposed to 'organising'. Only misgiving is lose the option of powering with AA batteries so the MC218 will still accompany me on my foreign travels to places I wouldn't want to take the netBook (up mountains for instance)

Am toying with the idea of getting a laptop but mainly to act as a Psiwin host / CD drive / web browser / back - up / emulator. Possibly a Mac because OS is so much better than Windows but limited connectivity. And if a Windows then probably a Toughbook cos need the ruggedness for working on the road. Laptops tend to be more fragile and more expensive to replace than a Psion! But rumours of a netBook II are making me wait with fingers crossed. Current PC usage is mainly downloading loads of Psion apps and info via a mate's/strangers computer then transferring to the Psion with Comms / Hyperterminal. Intend to carry on with Psion for as long as possible and even if the nature of my work changes such that I have to start using a laptop will still use the Psion for my personal computing needs.

Anyone using a Psion / Nokia 9210 combo? How easy is it to swap info without a PC?

Darryl

about to head for Denmark with Soulfly

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 05:09:30 +0100

From: "Gary Y Reyes"

Subject: No More Psions on the Shelf

>Date: 20 Jan 2003 21:22:27 +0100

>From: Rolf Brunsting >Subject: Re: Sony Clie

>It's a pity that there's no Psion device on the shop shelves, next to the >Nokia 9210i and 7650 and the SonyEricsson P800. >

>Still, Psion lives on even though it's in background.

>Kind Regards,

>Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

Rolf,

Yes, it is really too bad. I am one who has tried both the Psions and Palm devices. While the small size of the Palm makes it attractive, this is about all that makes it so - maybe the hundreds (or is it thousands?) of application software in the market is another.

The Psion is still the device for me. If only they could've continued development and added a few things like Bluetooth, replaceable batteries for the Revo, maybe a colored screen (but not a must), they would certainly be very much in demand.

People pay a few hundred dollars for the latest Palm or Pocket PC devices. Why not for a Psion?

Gary

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 06:27:14 +0100

From: "James Cooke"

Subject: Converting to Jotter/Agenda Dump/Note Taking

------------------------------------------------

Date: 19 Jan 2003 15:55:20 +0100

From: "George Berenschot" Subject: export to jotter

I would like to convert a textfile with a bundle of separate items to a jotterfile with each item on its own card. How to do it?

TIA

Regards,

George Berenschot

-----------------------------------------------

George,

I don't think there's a way to do this directly using PsiWin

since Psiwin has only a one-way convertor from Jotter to ASCII

text. The easiest way, assuming you don't have hundreds of items, is

to use Copy Anwhere from your PC and copy and paste the data directly to a Jotter file.

Regards, Jim

----------------------------------------------

From: Kevin Thorne

<Indeed, the program already exists. It's freeware and called Agenda Dump with both SIBO and EPOC versions available. It can be found at any of the usual Psion software sites.>

Ah, this sounds just what I need. I haven't found it yet (I believe it's quite an old application) but I'll do a more comprehensive search later (anyone know the location?)

Kevin,

Agenda Dump is here: http://www.kabestin.com/agndump.html

Actually, I thought I'd read somewhere that one of the reasons ER5 was slightly "dumbed down" from SIBO in some areas was because Psion thought their customers didn't want that level of sophistication. They obviously don't know about us digestees!

Agenda Dump was first developed for the S3 so I don't think your "dumbing-down" theory holds here <g>.

Regards, Jim

---------------------------------------------

Date: 20 Jan 2003 02:44:08 +0100

From: Andrew

Subject: Note taking solutions?

<<or maybe building a PsiDat database (although interface for data entry seems a bit limited)???>>

If your main goal is to take notes that need categories and then

be able to search for either the notes themselves or text bits

within the notes, PsiDat is actually a pretty good application.

You'll need to think about the structure you want (fields, dropdowns, type of data, etc.) and then construct your database. The memo field

in PsiDat is capable of taking a lot of text and, although it's not RTF, the ability use standard SQL queries to find data will be a big help once you've built up a large data set.

Regards, Jim

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 07:01:25 +0100

From: RandalMcLaughlin

Subject: Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 152

re: Kevin Thorne

"No PC For ME"

I bought my first Psion 5 in 1998. I used it for my schedule, a journal, contacts, Pocket money, some spreadsheets, some tomeraider books, for most of my business estimates and notes. I have a citizen PN60i - so I could print for the clients "on the road". I used my Psion 80% and my PC about 20%.

These P5 units lasted between a month and maybe as long as a year between repairs or replacement.

