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Epoc Digest Fri, 30 Aug 2002 Volume 01 : Number 061

Sent to: 552 subscribers

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Website : http://www.psioneering.co.uk/digest.html

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In today's Epoc Digest 30 messages:

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

- Re: Nokia 9210 & PDF ezine

- Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 060

- Freeware Wordsearch or Wordfind

- IPSs

- STD number for ISP; SMTP over GPRS; Email message headers

- PDF documents

- DATA sending

- GPRS, Email message headers, netBook ROM's, S7, SMTP over GPRS,Te lecom costs,

- PDF FANZINE / FANTASY

- Re: email headers; no 08 access; mail notified by SMS

- Mako

- PDF Zine

- Re: email with SMS notification

- 'Inclusive minutes' ISP number

- GPRS Access - Erricsson T39m

- GPRS sheet

- CBeam software

- EpocDigest. Dream 5mx

- Re: a dreamer's updated 5mx & NetPad (4 Owen)

- New phone number.

- Re: Charge your Revo your way, I charge it mine...

- 'Inclusive minutes' ISP number & SMS email notification

- GPRS - another question

- Re: EPOC PDF

- Re: A dreamers updated 5mx

- Re: Odin Project

- Re: SMS in France

- Colour relief, EPOC PDF idea

- 9210 software suggestions for Ashley Burrows

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

Date: 28 Aug 2002 20:21:37 +0100

From: "Rafe Blandford"

Subject: Re: Nokia 9210 & PDF ezine

Answer to: Ashley Burrows,

Take a look at my site, http://www.allabouter6.com, it has plenty of info on the 9210 icnluding a software directory where you'll find 250 or so applications for the 92x0. There is also a comparison review of SmallBase and PowerData in the reviews section. There's also a friendly forum if you need any specific answers (although feel free to e-mail me).

RE: PDF E-zine

With regards to an ezine, I'd want to be able to download via a website. At the very least have a website or a page on one of the big sites. I'd be willing to provide this, but I suspect you might want to go with a more ER5 site!

I'd say images are a definite plus, some articles reviews really need them, though not essential.

Rafe

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

Date: 28 Aug 2002 20:30:42 +0100

From: PRAR

Subject: Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 060

At 22:07 28/08/2002, you wrote:

>----------

>REPLY TO: Philip Bister

>Subject: Dream 5mx

>Let's not forget solar power

In the UK? I don't think there's anything with quite the output required that would fit in the form factor. I would be nice though just to put computer into it's car cradle and leave it to charge up in the sun...

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

Date: 28 Aug 2002 20:32:15 +0100

From: Mystery Man

Subject: Freeware Wordsearch or Wordfind

Hi all,

Guess what I'm after? Yep, a Wordsearch or Wordfinder!

Anyone know where I can get this program from?

Many thanks in advance,

Matt.

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

Date: 28 Aug 2002 20:35:08 +0100

From: PRAR

Subject: IPSs

>I use my 5mx with my mobile phone (still using the trusty SH888!)

Me too!

> on a contract with T-Mobile for all my personal email. I use various > ISPs (Freeserve, BT-click, OneTel, BizOnline, etc.). The only trouble > is, they all have access numbers beginning with 08, which T-Mobile

> doesn't include in their free minutes allowance, so I have to pay for > each data call, even though I have many free minutes left over at the end > of each month. Does anyone know of a 'free' ISPs with whose access

> number does not begin with '08'? Or is there any other solution?

How are 0870 numbers treated? If they are inclusive you may be able to find an 0870 number which has been pointed on to an 0845. Try putting the ISP dialup number into google and see what you get back...

>Also, does anyone know of a free service which will send an SMS to notify >you of an incoming email?

Orange.net can do this.

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

Date: 28 Aug 2002 22:09:03 +0100

From: Mike McConnell

Subject: STD number for ISP; SMTP over GPRS; Email message headers

To: Simon Jeffree

<<Does anyone know of a 'free' ISPs with whose access number does not begin with '08'? Or is there any other solution?>>

Try Virgin Net on 01483 881766

<<Also, does anyone know of a free service which will send an SMS to notify you of an incoming email?>>

Yes, if you can get your ISP to forward a copy of all your incoming emails. I can do this with Claranet and forward a copy of all emails to my address with Orange who send a free SMS to my phone (and it isn't even an Orange phone!). Periodically, I then delete all messages, unread, from the Orange POP3 server.

