Epocdigest V1 # 369

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Epoc Digest Tue, 21 Oct 2003 Volume 01 : Number 369

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Sent to: 803 subscribers

In today's Epoc Digest 13 messages:

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- netBook email & internet problem

- Nokia time setting

- Psion 5mx

- RE: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 368 (24) :Re: netBook Pro Symbian ,GPRS 5MX

- Entertainment

- Re: mystery crashes

- NEW Killer app wanted

- Re: Program list

- Synch Question / RE: What programs ...

- Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 368 (23)

- netBook Pro Symbian

- Apple (OT)

- GPRS 5MX, What programs,

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

Date: 20 Oct 2003 20:12:26 -0400

From: Tony Lough

Subject: netBook email & internet problem

I have a newly acquired MalayBook and am having problems using the Email and Internet applications in conjunction with my ISP Compuserve. After considerable input from Mike McConnell and the files on his website I briefly got both of these applications working with a Psion 56K travel modem. I can still connect with Compuserve but now, after the handshaking things just hang until everything times out. Have tried another Travel modem with fresh batteries and a Psion Gold card modem with the same result. M ke reports that the log files are inconclusive

Interestingly, everything works fine using a Nokia mobile phone so it might appear to be a problem at the ISP end

Are there any Compuserve users who have encountered similar problems, or indeed any who can report favourably on this combination?

Tony Lough

Southport

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Date: 20 Oct 2003 21:07:54 -0400

From: Hoffman, Susan

Subject: Nokia time setting

I must have a different version of this nokia phone. There is no time setting that relates to gmt. The clock options are hide, set time, or time format. Set time just let's you set the current time (no advanced option). Time format is 12 or 24 hour day .

Susan Katz Hoffman

Pepper Hamilton LLP (215) 981-4990

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

Date: 20 Oct 2003 21:25:40 -0400

From: "Tony Cooper"

Subject: Psion 5mx

What is involved in subscribing to the digest. I currently have a problem with my Psion 5mx where the screen appears to have failed?

Regards

Tony Cooper

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

Date: 20 Oct 2003 22:43:23 -0400

From: Arent Kits van Heijningen

Subject: RE: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 368 (24) :Re: netBook Pro Symbian ,GPRS 5MX

On : 20 Oct 2003 01:54:51 -0500

Manuel Campos Galvan wrote about :

GPRS 5MX

>>Fellow Psionistas:<<

>>I have been using GPRS for a couple of weeks, but it seems tome that

>>it is a bit flaky (sometimes you have to try several times to get a

>>successful connection, and other times it seems tobe awfully slow. Is

>>this the general experience?<<

GPRS is the CDPD implementation on digital cellular networks that use the TDMA transmission protocol such as T-Mobile's GSM network

In effect it uses spare capacity on the (digital) cellular network, hence

speed can vary between zero(!) and maximum rate

>>Also, does anybody know of:

1.- Whether the GPRS settings work when you are roaming in another country (e.g. Europe); and<<

Operator-dependent

>>2.- Whether there is any utility to measure the actual speed of the

>>GPRS connection from the Psion?<<

Technically , this should be do-able on a symbian or *CE-based smartphone , but not on the psion itself

On: 20 Oct 2003 11:21:37 -0500

Euan Mee wrote about :

Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 367 (29):Re: netBook Pro Symbian

>>Itamar wrote:<<

Should have been "Arent Kits van Heijningen" the software processes the digest swallowed my name

>>To refute these points:

There SymbianOS phone base is now over 2.3/4 million, with more

devices coming onto the market, and the price points coming

down. <<

But how many of these are full-blown ,open -i.e non-embedded , capable of running native applications - models like Nokia's 7650/3650/N-Gage or Ericsson's P 800/900 ? If you substract embedded sales ,then this figure could drop well below a million

>> I /don't/ think that this shows 'writing on the wall'.