When my backlight went out on my spare P5 (and the other p5 had already died) - I decided to upgrade to a 9290 (I'm in the usa). Well, I'm on my fourth unit since July of 2002. Because of the extreme problems (and grief ) I have had with the Communicator I would say my ratio is 35% PC and 65% using the 9290. I am still having trouble with a few things - so I should send it back again. If anyone knows alot about this unit please email me. I would like to outline my problems with the 9290 and get some advice. Likewise if anyone has questions about the Communicator I would be happy to answer. It

is a great machine !

By the way, I fix and remodel houses, so my usage is "rougher" than someone working in an office all day ..... I am very carefull, since I have had the delicate mini-computers from 1998. And before that an OmniBook, and prior

to that a Dauphin Pen Computer.

Best Regards to All,

Randall McLaughlin

Michigan

USA

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 09:52:28 +0100

From: Peter Keene

Subject: NO PC FOR ME EITHER

Hi Guys,

Kevin asked for feedback from subscribers who use their EPOC machine as their main computer, so here's mine.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, I install all of my applications on the C drive. The sole exception is ProjXpert which I stopped using about a year ago - I keep it installed on the D drive in case I need to open any associated archive files. I only keep active files on the C drive which enables me to maintain good headroom for speed, web work and recordings. That said, I once had 23 tasks running with only 6 meg free on the C drive and the netBook never blinked. nSwitcher looked like a Christmas tree.

All archives and large reference files are kept on the D drive. The PCMCIA slot is permanently occupied by my modem.

My machine is a business tool and I am ruthless about housekeeping on the C drive. Only applications which are used or essential are installed. As a result I only have 17 third party applications on board none of which are games. All the others that I've downloaded are kept in an archive on the D drive in case I ever want to reinstall them. If an application adds to my workload instead of easing it, it gets ditched.

I have Agenda set up with a blank left page for notes and To-dos and a time-slotted right page for appointments. Word documents are inserted into meeting entries to record proceedings.

I use Contacts for all of my contact data and Data for business and personal databases.

Email is used several times a day, and, despite regular housekeeping, normally has about 700 mails distributed between 4 folders and 24 sub-folders. Subjectively, its no slower now than the day I bought the machine.

Web and Opera are used for web research - I never surf, to keep costs down each visit to the internet is targeted. Opera is also used for banking and as I have immediate access to all of my accounts I don't need to use a banking programme on the machine. I use Sheet for budgeting, to manage business accounts and to track stock of my books.

Most of my work these days is as a consultant in the field of maritime warfare. This involves operations research tasks in a project environment. I use Plan 5 ( www.twiddlebit.com ) for project planning, though I'm fortunate in having a colleague who loves playing with MS project so I often only have to import his plan. As I charge by the hour, I use Thomas Nemec's excellent TimeLog (sorry, I've don't have his new web address) to track my time and charges. This app also generates invoices and can handle multiple projects and activities. I start a new file each calendar month.

Word is used for report writing and I have several templates to comply with requirements of different clients. I keep research notes in Jotter and sometimes use Record to 'tape' important discussions.

The support apps I use are PDF ( www.mbrainsoftware.com ) (must get Pdf Printer), nConvert ( www.neuon.com ), RMRZip ( www.rmrsoft.com ), and MBMView (Lieuw recently passed away so I don't know if this is still available).

Backups are done several time a week to a dedicated CF card (kept separately from the machine) by copying the C drive into a backup folder. Important documents in progress are backed up to the D drive every few hours or so. I must confess, because of the critical importance of the data to my business, that I also back up to a desktop once a week.

I use a cell with the netBook for downloading and sending e-mail's, sending SMSs and for sending and receiving faxes. The PCMCIA modem is used for web work and faxes.

With the netBook and the cell I literally have my office and can work anywhere.

Regards,

Peter

Cape Town RSA

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 11:14:22 +0100

From: Philip Adkins Potter

Subject: AgnDump

Hi.

Kevin. the program you want is a Kabestin free product called AgnDump at <http://www.kabestin.com/agndump.html>.

Phil.

"Good wine ruins the pocket;

bad wine ruins the stomach."

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 11:48:00 +0100

From: Will Green

Subject: I WANT MORE!

It can't be that hard to copy my email address

to a new email and just tell me where your from can it?

So far I've received emails from;

Australia, Germany, France, UK, Singapore, USA, Indonesia, Italy, Zimbabwean, South Africa, Rep of Ireland, Mexico, Poland, & Canada.

The Epoc Digest readership spread results is amazing but I still need more to build a really good idea of our EPOC lot!