As far as the GMT offset is concerned, I'll take your word for it - life is complicated enough :-)

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

To: Alexei

Subject: SMTP over GPRS

<<Strange behavior of SMTP server over GPRS connection: messages are sent out very long time, compared to usual GSM dial-up or MochaPPP.>>

When changing from a GSM dialup connection to GPRS you will also have to change the SMTP server from that of your dialup ISP to your GPRS network's server.

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

To: Jason Garbutt

<< Is there any way to view email message headers on an S5C? >>

No, unfortunately the Email application doesn't record the headers. Even if you find and open the message file, it isn't plain text but you can see

that the headers are missing.

Regards,

Mike [Dundee, Scotland] __________________________________________

Mobile Phone & SMS: +44 (0)7947 655778

Mobile Fax: +44 (0)7941 679797

Web: http://www.mikemcc.net

__________________________________________

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

Date: 28 Aug 2002 22:59:15 +0100

From: Trygve Henriksen

Subject: PDF documents

Greetings!

About the PDF magazine...

The creator of PDF and PDF+ for EPOC have just release a Beta version (V.8) of a new program, 'PDFprinter'...

It's a printer driver that creates .PDF files of whatever you print. It works with most programs that are able to print.

(It had no problem with a 207pages, red and black text and embedded picture EPOC Word document that I have on my netBook)

The only problem?

It only works on ER5 and Nokia 92xx machines, so S5classic, Geofox One and Osaris owners can't use it.

You can find it at www.mbrainsoftware.com

:-)

Trygve

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

Date: 28 Aug 2002 23:07:04 +0100

From: Itamar

Subject: DATA sending

Can someone explain me why 14 incoming emails are abt. 10 Kb and 3 outgoing emails are also 10 Kb on my GPRS counter ?

Bye,

Itamar Engelsman

London, United Kingdom

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

Date: 28 Aug 2002 23:08:11 +0100

From: Itamar

Subject: GPRS, Email message headers, netBook ROM's, S7, SMTP over GPRS,Te lecom costs,

Answer to: Kevin Collins

Re. GPRS - I only use this when traveling in the UK and Europe, at home and office I use a free connection via my PC's (MochaPPP) to Demon Internet. I only use it for email, no web surfing, and used in 6 days of emailing about 338 Kb and connected 26 times. At a cost of Gbp 0.76 that is not a bad result, taking that GSM from Holland would cost 70 pence per minute.

Answer to: Jason Garbutt

Re. Email message headers - Basically no. what you can do is create a folder \Logs in C: and in that folder \Email, \Etel and \Mailtext and you will find some of the details in the text filest thar are automatically created by the system.

Answer to: Peter Keene

Re. netBook ROM's - I know this might have been covered before, but it is not clear in my mind. What advantage would the netBook ROM give to the S7 user ? Is the necessary software included too ?

Answer to: David Lir

Re. S7 - I thought about it for some time, but than decided that I used my 5Mx mainly in the office and at home, both on a desk, so the S7 was a good decision. My 5MX still functions in the car with Route- and Streetplanner with GPS as well as on the occasions that I really need a mobile unit. In that case I synchronise the two.

Answer to: Alexei

Re. SMTP over GPRS - See oneof the recent digests, it depends on the phone you use. However, as you don't pay for the time connected with GPRS, it does not make that much difference.

Answer to: Simon Jeffree

Re. Telecom costs - I have an old connection number in central London for Compuserve, but it is not a free ISP. The 6 pounds or so a month will however be a lot cheaper than your mobile phone costs.

Bye,

Itamar Engelsman

London, United Kingdom

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

Date: 28 Aug 2002 23:14:52 +0100

From: Peter Keene

Subject: PDF FANZINE / FANTASY

Hi Guys,

For Andy re PDF fanzine:

I would prefer direct mailing to a website Andy. As for pictures, I think if there was something special to show, pictures would be a great idea - but it doesn't need to be overdone. If it's decided not to go with pictures then maybe Ashley is right and the digest is serving the same purpose.

For David re fantasy (off topic):

I supose I shouldn't get into this, but I can't resist. While I really loved my 15 years in submarines, and would go back tomorrow if I wasn't too old (my last submarine command ended in 1987), in reality, the fantasy can sometimes be a nightmare. :-)

Sorry to hear about your condition.

Regards,

Peter

Cape Town - where the wind is howling off the sea... and it's great!

