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Epoc Digest Fri, 28 Mar 2003 Volume 01 : Number 214
************************************************************************
Sent to: 770 subscribers
In today's Epoc Digest 21 messages:
==============================
- MBMView
- Re: MBM View
- Miniature laptop style handhelds/C700
- smaller, rather than more functional, Losing all data,
- Colour 5mx
- Losing All Data - Reply
- CF to larger CF
- Re: 5 Mx battery life
- Re: Opera + personal banking; CompactFlash PC Card adapter; Color Magic
- Losing all data
- Synching Lotus Organizer Contacts with Psion Contacts
- Re: Intelligent life forms
- Re: 5MX screen backlight
- Opera + personal banking
- Re: Nokia cardphone
- Re: MBMView
- Psion and Gadget Stuff For Sale
- Re: Culture in non-humans
- Re: losing all data
- mp3 on Psions
- Re: Losing all data # 213 (6)
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 02:21:52 +0000
From: Darryl Kempster
Subject: MBMView
On reflection my comments in the last digest were a tad hasty and overwrought and I was guilty of being on a high horse myself. In my defence can I point out it was 3am and I'd been listening to loud rock music all night. (children be warned)
Mark Deppe spoke with true sincerity and conveyed in essence what I wanted to say without any of the frustration I felt at the time. Well said sir! Others expressed similiar sentiments in a similarly dignified manner so if everyone can forgive everyone else we can all go back to using and enjoying our Psions.
As MikeR so admirably put it :-
"if we were all the same the world would be a terribly boring place"
So thanks to nicB, Mark and Rolf.
Darryl
In Dijon with Soulfly
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 09:40:41 +0000
From: Chris Davies
Subject: Re: MBM View
It's great that everyone has been trying to do things legally with respect to MBM View. But, I would imagine that the family of the late author have more important things to worry about that shareware registrations on an image viewing program.
I feel that approaching the family at this time is not likely to be seen as a positive thing from their point of view (although I could be wrong).
Sadly, we may have to accept that MBM View is no more...
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 12:28:19 +0000
From: peter.rand
Subject: Miniature laptop style handhelds/C700
--
How do you explain then that the market has gone from a range of miniature laptop style handheld computers by several manufacturers to all but a single model? The only new model I've heard of in recent times is the Sharp C700.
--
I've been looking into the C700 for a few weeks, and it looks like a very nice successor to the Revo. The only successor, in fact....
If you're interested, below are some links.
These photos compare the C700 to the Psion 5mx,
and show just how small the C700 is:
http://zaurus.cis92.net/maple/c700/KIF_1708.JPG
http://zaurus.cis92.net/maple/c700/KIF_1705.JPG
The two best user reviews of the C700:
http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/sharp-c700-review.html
http://jpoq.tripod.com/revo3.htm
I'm eager to get my hands on a machine to test, so I can see just how usable the keyboard really is.
Peter
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 13:56:53 +0000
From: Itamar Engelsman
Subject: smaller, rather than more functional, Losing all data,
Answer to: Antony Booth
Re.: smaller, rather than more functional - Yes, but the crunch question is whether there is a market for such a superior palmtop. I suppose that Psion and the others did their research and found there is not. It is not always the superior machines that hit the markets, but those that will sell.
Answer to: Andy
Re. Losing all data - Some units have a problem that the back-up battery does not make proper contact and when with such a machine you take out the main batteries there is possibly no connection left. A back-up is of course essential not only for such cases, what if he would have lost his machine or broken it beyond repair ? The solution is to put a small piece of cardboard between the back of the battery and the plastic, keeping it stronger in place. Another extra solution is to connect your 5MX to the mains when changing the batteries.
Best regards,
Itamar Engelsman
London, UK
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 14:31:43 +0000
From: andybeale
(Andy Beale)
Subject: Colour 5mx
Re: Franco, Anthony Booth on colour 5mx
I'd jump at the chance to buy a colour version of the 5mx. As I've mentioned before, I bet it wouldn't be a complete redesign to produce one.
Re: Itimar's Darwin discussion
I must admit it raised a smile to read the 'missing links' caused you to doubt the theory of evolution, and class it as unproven. I smile because I wonder if your alternative theory can provide better and more tangible proof. ; )
Still, we should probably steer away from hot off-topic discussions before they start to dominate the digest!
Andy.