I'm not trawling through the EPOC Digests trying trying to figure where your all from and getting it wrong, so let me know!

Many thanks to those who have contacted me, but I want more!!!!

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 13:25:57 +0100

From: "Steve Richardson"

Subject: Pocket Reader

I'm SURE that there is a shop in Tottenham Court Road, London that has a

pocket reader like this - at least similar....

and I'm sure they are about £29 plus VAT...

Been sorely tempted each time I walk past...

_____________________________________

Steve Richardson

Microsoft Consultancy and Services

ITS Services Business,

IBM Global Services

Email: Steve_Richardson

Phone: 01962 815495 (Internal 245495) (Mobex 275925)

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 15:37:33 +0100

From: Alexei

Subject: *.SIS file - deleted after installation.

Good day, all!

When *.sis file copied to Psion, and run istallation from within Psion, the *.sis file is deleted automaticaly after install complete.

Is there a way to avoid it?

I have some collection of software on CompactFlash, and I do not want the *.sis files to be deleted.

Any advise is welcome.

B rgds, Alex.

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 18:52:17 +0100

From: Owen H. Morgan

Subject: USB to PCMCIA interface? / Laptop wanted (OT)

Hi!

I'm putting this question to the list because I know we have a lot of computer knowledge gathered here.

Does anyone here know if there exists an interface to connect a PCMCIA device to a USB port? I have a 13 Gb external hard-disk with a PCMCIA interface which I use with my bronze age Toshiba Notebook. I have a lot of stuff on the disk which I need to put on CD. I'm looking for a cheap way of connecting the drive to a desktop PC. I'm aware that you can buy PCMCIA interfaces to install inside desktop PC's, but it is unlikely that casual acquaintances will allow me to perform surgery on their PC. It is probably more likely that they'd let me connect something to their USB port.

While I have your attention, I am in the market for a second hand Laptop. My budget is max. UKP 350 and minimum specs are 800x600 TFT, USB, RS-232 and a decent sized hard-disk.

Off list replies to both of these please.

Owen

Thought for the day:

Never play leapfrog with a unicorn.

Owen

To be happy for a night, get drunk;

To be happy for a month, get married;

To be happy for life, get a sailboat.

Owen H. Morgan, Yacht "Naomi J.", LD-Sjøhussenteret marina

68°43.13'N 15°24.74'E

Sortland in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

http://home.no.net/naomij

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 19:36:05 +0100

From: Jim Watson~Goive

Subject: Re: Dana

Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: Dana

<< << It is my belief that Psion is eventually going to leave the PDA market ... >> >>

<<You must be joking - Psion has already left the PDA market and Psion Computers Plc is no more. The only thing Psion does at this moment is to fulfil the support obligations it has towards its customers.>>

Not joking - just mis-speaking. I was refering to support - repair of dead machines specifically.

<<The netBook, yes. That's a Psion-Teklogix product and Psion-Teklogix is still trading. Not the Series 7, though, as that was a Psion Computers Plc product.>>

Bummer!!! - I was thinking that the hardware would be similiar enough that 7 support would be a no-brainer for Psion.

<<You can also continue to use EPOC in its (renamed) Symbian OS form by buying a Nokia 9290 or SonyEricsson P800.>>

PCS phones, and by extension phone/PDA s were of great interest until I retired from Sprint. Six months after retiring I realized that the only thing I had done with the PCS phone we had was to pay the monthly bill, so I cancelled the account even though, being an ex-employee, it was quite cheap.

<<You don't necessarily have to make a complete break and go for PalmOS.>>

I probably never will break from the Epoc platform. I plan on running on both platforms. I'm already thinking of work arounds for shared data between the platforms. They have plain text in common and probably more than that as I go forward.

If Palm is not already the world leader in PDAs (and I'm fairly sure they are) because of their focus (cheap usable machines) they probably will be.

They're going to be around for a long long time.

<<Why do it now, by spending time and money on Dana, when you're not going to make the move yet? I'd be inclined to set the money aside for when the time comes, and a move has to be made.>>

That's sensible, but who's sensible (not me). I sold half of my paintings in my last show and told Eleanor I as going to buy a toy with my "profits". The Dana is a toy. Palm OS is another, and I'm having fun. Writing poetry on the Dana is a joy.

The Psion is a computer. The Dana is high level organizer like the earlier Zaurus's. If Sharp had had a decent processor in their Zaurus, I'd probably

be using it alongside of my Psion. The Dana is like a Zaurus with muscle.

I don't plan on abandoning Psion but I suspect they will abandon me.