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 00:22:54 +0100

From: Jack

Subject: Re: email headers; no 08 access; mail notified by SMS

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

To Jason

Subject: Email headers

>........any way to view email message headers on an S5C ?<

Re: (If I remember well my long bygone ER3 %-}

you got them after creating the (sub)directories :

C:/Logs/Email/

and/or

C:/Logs/Mailtext/

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

To Simon Jeffree

Subject : no 08 access

>.... Does anyone know of a 'free' ISPs with whose access number does not begin with '08'? Or is there any other solution?<

Re:

Alas they are becoming rarer. May Thomas Vanderzijden again answer this one (Hi Thomas ;-]

Ask your telco; many offer GSM net access

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

Subject : mail notified by SMS

>...Also, does anyone know of a free service which will send an SMS to notify you of an incoming email?<

Re: I use vizzavi multimail for that; your telco.uk may offer a similar (free??) service.

._,.-*'`\._,.-*'`*Jack, on the sea again*`'*-.,_./`'*-.,_.

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 01:00:07 +0100

From: "Caspar Lam"

Subject: Mako

To all:

I actually have three diamond makos in my possession, and none of them have had any battery problems yet (its been over a year now), and hopefully they will remain as good as ever for the next couple of years.

Personally, I don't charge my mako everyday. I allow the batteries to run down below 85%, usually about 30% for me and then I set it on the mains charger and allow it to reach 100% while ChaDis is running. I keep a careful eye on my mako, and when it reaches 100%, I immediately take it off the charger.

Caspar

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 01:45:19 +0100

From: Keith Giles

Subject: PDF Zine

I'm a bit confused about this. If this operation takes place, would I be able to open the file with Adobe Acrobat on my PC, or would it only open on my Mako/5mx, requiring me to get some app to do this?

Happy Cycling,

Keith

Sunnyvale, CA

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

Thought For The Day: A person who is always up in the air and harping on something is not necessarily an angel.

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

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 07:55:03 +0100

From: Julie Wills

Subject: Re: email with SMS notification

>I use various ISPs (Freeserve, BT-click, OneTel, BizOnline, etc.). The >only trouble is, they all have access numbers beginning with 08, which >T-Mobile doesn't include in their free minutes allowance. Does anyone >know of a 'free' ISPs with whose access number does not begin with >'08'? Or is there any other solution?

I'm on T-Mobile too, and have the same problem. I tried using OneTel by using their 020 access number to prefix the 0800 number for their penny a minute service, but never managed to get the Psion to connect via my mobile. If anybody has any ideas, I'd be very interested too.

>Also, does anyone know of a free service which will send an SMS to notify >you of an incoming email?

This I CAN help you with: I use two different ones for different

reasons. Both have webmail and pop3 access. The best one seems to be Orange - it generally sends the SMS alerts more reliably. The orange one is a bit odd in that you can't use the same name as your orange login and your email name.

The other one is T-Mobile's own one, T-Motion. This one though seems to be a bit more erratic about sending SMS alerts reliably, and its webmail interface is quirky to say the least.

Genie/O2 also used to have email that sent SMS alerts, but it didn't have pop3 access. Not sure whether it still does.

You can find the orange and T-Motion services and sign up at

http://www.orange.net/ or

http://www.t-email.co.uk/en/index.html

Regards

Julie Wills

Twyford, Reading, UK

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 08:37:44 +0100

From: "Nicole Carbonara"

Subject: 'Inclusive minutes' ISP number

To: Simon Jeffree

Subject: 'Inclusive minutes' ISP number

Simon

I am on O2 (ex BTCellnet) and I take my email in the UK using my inclusive free minutes on a 0845 number.

Nicole

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 08:51:19 +0100

From: Jason Garbutt

Subject: 'Inclusive minutes' ISP number

On 28 Aug 2002 14:23:50 +0100, Simon Jeffree wrote:

>I use my 5mx with my mobile phone (still using the trusty

>SH888!) on a contract with T-Mobile for all my personal

>email. I use various ISPs (Freeserve, BT-click, OneTel,

>BizOnline, etc.). The only trouble is, they all have access

>numbers beginning with 08, which T-Mobile doesn't include

>in their free minutes allowance, so I have to pay for each

>data call, even though I have many free minutes left over

>at the end of each month. Does anyone know of a 'free'

>ISPs with whose access number does not begin with '08'?

>Or is there any other solution?

>Also, does anyone know of a free service which will send

>an SMS to notify you of an incoming email?