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 15:12:30 +0000
From: "Hoffman, Susan"
Subject: Losing All Data - Reply
Andy Longdon wrote of his friend who lost all data upon changing the main batteries, but the back-up is fine. The solution was posted in the old digest a few years ago -- the problem arises because the connection between the back-up battery and its contacts is weak, and if you change AAs without ensuring that the back-up is connected you lose everything. There are two solutions. The first is only to change AAs when the machine is plugged into an outside power source (obviously not an ideal solution). The second, which has worked for us for two years now, is to place a thick card (a folded piece of business card works quite well) under the sliding door over the back-up battery. Trim the edge so it doesn't hang over. Now ignore it and go on about your business. The extra paper increases the pressure on the back-up battery, ensuring that it continues to be connected when you change your AAs. Low tech, but effective.
And thanks to Martin Yirrell for reminding me that Macro 5 lets the machine automatically turn on the backlight after dark. Mine does that regularly -- I must have set it when I installed Macro 5 eons ago.
Susan Katz Hoffman
Pepper Hamilton LLP--------------
3000 Two Logan Square
18th & Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel: 215-981-4990
Fax: 215-981-4750
e-mail: hoffmans
web address: www.pepperlaw.com
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 15:13:10 +0000
From: Howard Weissman
Subject: CF to larger CF
I would like to transfer all data from a 64MB CF to a 128MB CF without using a PC.
Any ideas?
Howard W.
NYC, NY
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 15:55:07 +0000
From: "Arne Christensen"
Subject: Re: 5 Mx battery life
Steve writes:
<< I think I have broken my own record for battery life on my two year old 5mx.... 30 hours 16 minutes or 1607 mAh >>
Rolf adds:
<< My record stands at 33 hours and 20 minutest for a pair of Duracell Ultra batteries in a Series 5mx. >>
My own numbers vary wildly even for the same kind of batteries. E.g. for Duracell Ultra I have numbers going from 9:00(720 mAh) to 16:46 (1638 mAh), the difference is more than a factor of 2 in mAh (now I should add I use the backlight a lot). The same goes for Philips Powerlife XXL: Different sets of batteries differ more than a factor of 2 in mAh.
And of course the Philips batteries fare slightly better than the Duracell in spite of being advertised less :-)
It really is amazing that you can run a computer for 30+ hours on two small batteries. I have a colleague with an <unnamed but popular PDA>, which loses memory after a week on the shelf. Definitely a different design. (And why was it on the shelf I ask).
By the way, the very fact that we collect all these numbers shows just as much about ourselves as about the batteries, I suppose...
-- Arne
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 15:58:54 +0000
From: Kevin Collins
Subject: Re: Opera + personal banking; CompactFlash PC Card adapter; Color Magic
Hi folks...
Re Opera
> Thanks for info re: Opera's downside. I wonder if Opera > can open Barclays site. Has anyone tried it?
Hi Saj. Well, it can certainly open my bank's (Bank of Ireland) site...and my daughter who work's there tells me that their security is state of the art <g>.
> I was about to purchase Opera but since it may not work
> with some sites better wait for answer to the above
> question. Thanks in advance.
AFAIK, you can download an evaluation copy for free.
Re: CompactFlash PC Card adapter
Thanks to those who advised me on this. It dawned on me that some years ago I bought some stuff here in Ireland from someone leaving the Psion fraternity, and sure enough when I looked last night there was a ....yes, CompactFlash PC Card adapter! So now I have 48Mb of Tome Raider files sitting in E, and 79Mb free on D...
Re: Colour Magic:
Thanks for your colour scheme, Itamar. I have also sent you mine, just to brighten your day <G>
--
Regards,
Kevin [Cork, Ireland]
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 16:21:21 +0000
From: krohn-list-series5
(Eric Krohn)
Subject: Losing all data
>From: ALYG
(Andrew Longdon)
>Subject: Losing all data
>
>On switching on once again it became clear that all data files had been = >lost and the time/date had been reset to 1/1/00.
I try to plug my 5 into mains power while switching the main batteries, just in case. Not always possible, but it gives me a safer feeling.
--
Eric Krohn
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 17:38:00 +0000
From: ALYG
(Andrew Longdon)
Subject: Synching Lotus Organizer Contacts with Psion Contacts
Is it not possible to synchronise Lotus Organizer Contacts data with those in Psion Contacts? I ask because I can't get it to work. I have Lotus Organizer 4.1 and 5.0 on my PC and I've tried creating a Synch profile that will work with Psion Contacts but it always fails saying it didn't finish normally and there may be errors. It doesn't produce a log file.
However, if I try to synch Organizer Contacts with a Psion Data file, it works fine. This, in my view, defeats the object. I have a screen-printed icon on my Psion that opens a Contacts file, yet I can only synch with a Data file. Is there no way round this?
