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Psion Series 5 Review

I would recommend the Psion Series 5 for anyone who wants to be able to do pretty much anything that a desktop computer can do on the move. However, if you want flashy, colour graphics, you may want to look at another model.

The built in word processor is almost totally fully-functional, unlike Pocket Word for Windows CE, which (I have heard) is missing some basic features.


However, there have been some problems with the Psion 5, but some of them have been sorted out.
There is also a wide variety of Series 5 freeware and shareware available on the internet, which can be created with the OPL compiler that comes with the Series 5, or by C++ via a desktop PC. The SDK (Software developers kit) that comes with the PsiWin CD that you get with the Psion teaches you how to program OPL - I have copied it to my Psion, and can view it with the free Web Browser available from Psion's web site. OPL (Organiser Programming Language), is a BASIC-style language. Go to Psion's site for links to freeware and shareware authors' sites. Or have a look at some of my own programs.

The Series 5 has a laptop-style keyboard, on which it is possible to type quite fast, although it has a tendency to miss out keystrokes (this gets slightly better as you use it more).

Psion Series 5 keyboard
The Series 5's laptop-style keyboard

The link to a desktop PC is by a cable - no docking cradle, and the conversion software, PsiWin, converts documents well, although it sometimes has trouble converting embedded objects in a Word file.

If you are not sure whether to go for a Psion 5 or a Windows CE palmtop, then I would recommend a Psion 5, but if you are going for Windows CE, then make sure you have had a proper look at it - don't just get taken in by its familiar Windows 95/98 style appearance. EPOC32 takes very little time to get used to, and I think it is worth that little extra time.

The Series 5's screen and keyboard fold out in such a way that the screen rests on top of the main body of the machine - this makes it less likely to topple over backwards when it is sitting on an uneven surface.

HP360LX and Psion 5, side on view


The Psion's screen is much better supported from underneath than any other Palmtop's (other computer on left: Hewlett-Packard HP360LX)

The Series 5 is one of the lightest, if not the lightest (and smallest), in its class, so will easily fit inside a jacket pocket.

The Psion is also very reasonably priced for what you get. In the UK, it costs around £400, but if you phone around you can get it down to about £350. Now with the release of the Series 5mx prices are even lower, around £300 inc. VAT. If you live near or in London, you can go to Tottenham Court Road, which is full of places where you can get cheap(er) electronic goods. Mail order is also a good option.


For more information: Go To Psion logo
Go to my main Psion page