Hi Simon,

You may find that some of the above have alternative geographic access numbers that you can use. They are not always very forthcoming about this, but if pushed you may find you will get one.

Does T-Mobile not have their own ISP ? I am with Orange and use Orange Internet as one of my ISPs, this gives me various options incl. the use of my free minutes. Although I mainly use their GPRS service now. They also provide me with free SMS text alerts everytime I get an email.

Also, you could try Genie (I think it has now rebranded as O2), which certainly used to provide free SMS alerts to any network, but I don't know about their access numbers. I believe Talk21.com also offer a text alert service (don't know if it is free).

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Jason

_________________________________________

&nb_________________________________________

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 09:17:23 +0100

From: "Marios Haridimou"

Subject: GPRS Access - Erricsson T39m

Many thanks to all who responded to my E-mail, especially Jason Garbutt

who sent me the GPRS settings.

I still have a question as I have not been able to successfully connect.

I finally received a GPRS number from my ISP (*99#). From Jason's

E-mail there was a CID number which I inquired about and was told that

no the number was definitely only *99#.

I tried the number and:

1. The T39m shows "Connecting" on it's screen (and seems to be

connected)

2. The Psion shows "Connecting to mailbox" but after a while I get a

"Timed Out" message.

It is as if it is on the net but is unable to open the mailbox.

Trying over GSM works fine so I know the mailbox is OK.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in Advance,

Marios

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 12:39:57 +0100

From: Itamar Engelsman

Subject: GPRS sheet

With the help of some time formulas I jotted down some time ago I now created a neat sheet file in which I note down the time spent online and bytes sent/received per session. If anyone is interested, let me know.

Bye,

Itamar Engelsman

London, United Kingdom

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 13:00:13 +0100

From: "John George & Sons Ltd."

Subject: CBeam software

Message to David Lir

I am interested in downloading the CBeam software. Can you please let me know the website address?

Thanks

Philip Bister

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 16:28:46 +0100

From: "Stephane Sage"

Subject: EpocDigest. Dream 5mx

Firstly, I would like to express my pleasure that the Psioneers digest has

not died, thanks to the efforts of Epocdigest (re)founders.

Then, re. the "Dream 5mx", I have recently asked POD (see www.podltd.com)

whether they could replace the original B/W screen with a colour one: the

answer (from Kenton Douglas) was that they were actually considering doing

so within the next 3-6 months. Looking at today's market for PDAs, and even

though SONY's Clié or HANDSPRING's Treo look quite appealing, I would not

hesitate spending say £100 (? 170), maybe more, on a new, more legible

screen for my faithful 5mx, buying at the same time from POD a reconditioned

one (also with colour screen), as spare or backup. Another (cheaper) option

could be a B/W screen like the Revo's.

What about organising a poll between us, to check the "potential market" for

thePOD people (price level, quantities, after-sales,...), so that they are

encouraged to start the renewal operation ?

Greetings to all.

Stephane (Grenoble).

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 18:44:22 +0100

From: Owen H. Morgan

Subject: Re: a dreamer's updated 5mx & NetPad (4 Owen)

Howdy!

David Lir wrote (> ):

> What?! You've not *already* purchased a backup

> 5mx!? How dare you speak such heresy in these

> hallowed virtual halls? ;>)

b-b-b-but,... I have a Mako! Isn't that good enough?

I synch with the MC218 at regular intervals, so won't loose too much if one of the machines dies or is lost. That said, the main reason I haven't bought a spare is that I want a S7 or NetBook (or preferably a colour 5mx), and that just isn't on the budget at the moment.

> I'd also love to have a second CF slot available. Chiefly

> for backing up my CF without having to fire up my

> laptop.

Yes, a second CF slot with support for CF hardware like disks, modems and network cards would be a lot more useful than a built-in modem. Personally, a built in modem would just be an annoyance as I'd be paying for hardware I'd never use. I haven't lived in a house and had regular access to a fixed phone line since 1992, and as I bring my home with me when I travel, I never stay in hotels.

>> MC218 / 5mx screen

> I agree...and...I don't agree. It really depends on the

> lighting. In a sunlit environment, like my local library

> atrium where I'm typing these very words, the screen

> looks *good*. At home on the couch the screen looks

> much worse.

So, why not use the backlight? If you use NiMh batteries or connect to the power supply there's no cost, so I use the backlight most of the time.