The Symbian platform is essentially designed to remove any

potential Nokia dependence on Microsoft.<<

Where Microsoft could do serious damage is through lawsuits similar to the SCO vs IBM re: Code allegedly copied from SYS V into Linux

Microsoft could try to assert intellectual property rights on key components of the operating system-essentially everything above the level of the kernel and wireless stack- and when succesful this could be the deathblow for open Symbian

Together with the other strongarming tactics such as per-CPU licensing for Windows (device vendor has to pay Microsoft a fee for *every* device sold containing a CPU that can run Windows

>>The development toolchain is based on GNU tools, and so are fairly

safe from Microsoft lock-in.<<

See above

>> Metrowerks, the current official SDK

suppliers, are a multi-platform company.<<

But you still need Virtual PC and Windows if you are a Mac user for the necessary plug-ins to run

>>Nokia have recently re-iterated that they are committed to their

Series 80 form factor for the long run. (This is the display/interface

that the currently available Communicator 9210i/9290 use.) <<

The news I have is that Nokia will move away from Series 80 and towards the 6800 and Java as the future platform for Communicator products

Sent with Symbian OS Mail from a Nokia Series 60 smartphone

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

Date: 20 Oct 2003 22:43:40 -0400

From: Kevin Thorne

Subject: Entertainment

Keith wrote:

<I've said it before and I'll continue to say it - for my purposes there's absolutely *no* current PDA on the market to replace my 5mx. So "fall short"? No. I completely agree with someone who wrote somewhere that the emphasis with current PDAs seem to be entertainment. I could care less. I get my entertainment from more interesting sources.>

I've not personally found any other device to be more functional for my needs so I'll also stay with my S7 for as long as I can. Hurrah for EPOC!

Regards

Kevin Thorne

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

Date: 20 Oct 2003 23:10:21 -0400

From: Korbinian

Subject: Re: mystery crashes

Hi Tony

> Has any progress been made in the understanding of

> this vexatious problem? I had had so much trouble

> that I had almost come to the point of giving up

> on e mail, I could not pick up messages without

> crashing repeatedly during a session, each one

> necessitating a reset.

I don't really know but there should be a forum which handles this topic (i think at http://www.pdastreet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26597).

I had (thanks heavens) the same problem with the german provider 'freenet.de' but everything has gone well since 2 weeks or so!

regards

Korbinian

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

Date: 21 Oct 2003 00:00:10 -0400

From: Mark Deppe

Subject: NEW Killer app wanted

An app that syncs converts files on netbook to windows and or mac or a concise file in one place saying how to do this. I do not mean a pc based app either like Psiwin or an app like nconvert, it would need to do it all automatically on the psion select the files convert them etc. Anyone developed a macro for their own use or similar fancy sharing it. I have about 20 data, 200 word, and maybe 15 spread sheets and 1 diary and one contacts file of essential nature which I would need conv rted - If / when the move becomes unavoidable.

I do not own a PC or mac at present.

Kind regards

Mark

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

Date: 21 Oct 2003 02:29:02 -0400

From: Astrid Stappenbeck

Subject: Re: Program list

Hi Itamar,

Interesting list but what are C-loader and Eposyc?

> Ok, guys and girls, what am I missing? <

A lot (of course) and you didn't mention a single macro. So here is my additional list:

Utilities : Macro5 - Extrabars - AlarmPlus - DCustom - Flush - Dighandler - SaveMail - NoMore - MakeLink - SetScreen - OPXscan - MainsChecker

Communications : RMRFtp - RMRNews

Games : Arachnid - Logi5 - Collector - Quadra - NetHack - Backgammon - ProQuiz - Wordbox - Mr Matt - Vexed

Useful : EBook - BLT - TomeRaider - Editor - RMRText - MMM Sticker - Symlink - ENoteM - Revtran

Macros : NoSaveExit - Scroller - Cocopapa - WebMail - SwitchDico - Pen - SpellOK - S5mboles - Shortcut - ChangeCase - View HTML - TextToDoc - DiskBench - IconEditor

I'm curious what pearls others might have have installed on their machines.

Astrid

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

Date: 21 Oct 2003 06:57:59 -0400

From: KL

Subject: Synch Question / RE: What programs ...

