Psion Series 5mx

I had my first Psion 3 in 1992, a 5 in 1997, and a 5mx in 2001; it is a palmtop computer with an excellent keyboard and display, not just a PDA, is fantastic and goes everywhere with me. I use essential software I wrote in 1993 (took 3 months to write). I don't think any modern replacement will do the task it does as well although I don't have web access.

BUT Psions are poor mechanically and need to be treated very gently; the screen cable fails and plastic breaks. Fortunately http://www.clubpda.co.uk/ offer an excellent repair service and www.psionflexi.co.uk fit improved screen cables

Richard

Although it (was) sold as a souped up PDA, the Psion is more like a miniature laptop. I have yet to see a PDA that can make this claim. The main factor is a keyboard that one can (with a little practice) touch-type on. I have written multi-page documents on my Psion. The word processor is a clone of Ms Word, and can read or write real Word documents (that is what the Windows software is for). The spreadsheet can read and write (simple) Ms Excel documents and the address book and calendar can sync up with Ms Outlook. The email and web browser are of limited use as they require a modem (but one can store static web pages). One can also run an early version of TomeRaider and store entire encyclopedias on the Psion. I've taken my Psion around the world, and it's the only "laptop" I travel with. Although it is by no stretch of the imagination suited to graphics, it will display photos (in black and white) and one can create "pen and ink" drawings which could be incorporated into word documents (good for maps, diagrams, or writing words in a foreign alphabet).

I have had 3 - Psion Series 5mx's, the last 2 being mx models. I must be slow!. All have failed after 12 months or so by the same mode - the screen image collaspes to a dark line. The screen itself is ok as it works if the lid is opened a fraction.

There is no local agent in NZ. it is probably not worth having so many disgruntled customers.

I have attempted to contact the UK princpal via the web. The web site is useless. I did leave a message with the webmaster but that was ignored. In desparation I sent a letter! A person did try to contact me by phone but the 12hour difference was too much for them. He did sideways acknowledge the problem but offered no solution.

The poor service coupled with a shonky product is worthy of a legal challenge as I believe the computer is not fit for service.

Brian Boult

I've had my Psion since May 2001. It's really easy to use. I mainly use Word and sometimes Xcel. It's easy to transfer files via the data cable and I dicovered I can even type SMS on it to send via IR through my mobile save using my phone keypad!

I don't use it for email even though I've synchronised data with Outlook.

It's got quite a good battery life and decent batteries: 2 x AA rather than stupid sizes you get in kids toys! Most of the time, I have it plugged into the mains and I only use the batteries for file transfer.

A colour screen would be nice but since I only bought it for the keyboard, I think I can live with that!

I am worried about the keys though as the regularly used ones are starting to wear down. Are there any adhesive things to go on the keys for sale anywhere?

I'd certainly recommend this item if you want to type while on the move.

Looks very laptop like, but its features are not up to date as the others eg sony. Colour would also be an option but a shame it isn't otherwise taking a photo and sending it would make this model more popular.

ok

I have had a 3C, a Series 5 and 2 5MX's. My Series 5 just packed in, one day, when used by my wife, to whom I had given it when I got my 5MX. My first Psion 5MX literally fell apart when the flimsy, plastic components of the lid mechanism failed. Whilst the second 5MX had a new screen, whilst just in warranty, the unit has now just packed in totally, just like the series 5 did; it is only 18 months old, but of course, now it's out of warranty, Psion's hefty standard repair charges apply. Whilst I have been a devotee for many years, I think, sadly, that I just may move over to a different manufacturer. Of course, I can't access much of my data, which is carefully backed up and on a flash card, as one needs another Psion to do that. What is concerning me is what will I do when there are no more Psions available????

I had a Diamond Mako before the Psion Series 5mx PDA and the 5mx is a vast improvement. Bigger and clearer screen (the rumour about the Mako's screen being better is only true for older models, the newer 5mx's screen is just as clear as the Mako plus it uses a bigger font, has a higher pixels/screen area ratio, plus it has a backlight) and a bigger and better keyboard. It's a great machine, I take notes in class with it, type up papers with it, play MP3s with it and play games on it. It's an awesome machine and I could never go back to the Mako and I DEFINITELY couldn't go back to pen and paper. The battery life on the 5mx is much better than the Mako, but the Mako is rechargable so you don't need to get new batteries all the time. The 5mx's battery life is good but not what I was hoping. I can get about 1.5 weeks of (very) rigorous use out of the 5mx, but it would be a lot nicer if it was more like a month. I'll probably end up getting rechargable batteries so I don't have to buy batteries as much.

The Psion Series 5mx is the only touch-type palmtop out there, truly a laptop replacement with fantastic applications built in, a good high-contract screen, and brilliant battery life. Truly an awesome machine, that none of the new colour PDA's have yet matched. This is not just a PDA - this is a Palmtop Computer.

Psion Series 5mx.

Despite the competition of Palms, IPAQs, etc, I still would rather have a built in keyboard and a reasonable screen size. Pity that production is coming to an end. Hopefully the service support will continue for those of us who want to keep using our machines for many years to come.

I have even taken to using the 5mx for all my study notes and essays - far more convenient than using a PC. When travelling, whilst conventional laptops provide access to all the bells and whistles of the most popular software applications, use of the 5mx for many purposes provides a good solution at much less weight and bulk. Good range of 3rd party software (quite a lot of which is free).

In my opinion, the 5mx is certainly more than just an organiser.