Around the time when I first joined the UPS5 digest (I remember Itamar joining, and very green he was at the time... :o), there was some talk of the backlight wearing out with use, but I think experience has proven that this isn't a problem in real life. I've certainly never been able to see any difference in the brightness of the backlight on well used as opposed to brand new units. I suppose that even if it were true, the screen cable would break long before it became a problem...

> Keep in mind though that over 40's will have more

> trouble with it than younger folks will - all other things

> being equal.

So, will I loose my 20-20 hindsight in a years time when I turn 40???

>> Mako

> That and the lack of a card slot. No memory

> expansion, no onboard backup--yuck.

I'm not sure if that is appropriate for the Revo / Mako. If you want a Revo with a card slot, buy a 5mx. My MC218 is my home computer and has everything on it. The Mako is my portable and great for SMSing, looking up addresses or writing e-mails on the run. The Toshiba is just a necessary evil which I mostly use for storing photographs, backing up the Psions and running a C-map chart plotter (, but only when motoring, as it drains the ships batteries way too fast).

Howard Weissman wrote (> ):

> Let's not forget solar power

Solar power isn't really a viable option. I have 100 Watts worth of panels on the yacht. They give a total of around 6.5 A with unshaded sun shining direct on both panels, but in the shade, on an overcast day, or with just the shade of some part of the rigging falling over a small part of a panel, the output of that panel drops to a couple of hundred mA. In fact, they're a bit better on overcast days than when partly shaded on a sunny day. It is not a question of old technology either. One panel is at least 9 years old, the other is brand new and performance is similar.

Now, that's a couple of hundred mA from several square feet of panel when they're in the shade, so the only way of hoping to acheive satisfactory charging from a panel that would actually fit on an S5 would be to place the palmtop in the sun and turn it as the sun moves, as I do with the panels on my yacht, and what would you do on an overcast day?

Also, if you're willing to leave the machine outside in the sun, you obviously have more confidence in both meteorologists and the honesty of your fellow human beings than I do. Another point is that the sun shines in daytime, which is when you might want to carry and use your Psion, not have it roasting in the sun.

The only realistic way of charging a Psion from solar power is to charge a bigger battery, and then charge the Psion from that. This is in fact what I do on the yacht. However, with the fridge drawing 15 Ah per day and the stereo, reading lights, phone chargers etc., I usually need to provide some additional charging from the engine, generator or shore power.

Owen

Thought for the day:

When your up to your nose, keep your mouth shut.

Owen H. Morgan, Yacht "Naomi J.", LD-59°52.53'N 1°16.84'W

At anchor, Grutness Voe, Shetland

Waiting for a fair wind for Fair Isle.

http://home.no.net/naomij

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 18:44:37 +0100

From: Owen H. Morgan

Subject: New phone number.

Hi gang!

Just wanted to inform those that might be interested that I now have an UK phone number: +44 (0)787672-4631.

I'm at anchor in Grutness Voe, Shetland sitting out a SW force 6. I'll hopefully be in Inverness in a few days and will be going through the Caledonian canal. Do we have any Psioneers on or near that route?

Owen

Thought for the day:

The two most beautiful things in life are

a ship under sail and a woman in love.

Be their master, and they will guard you faithfully.

Be weak, and they will surely take you to hell.

And if to hell I must go, then give me a ship!

Owen H. Morgan, Yacht "Naomi J.", LD-9311

<59°52.53'N 1°16.84'W

At anchor, Grutness Voe, Shetland

Waiting for a fair wind for Fair Isle.

http://home.no.net/naomij

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 18:44:45 +0100

From: Owen H. Morgan

Subject: Re: Charge your Revo your way, I charge it mine...

Howdy!

Mike Fellhauer wrote (> ):

> In my experience, I've found that people who charge

> their Revos daily (expecially with high % capacity left)

> usually end up with battery meter calibration problems

> (their Revos run out of power at 85%).

In my experience, this is only true if you charge it switched on. If you make sure to switch off before you connect to the charger and preferably leave it charging until the next morning, there are no problems. This confirms the advice given by Psion to trust the red and green diodes and ignore the software which is flawed.

However, as with any NiMh or NiCd battery, (but not Lithium or Lead Acid) it is a good idea to let it run all the way down once a month or so. I forgot to charge my Mako last night, and it's now down to 29%, so as I'm sitting out a force 6 at anchor, I'm going to take the opportunity to keep playing until it goes to sleep and then charge it.

