Psion's been around the handheld industry as long as the rest of
the big manufacturers, and they're not changing their
large-scale design for anybody. While the latest Psion, the 5mx,
looks similar to the Psion 5 (which is in turn similar to other
previous iterations), it integrates various internal changes
that make it a more powerful machine.
The Psion's large format aims at users who need more power than
a Palm-sized palmtop and more portability than a notebook PC.
While you won't be using the 5mx in hand that often--it's a bit
too bulky and weighs three-quarters of a pound--its
well-designed case sits flat on a table or even your leg.
And it
stays steady while you're typing or tapping on the screen with
the comfortable pencil-length stylus. It's also one of the few
handhelds anymore to ship with a keyboard, and a very usable one
at that.
The
Psion can connect to the Internet wirelessly via its IrDA
(infrared) port when using specific models of wireless phones or
pagers--or via the optional Psion 56 Kbps travel modem. In our
tests, PC synchronization worked seamlessly, with speedy
transfer even using the serial port interface cable.
Armed
with 16 MB of memory/storage (compared to the 8 MB of the Psion
Series 5 before it), the 5mx opens applications quickly and
multitasks smoothly. It was also refreshing to be able to
actually type in our handheld's word processor and e-mail
programs, even if we had to hunt and peck for a while before we
got used to the smaller keys.
Although
the 640 x 240 screen lacks color, text and images displayed
crisply in gray scale, and a unique zoom feature allows you to
increase the size of the text you're working with to see it more
clearly. If you're a Palm lover, you'll be disappointed by the
5mx's heft and bulk. But if you're a user looking to get more
out of your handheld PC, this Psion offers near-laptop
capabilities. --J. Curtis
Pros:
-
Very
usable keyboard
-
Well-designed
case
-
Zoom
feature
Cons:
-
No
PC Card slot
-
Grayscale
screen
-
Bulky
Description:
The Psion Series 5mx is the latest palmtop from Psion. With your
Series 5mx you'll have double the organizing power you've come
to expect from the Psion Series 5.
With
twice the power from a new ARM710T processor and 16 MB of
memory, you literally have access to thousands of names,
addresses, phone numbers, and appointments, plus built-in e-mail
for the freedom to work anywhere. Hidden within the uniquely
designed case is a wealth of features not seen in other palmtop
computers. To discover what we mean, just click Technical Data
and read for yourself.
Created
with the mobile user in mind, the Series 5mx has many built-in
features to communicate with other devices and log on to the
Internet. It has the ability to synchronize with your PC so you
can organize your daily routine from either your PC or Psion.
Whatever
you're doing, wherever you are, the new Psion Series 5mx palmtop
computer helps you communicate with colleagues and friends,
organize your business and private agendas, and connect with
your desktop PC and familiar office tools.
Features:
-
16 MB of memory
-
Powerful ARM710T processor
-
Access to thousands of names,
addresses, phone numbers, and appointments
-
Built-in e-mail
-
Backlit touch-sensitive
screen
Technical
data:
-
Standard memory: 16
MB RAM
-
Maximum memory: 36
MB with 20 MB Psion Memory Disk
-
Expansion slot: Psion
-
Display type: Touch screen
LCD
-
Display colors: 16-level
grayscale
-
Display size: 5.25
by 2 inches
-
Resolution: 640
by 240 pixels
-
Display backlight: Yes
-
Processor: 36
MHz ARM710T RISC CPU
-
Operating system: EPOC
(32-bit multitasking)
-
PC compatible: Yes
-
Mac compatible: No
-
PC system requirements: Serial
port, CD-ROM drive
-
Mac system requirements: N/A
-
Handwriting recognition: No
-
Keyboard: 53-key
with 12.5mm pitch
-
User controls: On-screen
icons
-
Memo pad: Yes
-
Address book: Yes
-
Scheduler: Yes
-
E-mail: Yes
-
Web browser: Yes
-
Security: Password
protection
-
Stereo: No
-
Built-in speaker: Yes
-
Headset jack: No
-
Voice recorder: Yes
-
MP3 playback: No
-
Audible content playback: No
-
AC adapter included: No
-
Battery type: 2
AA alkaline batteries
-
Batteries included: Yes
-
Average battery life: 1
month
-
Desktop import/export formats: Major
applications from Microsoft Office, Lotus, WordPerfect,
Corel
-
Serial port: Yes
-
USB: No
-
Infrared: Yes
-
Wireless: Yes
-
Docking cradle: No
-
PC cable: Yes
-
Other hardware: Stylus
-
Software: Psion
proprietary Word, Sheet, Agenda; OPL programming language,
PsiWin for PC synch
-
Width: 6.7
inches
-
Height: 3.5
inches
-
Depth: 0.9
inches
-
Weight: 12.5
ounces
-
Warranty, parts: 1
year
-
Warranty, labor: 1
year
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