TIA,
,\ndy
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 19:46:22 +0000
From: MartinYirrell
Subject: Re: Intelligent life forms
>However, I don't think you'll agree to this as your following Judaic teachings which don't leave any room for Darwin's evolution by natural selection<
Rolf
I would suggest that science does not leave any room for Darwin's hypothesis. However I wouldn't think this a suitable subject for the Digest so I won't say that. <G>
Martin Yirrell
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 19:46:31 +0000
From: MartinYirrell
Subject: Re: 5MX screen backlight
Julie
Thank's for your suggestion. Looks like it was Macro5
Itamar
Spot on!
Martin Yirrell
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 20:56:40 +0000
From: Peter Fristedt
Subject: Opera + personal banking
Saj wrote (ED #213): "Thanks for info re: Opera's downside. I wonder if Opera can open Barclays site. Has anyone tried it? I was about to purchase Opera but since it may not work with some sites better wait for answer to the above question. Thanks in advance."
Saj, I understand your view. I myself use a bank (I even work for them!) that don't accept Opera. But I think we all must air our dissatisfaction with our respective banks (and others). Please read the page "Help Opera Open the Web"
[http://my.opera.com/openweb/] and then contact your bank. If there's a number of us doing this, they may just change.
Kind regards,
Peter
Sekreteraren och assistenten, Stockholm
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Everything you'll ever need on one web page
from News and Sport to Email and Music Charts
http://uk.my.yahoo.com
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 21:23:17 +0000
From: Rolf Brunsting
Subject: Re: Nokia cardphone
Dear Darryl,
<< Had already tried changing "Mobile" setting to "Fixed Line" but that just gave "No carrier" >>
As GSM doesn't use a carrier frequency the way a modem does some phones don't assert the DCD line when a data connection is established and data exchange can start. Simple solution is not to place a checkmark for DCD in the Advanced section of the modem definition.
--
Kind Regards,
Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 21:23:20 +0000
From: Rolf Brunsting
Subject: Re: MBMView
Dear All
It has been made clear to me that I've misunderstood Mark's message of thanks to Nic B's offer. I can only say that I'm sorry to have made this mistake. To which I'd like to add that it has lifted my spirits as the way it came to me was a bit of blow. I've seen that my 'resignation' has triggered a number of messages and I'd like to respond some of the comments that have been made.
Representation
Some have asked why I didn't see myself as representing the whole EPOC community. Well, first, because the request for an intermediary came from the EPOC Digest. Secondly, because it's easier for me to talk about the Digest and can show messages and exchanges, including the above request messages. It's also easier for me to have a defined group of people to report back to in case Lieuwe's family has questions I can't answer or comes with an alternative proposal I need to discuss with others.
The job of intermediary
When I agreed to become an intermediary I meant it. I accepted that I needed to present the views as expressed on the Digest, even though I don't necessarily agree with all of them. I was asked not to downplay the potential of MBMView while I wasn't my intention to do so. I wasn't going to paint a golden future either.
Comment has been made that I appear to be judge and jury. Well, I don't know how discussions will go. I may have to make an on-the-spot decision somebody else may not take. You all will have to rely on the judgement of the intermediary when it comes to this. Whether I'm the intermediary or somebody else.
Legalities
Comments have been made about intentions, being a help to others, copyright and the law being made by people. Simple fact is that Lieuwe's family has legal title to the rights of MBMView according current legislation. There would be no need to contact Lieuwe's family when things were otherwise. That some of us don't think this legal ownership is right, and that the law should be changed, is fine. They've got all the freedom to work towards a change in the law.
However, I can't escape the situation as it is at the moment. After all, when Lieuwe's family prefers to transfer the rights to MBMView to another developer it may be me who has to make the legal arrangements. Reason why I've contacted an old school buddy who's now a lawyer and he's explained to me what the legal aspects are and what needs to done for the various options.
MBMView.OPX
Andrew Gregory has requested whether the API of the MBMView.OPX can also be made available. I know what OPXs are and why they're there but may not recognise the API when it hits me in the face. High chance the same applies to Lieuwe's family. It's an interesting question, and I understand why it's asked, but the question may have to be secondary to getting MBMView back into distribution.
The future
I've decided to withdraw my resignation and to be EPOC Digest's intermediary once more. That is, when people don't object in the light of what's happened recently. I was busy working out a proposal based on Martin Guthry's three main items for discussion. I've turned them into six options Lieuwe's family has at he moment:
1) That the family resumes distribution of MBMView as before. I don't think this one stands much of chance.