The reason having too small a charger (particularly for European Mako owners) will damage the battery is that if the charger is only able to supply, say 300mA at fast charge, the battery never reaches the temperature or voltage that makes the electronics switch to maintenance charging, and it keeps going at 300mA, overcharging the battery.

If you charge it while switched on with too small a charger, you get another problem, as the software thinks it's getting 450 mA and increments the battery indicator accordingly, so it shows 100% long before the battery is full.

> Also, I think it's a very bad idea about charging the

> Revo while you are away for 30 minutes a day...you'll

> be overcharging it in no time!!!

As long as the machine remains switched off, the charging process is controlled by electronics rather than software, and it will get 1/2 hour of maintenance charge (only green diode lit) per day and not overcharge. I suppose you could set an even shorter time per day, or a longer one once or twice a week, as you only need to compensate for the self discharge.

The main problem with the software based charge control which kicks in if the Revo is on when it is charged, is that it does not take self discharge into account. This is why the Revo will "think" the battery is almost full (and show, say 85%) even when it's really empty, and it's usually a bigger problem for people who don't use (and charge) their Revo every day. This is also why using ChaDis and following the instructions that come with that software can actually make the problem worse. ChaDis is good for monitoring battery performance though.

> If you're going away longer, back everything up and

> just let your Revo discharge over the time away.

Backing up is certainly good advice, and you should do it as a matter of course before going away, whether you bring your Psion or not. After all, the machine might be lost on your voyage, and even though computers are expensive, I've always been a lot more worried about losing my data than the hardware. I once lost a quite expensive camera, but the thing that really broke my heart was loosing the images on the films that were in the camera and camera bag. Even if you leave the Revo at home connected to a charger on a timer, you may be burgled, there may be a power cut, or some helpful family member may "tidy it away" for you.

> A full

> fresh charge wouldn't hurt it, and the little time it takes

> to restore the contents is a lot cheaper than coming

> home to a burned out Revo (and maybe your house

> too)!

I'd be very surprised if a Revo charger on a timer caused a house to burn down. Not a big issue for me anyway, as I haven't lived in a house for the past 10 years...

> (Personally though, I take my machines with me...they

> don't get a holiday.)

That's the same with me. If I leave the boat for more than a few hours, I always take the Mako. If I'm staying away for more than a couple of days, I also take the MC218 and synch them daily.

Owen

Thought for the day:

It isn't the whistle that moves the train.

Owen H. Morgan, Yacht "Naomi J.", LD-59°52.53'N 1°16.84'W

At anchor, Grutness Voe, Shetland

Waiting for a fair wind for Fair Isle.

http://home.no.net/naomij

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 20:42:33 +0100

From: Simon Jeffree

Subject: 'Inclusive minutes' ISP number & SMS email notification

To: Jason Garbutt

Thanks for your info, Jason.

<< You may find that some of the above have alternative geographic access numbers that you can use >>

These numbers also begin with '08' & unfortunately T-Mobile seem to exclude ALL '08...' numbers from their inclusive minutes allowance.

<< Does T-Mobile not have their own ISP ? >>

No, they don't.

<< I am with Orange and use Orange Internet as one of my ISPs, this gives me various options incl. the use of my free minutes >>

I phoned them & they said they are closing down their own ISP service & that calls to other ISPs are not inclusive except for (I think) Freeserve & Pipex. I think that must be using Freeserve's non-geographical access number. Can you confirm that non-geographic numbers (i.e. 0870...) are inclusive.

<< They also provide me with free SMS text alerts everytime I get an email >>

Wow! that's good. When One2one first introduced their Mobile Email service, the SMS email notifications were free but a year or so ago they started charging for it at the same rate as a normal SMS.

<< Also, you could try Genie (I think it has now rebranded as O2), which certainly used to provide free SMS alerts to any network >>

I tried that when they were called Genie but it didn't work. They said there was a known bug in their software which meant it worked for some subscribers but not for others. Guess which group I fell into! Anyway, now they are O2, all their services are charged.

<< Talk21.com also offer a text alert service (don't know if it is free) >>

This is not free either, although at £2.50/month it would tend to be less expensive than T-Mobile's 10p or so per SMS.

Mmm... So my conclusion is that T-Mobile are a naff network operator for my requirements & I should start thinking about changing to Orange. Thanks again for your input.