The good news is I used a library windows machine this morning to get an RMA number from Psion USA and found that the repair will be free as it's evidently been less than a year since they last repaired it.

When my Windows machines get up here (early March) I will give the repaired mx to my wife as a backup for her mx, and offer up the Classic 5 with 30 meg

CF card in exchange for one more Revo (16 megs) or Mako.

jim - port townsend, wa

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 21:20:41 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: MMC to PC card adaptor

Dear Darryl,

<< And I've just read about the release of a 7-in-1 PC card adaptor ... Are there really 7 memory formats?! >>

There are eight of them:

- PCMCIA (Committee)

- SmartMedia (??)

- Compact Flash (SanDisk)

- MultiMedia Card (Committee)

- Secure Digital (Committee)

- Memory Stick (Sony)

- Memory Stick Duo (Sony)

- XD Picture Card (Fuji)

Kind Regards,

Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 21:20:42 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: Spare Revo - Series 7 backlight - EPOC licensing

Dear Anthony,

<< I am keeping 2 revos going for day to day use, one as a spare. What is the best way of maintaining the spare ready for use >>

That's easy, it only requires strict discipline.

a) Synchronise your 'active duty' Revo with you spare Revo each day. Malcolm Bryant's EPOCSync tool (freeware).will be ideal as it allows you to synchronise via the Revos' infrared ports. This ensures that there will never be more than a one day difference between the data on your active duty Revo and the spare.

b) Determine after how many EPOCSync synchronisations your spare Revo starts to complain about low batteries. When this is after 9 synchronisations (or days) you schedule to-do with an 8-day repeat in your active duty Revo to signal that you have to recharge the spare that day.

<<... I found this frustrating until I realised there was a 0 to 9 screen brightness control via control panel. It seems to reset itself to 2 automatically which I suppose save power >>

You can also use the [Fn][Space] key combination to cycle through the brightness settings.

<< Why does someone else not licence the operating system to keep it going. It's nearly perfect for all I wish to do. Improvements, S5 with a revo quality screen, revo with a better battery? >>

You've already supplied the answer - licensing EPOC Release 5 is not sufficient. You will need to develop it in order to keep it up to date in relation to the competition. Problem is that the hardware doesn't change and will become a liability. A Revo doesn't have a USB interface, MMC/SD card slot, integrated Bluetooth, etc, etc. You'll therefore need to take over the design and production of the Psion hardware as well. Why do that when Psion itself, pioneer of the PDA, didn't see a (long term) future for its products and decided to move out?

Kind Regards,

Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 21:20:44 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: Travel Modem

Dear Moshe,

<< I think that for a company (Psion) to manufacture a product (cost me $300 Can.) and not supply parts that would enable their repair but force its users to buy a new product is very, very poor, perhaps bordering on deception!!! >>

This isn't limited to Psion. You can drag the whole computer industry in front of a court judge for similar offences. There are a number of reasons for this irritating state of affairs.

1) Computer equipment is so reliable that it pays to buy a new and much improved replacement by the time it fails. Companies no longer keep large stocks of spare parts as a result.

2) The stiff competition between computer equipment manufacturers means that margins are low. Manufacturers therefore don't like to spend a large amount of money on spares that simply sit on the shelves in case they're needed for a repair.

3) The rapid development of computer equipment applies to components as well. When time comes to replenish your spare part stocks there's a good chance that a number of them have already been taken out of production and are very difficult to source.

4) Chip makers don't deal in low volumes. They start to talk business when you order at least 30,000 units or so. No problem when you have devices in production that use the same chip. Problem comes when that's no longer the case as no manufacturer in its right mind will order 30,000 units to top up the spares stock.

It's a loss-gain situation. We gain, as consumers, by the rapid development of new products and the low equipment prices due to fierce competition. We lose the moment equipment needs to be repaired, when we need a new battery for an out of production laptop or ink cartridges for our long obsolete inkjet printer.

Kind Regards,

Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 21:20:46 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: NetBook II

Dear Gary,

<< Replying to you off-list so that I don't compromise any marketing or launch plans Psion may have. I let this slip on our grouplist to keep those intending to shift to other platforms from doing so >>

You've placed yourself in a very awkward position by talking about something you're not supposed to talk about. It's very difficult to justify this by mentioning those who intend to move to the products of different companies Two months have passed since you learned about a new netBook on the Asian Psion Conference in November. A number of people already changed to a different product during these two months. Some of them won't thank you for remaining silent. They might have changed their plans, had they known about a new netBook. You also trigger a lot of questions by spilling only a few of the beans. People will want to know whether the features X, Y and Z that are important to them are among the beans you've kept in the bag. They may still decide to buy a different product because they have no information on these features.