Hello,

just got a new XP computer with docking station. The connection using the serial on the docking station and via infrared and IRCOMM2k works fine - the latter is somewhat sensitive to position. So, everything set for backup and synchronization.

I seem to have a problem with the Psion Synchronizer / Automatic ... settings. I can change the automatic settings by adding a tick-mark in "Perform automatic synchronization", OK and close. Next time I open up the same window, the tick mark has disapp ared?

Any suggestions?

Itamar,

you ask about the programs that we regularly use. The comment that pops up in my mind: we take the built in software for granted and never mention it. This behavior leads the developers / manufacturers to believe we are not interested in calendar - sheet - data - word - ... and develop the now more entertainment oriented PDA's (actually PDE's)?

Adding to your list:

Utilities : SetScreen - RMRText

Car : I tried GaRoute a while ago, is it still up to date? PsiLight5 is not a car application but useful in the car.

Financial :

Games : SameGame - Quad

Useful :

Karsten.

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

Date: 21 Oct 2003 08:48:16 -0400

From: Steve Richardson

Subject: Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 368 (23)

Anyone fancy starting a website with

The Lost programs of Psion - and links...

for all those shareware/freeware programs.

Also : Anyone know the legality of distributing a program that is no longer made, supported or sold by a company? if its not available for purchase can it be distributed (I suspect probably not...but if you can't buy it and pay for it...what can you do )

________________________________

Steve Richardson

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

Date: 21 Oct 2003 10:51:10 -0400

From: Martin Maxwell

Subject: netBook Pro Symbian

Answer to: Itamar Engelsman

Subject: netBook Pro Symbian

Dear Itamar,

I find your points very valid especially if they are shared by many current Symbian OS v5 (ER5) users. However, overall, I would believe that all factors taken together, netBook Pro running Symbian OS v7 is more compelling. It seems to me at least - an please analyse the petition signatory list and tell me otherwise if you can - that the lion's share of current netBook/S7 users are more interested in Symbian OS v7 than Symbian OS v5 applications per se. I also believe that the switching cost concerns b current netBook Classic/S7/5mx etc could be addressed. Moreover, the plethora of Symbian OS v7 applications is another important factor.

To your comments:

>>>Re.: netBook Pro Symbian - Journalists write about newsworthy items, not what they care about. I fully respect you received sofar 2,000 signatures, but still don't believe 2,000 people signing a petition will change the policy of Companies. How many of the 2,000 would translate their signature into a purchase ? We know exactly what the critical volume is << Well, what is the critical volume and what guarantee do you have that _if_ you will get above that volume Psion will listen to the petition and create such a machine ?<<<

As a first step we are dealing with probabilities, i.e. projections, not guarantees. Same for PT as regards netBook Pro WinCE. It is far from guaranteed that the WinCE version will reach RoI either. This is business as usual. Obviously, the more suppor the higher the probability.

>>> But in another message you admit that it is a problem that existing ER5 software will not work on such a machine. Why would I spend the money on a new nB Pro if I can't transfer all my existing software with it ?<<<

I would ask it the other way around. Why invest more money in Symbian OS v5 (ER5) just to buy a few years' more time - but which you know development-wise is a cul-de-sac, when you can invest in an OS v7 machine, running the same basic OS as the majori y of smartphones and communicators, maintain user familiarity and other inherent qualities of Symbian OS, get most of your applications ported and get very good replacement applications for those that do not get ported?

>>> I might as well migrate to another platform that will continue to be developed in the future together with all the third party share- and freeware available for such a machine. For example, I use Route- and Streetplanner extensively on my 7. A nB Pro running Symbian will not be able to run this software, so I would have to invest in a separate GPS/route system. So I might just as well update to a PocketPC or Palm that will run the latest versions of this software.<<<

I wouldn't be so categorical about this package not being made available for Symbian OS v7. If I was running this software house, and I knew that porting between Symbian OS v7/UIQ (as in P800, P900, P30, A920 etc) and Symbian OS v7/UIn ('UIn' herein de ined as 'User Interface netBook') is a minimal effort, I would do it. Something which Symbian software houses have learnt during the last 2-3 years is really that the heterogenity between the different UIs - UIQ, Series 60, Series 80, FFUI (Fujitsu FOMA U ) and now perhaps UIn - requires a different design approach in which the UI is clearly separated from the rest of the application. There are now even automatic tools for it.