Regards,

Simon Jeffree

Maidstone, Kent, UK

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 20:42:47 +0100

From: Itamar

Subject: GPRS - another question

Why is it that it happened twice suddenly that I did not get a connection at all to the GPRS system of Vodaphone in Holland ? I could neither send nor receive anything, did not get a connection at all, once around 9.00 am in the morning and once around 12.15 pm. And again tonight at 9.15 pm trying to send this message.

Bye,

Itamar Engelsman

London, United Kingdom

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 21:09:44 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: EPOC PDF

Dear Andy,

<< I don't have a website, nor possibly the time to administer one, so my questions are, would people prefer the PDF file sent to them direct, or choose to download it?>>

I think it's best to go for distribution by e-mail together with a web based archive of past issues. There will come a time when the handling of requests for past issues will consume more time than putting them up for download on a web site. Which can be a simple text-based site that mainly consists of a list of download links to these issues.

<< The other question is about the content. Pictures or no pictures? >>

Pictures and screen copies will make reviews and "how to" descriptions easier to understand for the general reader. Thing is that you're free to set the rules for submissions to EPOC PDF. That is, in which format the texts have to be submitted, the maximum number of pictures per article as well as their maximum size and graphics file format. You can even supply an MS-Word template the writer has to use in order to make life easier for you.

Kind Regards,

Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 21:09:48 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: A dreamers updated 5mx

To Kevin Thorne:

<< Would you pay the extra or go for the old model? >>

The specification of your "Series 5mx(c) Professional" isn't that attractive, I'm afraid. I already have three portable modems, infrared communication with mobile phones serves me well and a colour screen isn't a strong benefit for the things I do with my 5mx and MC218.

To Jan Walker:

<< I would hope to still use 2xAA batteries with (one hopes) improved life due to new efficiencies and technology despite the color screen >>

Colour LCD screens haven't improved to the extent that a Series 5mx can be equipped with a colour screen without severe battery time penalties. Sharp's first colour Mobilon models were AA powered but didn't last for more than 1.5 hour. You might get 3 hours with the current screens, but that's doubtful. I'm afraid you'll have to wait till colour OLED or LEP displays become available with Series 5mx screen specs.

To Andy Beale,

<< To be honest, surely there couldn't be too much involved technically in replacing the 5mx B&W screen with a colour one >>

Depends on what you mean by "too much involved". Though it's certainly not not a leap into the technically unknown it still has an impact on the current 5mx design.

Colour screens tend to be thicker than their grey scale cousins so that the top shell needs modification. The additional weight of the colour LCD panel might require a modification of the hinge mechanism. Also because of the different weight distribution. The video controller needs to be changed and a larger ROM fitted. In case the controller is part of a multi-function ASIC a new chip needs to be designed and manufactured. The new electronics meaning a redesign of the 5mx's main board. There will be sufficient differences between Series 7 and '5mxc' hardware for EPOC Release 5 to require a number of adaptations. Then there's full scale integration testing to ensure everything still works as for the 5mx, but then in colour.

And that's for the 'simple' change from a greyscale to a colour LCD panel of the same surface area. It's not a given that you can get one so that the dimensions of the device will change. Plus that the above 5mxc still uses two AA batteries to power it. Two alkaline AAs won't be sufficient to get a halfway decent battery time. Go for colour and you can't escape adopting a rechargeable battery pack of sufficient capacity to get at least 8-10 hours of work out of it. Meaning that battery charging electronics need to be added on the main board. Plus a major redesign of the bottom shell as the battery pack is bound to be larger in size than two AAs.

It looks oh so simple on paper. Add up all the modifications you need to make and you're effectively creating a model that doesn't have much in common with the current 5mx. Which makes the change to colour uneconomical.

<< They'd crush the competition >>

It still leaves the proposed 'Series 5mxc' trailing behind the HP Jornada 728 and the NEC Mobile Pro in the features stakes. You still can't use CF I/O cards like (wireless) modems, ethernet and VGA adapters. There's room for software improvements as well. Think only of IMAP4 and SMTP Authentication for the e-mail application. A 'Series 5mxc' will be a nice proposal to Psion devotees but won't set the handheld computer world alight.

Kind Regards,

Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 21:09:56 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: Odin Project

Dear David,

<< BTW, as Rolf (I think) pointed out sometime earlier: Psion *had* developed a significantly upgraded and more modern colour-screened unit, somewhat similar to the unit you've described... >>

I think Psion would have continued with the 'Odin' project had it been close to the pre-production phase of development. The major work would have been done and Psion could have hired a handful of Motorola engineers (on a temporary basis) to assist with making the finishing touches. That Motorola's withdrawal resulted in Psion having to drop Odin points to a development that was at an advanced stage but not at a point for Psion to take over and finish it.