<< Mail me off-list if you have any questions >>

What's to prevent people from passing on what they've heard from you by private e-mail? They're no Psion employees, they don't work for a Psion representative nor are they covered by a news embargo or confidentiality agreement.

I appreciate that you've told us a few things about the new netBook and recognise your good intentions. However, it tends to be best in these cases to choose between two 'evils' - either to tell all or to keep your mouth shut.

Kind Regards,

Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 21:20:48 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: Agenda List/Outlook Sync Problem

Dear James,

<< Indeed, the program already exists. It's freeware and called Agenda Dump with both SIBO and EPOC versions available ... >>

Auch!! It's been a loooong time since I played with the very first release of Agenda Dump during my Series 3 days. It simply did what the name says at that time - create an ASCII text dump of an Agenda file. I didn't have a use for it and haven't followed developments. Thanks for reminding me.

<< ... one of the reasons Agenda Dump was originally developed was that the list view had too few filtering options to satisfy a lot of users >>

What I remember is that Agenda Dump was created because Agenda didn't have a file export function like the other standard SIBO applications. It's not surprising that people asked for filtering options as the first version literally wrote everything out - past appointments, crossed out to-dos, the lot.

Kind Regards,

Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 21:20:50 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: Psion Dacom Gold Card - GPRS 6510

Dear Itamar,

<< Thanks for the efforts >>

Having used the Series 7 again for a few days I can't say that I notice a difference between having the Gold Card installed, a CF card installed (in a card adapter) or an empty PC-Card slot.

<< I think I can safely say it is the Gold Card, as when I take it out the problem disappears and when I put it back in again it is present again >>

This only shows that the Gold Card has an effect. You don't have sufficient evidence at the moment to conclude that it's the source of the problem. There's the possibility that you're running an application that performs some EPOC system calls, also when it's in the background. The developer may not have fully realised what EPOC does when the call is made. That having a modem card in the PC-Card slot may introduce a delay. And that the delay can mean that the keyboard buffer gets filled to the brim, and a few keystrokes are missed, when you're typing at full flow.

The way to find this out is to start with a completely clean, ex-factory, Series 7. In other words, a hard reset. When the problem crops up at this point you know that it's either a Gold Card or a Gold Card plus EPOC problem. When nothing is found it's then a question of installing one of the applications you regularly use, have it running and to repeat the test. In case nothing is found, you do another hard reset and install the second application, etc. When none of the applications on their own trigger the problem you test the installation of two of them, etc, etc, etc.

<< Yes, of course web surfinf would be cheaper, but I can't imagine many people surfing the net with GSM as it would be extremely expensive on a regular basis >>

Cheap, expensive and extremely expensive are judgements rather than objective labels. Web surfing via a GSM connection tends to cost more that surfing via GPRS. Still, how frequently is this, what do you get in return and how these returns relate to the cost.

I once spent about £300.= in one day by sending fax messages from the UK via GSM to Thailand. It was money well spent as the result was that the company didn't have to pay a US$20,000.= penalty fee. One of our service technicians was in Thailand to get a system up and running but encountered some problems. I was able to give him assistance (while on holidays in the UK - one of the disadvantages being systems specialist) and the technician succeeded to meet the client's due date.

Kind Regards,

Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 22:30:55 +0100

From: Darryl Kempster

Subject: Siemens Pocket Reader

Back in London the other day and the shop selling Siemens Pocket Reader is still there. £25 + £5 VAT. You'll also need a cable to connect it to your Psion - about £15 I think from Expansys or Psionleads. And the software is free on the internet.

Shyamtronics 246 Tottenham Court Road London W1 9AD

Tel: 020 7637 1961

Not the best device in the world but at this price maybe worth a punt.

Darryl

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

Date: 22 Jan 2003 22:58:13 +0100

From: "Stephane Sage"

Subject: AgendaDump. Netbook vs Laptop

Hello to all

To: Kevin Thorne (and all)

Kevin, have a look at

http://os2.mensys.nl/psion/psion3.html plus http://www.kabestin.com/ for Agenda Dump and other interesting software for our Psions (found them almost instantly via Google...:-)

Some time ago I asked on the Digest what could induce me in buying a Netbook against a (small) laptop, as I have to connect myself to PC networks (with printing needs and files exchanges) when visiting customers: what would be yr opinion on that, please ? Perhpas, I should wait a bit still, when the Netbook II (with EPoc on board and new screen, improved "Office" suite) is launched...

KInd regards

Stephane (Grenoble).

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

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