If I am used to Symbian OS, and I am up against the chioce of moving to Pocket PC, Palm or a newer version of Symbian OS which is compatible with smartphones, what do I chose? Without doubt Symbian. And if it can be on a piece of hardware which I am qu te used to, even more compelling. Furthermore, if the effort of porting applications from Symbian OS v7/UIQ (e.g. P800) to the netBook Pro running Symbian OS v7/UIn is very minimal, I should rest assured that many attractive applications will be available

Again, that is not saying that the continued use of Symbian OS v5 applications is not desired. But the additional cost of upgrading to netBook Pro is not justified on an Symbian OS v5 basis alone. If Symbian OS v5 is the only requirement, aftermarket m intenance of netBook Classic and perhaps - if enough interest - licence manufacturing would make more sense.

Furthermore, assumed that an Symbian OS v7/UIn based netBook Pro would support OPL - which I am quite convinced it will if it ever becomes real - I would say with very high probability that the most important OPL programs will be ported. OPL would *aga n* have a platform on which one can program and compile on the device itself, which is not possible on an S60 and UIQ device, and not productive on an S80 device. And due to hardware similarities, OPL for Symbian OS v7/UIn would be closer to OPL for Symbi n OS v5/Eikon than other recent versions of OPL, e.g. OPL for Symbian OS v6/Series 60. The gap would also be much smaller than, for instance, between Psion Series 3 (OPL16) and Psion Series 5.

>>>What would a Psion be without macro5 and Assistant, dictionaries, ABP, games, Money, MBMView, etc. ? Again, I wish the group a lot of success, but I don't think I _personally_ would go for a nB Pro running Symbian OS.

Your call of course. Personally, though also being a heavy user of a number of Symbian OS v5 applications, I think it would be quite compelling. And I think that the applications you mentioned would either be ported (not the least since several of them are programmed in OPL) or, like in the case of MbmView, be replaced by built in functionality in Symbian OS v7

>>>By the way, will the nB Classic as you call it be continued or has production ceased ? <<<

Judging from PT statements I believe it has ceased. I was specifically referring to a potential case as the one referred earlier where one company or other entity would submit a bulk order for nB Classic type devices specifically for running Symbian OS v5.

kind regards

Martin Maxwell

Kuala Lumpur

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

Date: 21 Oct 2003 11:26:38 -0400

From: Cyril Catt

Subject: Apple (OT)

Sorry, Itamar, I’m confused. I didn’t make any comment on

acceptability. Nor did I criticise Microsoft.

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

Date: 21 Oct 2003 12:57:07 -0400

From: Itamar Engelsman

Subject: GPRS 5MX, What programs,

Answer to: Manuel Campos

Re.: GPRS 5MX - GPRS can be slow from time to time when a lot of people use it at the same time, time of the day, etc. However, as you only pay for the bytes transfered, time is not of the essence costwise. Whether or not you will be able to use PRS in Europe will depend on the agreements your provider has got with European countries. The settings will most probably be the same, although the smtp server address might be different.

Answer to: Norbert Fernkorn

Re. What programs - Thanks for your answer. Some programs I indeed did not come across as yet like FileSwitch or Compact. Others I do know about but found these not interesting for me.

I note you use CoDriver. I tried this program a couple of times to get it to work for me but i never really succeeded. Do you use it mainly in town or out of town ? I like to see a map when I drive so tried to use it in combination with Route- and Stre tplanner which also did not work well. If you go wrong I found it very hard to get CoDriver back on track again, while with Route- and Streetplanner you easily find your way back to the planned route. Would appreciate to hear some more about your experien es and maybe some tips ?