Kind Regards,

Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 21:10:00 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting

Subject: Re: SMS in France

Dear Thomas,

<< You stated that if you are in the correct area you do not need to dial the area code >>

Sorry, that's not what I mentioned. What I wrote was : "Use the full +[Country][Area][Subscriber] number and the network knows how to route it". Your mobile phone is in regular contact with the cell tower so that the network knows in which cell you are. When the cell tower is linked to the Delft exchange, and you call a Delft number, the network will treat is a local call, omitting the +[Country][Area] part of the number. As cell towers can also be on the border of two landline areas the mobile networks demand that you always use the [Area][Subscriber] when dialling manually.

<< Today I received my bill from Ben. The <have billed me for the 'free' SMS's I sent via the SFR network in France! .... They will have a look at it, but their current opinion is 'This deal was not mentioned on OUR website.' My opinion: so WHAT!?

Better check the conditions of supply as they define what's free of charge and what's billed. Opinions don't count in cases like this.

Kind Regards,

Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands

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

Date: 29 Aug 2002 21:31:02 +0100

From: Kevin Thorne

Subject: Colour relief, EPOC PDF idea

Reply to Itamar Englesman:

<Answer to: David Lir

Re. Colour screen - I thouhgt just like you, but after I started to use the S7 I changed my mind. The colour screen is that much easier to read and use that my 5MX now seems very dull and difficult to read / use.>

Also, it's even easier on my own Nokia Communicator with a 4096 colour TFT screen and I found going back to my 5mx after THAT beauty was a rather horrible experience. In fact I just couldn't go back to the 5mx so I've now sold my old faithful friend to a fellow caring Psionist and now use my S7 at home and the Nokia whilst out on the road. I must say the Nokia impresses me when used in bright sunlight as providing it's not directly shining on the screen (which is easily shaded as necessary anyway due to its small size) it's actually quite readable in these conditions. I find even the S7 isn't particularly good under these circumstances. I wonder if this is due to the S7 being a lower resolution passive LCD type as opposed to the Nokia's higher resolution TFT?

Reply to Andy Hayes:

For me - sent directly to my inbox and I think a few graphics would make it look more interesting and more visually appealing too.

Regards

Kevin Thorne

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

Date: 30 Aug 2002 04:05:51 +0100

From: "Victor J. Liew"

Subject: 9210 software suggestions for Ashley Burrows

Ashley,

Regarding a database app I suggest you read Richard Bloor's incisive reviews at http://www.foxpop.ndirect.co.uk/SMU/database_cover.htm before making a decision.

Next suggestions, warning I am not impartial <grin>, if you do a lot of letter writing etc and you want templates check out our Ximplify myStationery. A review is available at

http://www.twyn-y-berllan.com/mm/mmpc/reviews/mystat.htm

If you take notes e.g on the fly or want to have an application for brainstorming or you want an app that can do a lot of things that you would normally do with a PDA, check out our flagship Ximplify myList Pro v3.5. The update was launched yesterday (29th Aug). Review is at

http://www.twyn-y-berllan.com/mm/mmpc/reviews/mylist.htm & the upgraded review is at http://www.allabouter6.com/newsdisplay2.php?id=1911. There are 2 versions, the Pro and the Lite. I suggest the Pro as it is really flexible and especially there is special offer price now of US21 versus US18 for the Lite. Someone once said that the Pro is like a Swiss Army knife which is why I have so much difficulties describing to you what you can use it for. A better description may be found at our site www.ximplify.com.

I have to confess that when I asked for a Poll here a few weeks ago on what you guys used the Psion for etc, I was trying to find out if there was need for a myList type app for the Psion. It's a difficult decision for us as the market is very limited but I do really want it for my netBook as I use the netBook for generating a lot of ideas etc.

Best of luck in you search.

Rgds

Vic

> Have just made the jump and bought a Nokia 9210, have been

> analyzing my usage of the 5mx over the past few weeks, and

> have come to realize that the 9210 would be far better suited

> to my requirements. <snip>

> Database will need to purchase power Data or Small base. and

> letter writing not big esays just 200 hundred word reports.

> Have any 9210 users on this list got any must have software

> or using tips they could pass on to me I would be most

> grateful: directif not relevent to others

> on the digest.

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

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