2) That a third-party distributes MBMView on behalf of the family. This option has some possibilities but I have the idea that it may be difficult to find a third-party, given that revenue may not be large.
3) Is a variation of no. 2 in that the proceeds go to Lieuwe's scouting troop.
4) That another developer takes over the rights to MBMView.
5) That MBMView is turned into 'donationware' with the preferred beneficiary being the same scouting troop.
6) That MBMView becomes freeware.
We may have to reckon with option no. 7, that Lieuwe's family prefers not to respond to our proposals, meaning that the distribution of MBMView has come to an end. It's also possible that Lieuwe's source code, documentation and registration listing have gone because somebody else is now using his computer(s) and got rid of all the digital rubble.
My proposals still have a few holes in them, like a candidate for third-party distributor, but it's best to leave them open at this moment. I'm going to make the first exploratory contact the coming weekend to see whether the family is interested in discussing the future of MBMView. When the response is positive it's my plan to visit the family and discuss the options in more detail. I will see whether I can work some of the options out depending on the preferences the family may have.
--
Kind Regards,
Rolf Brunsting - Darp - Netherlands
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 21:37:05 +0000
From: AndyH
Subject: Psion and Gadget Stuff For Sale
Hi All
After a spurt of interest things seem to have died down so I will re-offer some stuff at better prices or with more things thrown in and also add some as yet unadvertised stuff.
Software for 3 series Psions on either SSD or floppy including Act! PSI Mail Internet, Personal Accounts and Expenses, Data Deluxe. Includes media and manuals, no boxes. most is unused. £12 the lot delivered anywhere in the UK.
Ericsson MC218 in pristine condition, PalmTec case, PsiWin lead, EPOC Connect CD, user guide, software and accessories catalogue, Psion power supply, new batteries. £80 delivered anywhere in the UK.
Motorola M3588 mobile phone, instructions, power supply. Only suitable for part exchange for a better phone. Send me a large stamped addressed (weight is about 1kg) Jiffy bag and £5 for delivery anywhere in the UK.
Handspring Visor Deluxe im pristine condition, USB docking station, quick start guide, CD including manual on PDF and PC sync software downloaded from Handspring (Mac software available from www.handspring.com if required), case, batteries, original packaging & Magellan Springboard GPS, Nav Companion CD, Route Europe CD, batteries, original packaging & in-car holder. £120 delivered to anywhere in the UK.
Gameboy Advance in pristine condition and original packaging, batteries & Gamester case & Gamester light unit. £40 delivered anywhere within the UK.
C-Pen 200 in pristine condition with batteries and manuals, CD & belt clip case. Much more accurate than the Siemens pen. £45 delivered anywhere in the UK.
HP Jornada 720 with a few very small scratches around the Jornada logo including original packaging, docking station, cable, power supply unit, manual. Can't find the CD of active-sync software, but it should be downloadable from Microsoft (which I will organise), hence £250 delivered anywhere in the UK.
Netbook Docking Station in pristine condition. £35 delivered anywhere in the UK.
Garmin GPS2+ in pristine condition with non Garmin case & long Garmin to Psion lead, short Garmin to Psion lead, Garmin to 9 pin dsub lead, Garmin to bare wires lead, Honda to 9 pin dsub adaptor so that you can use garmin to psion lead with a PC, Garmin to Psion and cigar lighter lead, manuals and batteries. £70 delivered anywhere in the UK.
In car holder for the Psion 5/mx or MC218. Steel tray with steel flexible shaft and coupling at end to screw to side of centre console or elsewhere. This is extremely robust and will outlive your car! £40 delivered anywhere in the UK.
PalmTec hard case (blue) for Revo/Mako & steel stylus. £15 delivered anywhere in the UK.
Sony MicroVault 32mb USB driverless storage media some scratches, (USB keyring without the keyring) original packaging. £30 delivered anywhere in the UK.
GIrBIL IR adaptor and Win95/98 installation disk. £20 delivered anywhere in the UK.
Oregon Scientific Radio Projection Clock. Tunes into the Rugby transmitter and can project time onto ceiling in a dark room. Mains PSU and batteries included. Brand new unused. £20 delivered anywhere in the UK.
Jessops USB CF reader with installation CD and USB lead in original packaging. £15 delivered anywhere in the UK.
Zio USB CF reader with installation CD and USB lead. £15 delivered anywhere in the UK.
Camera Connect Parallel Port Card Reader. Reads CF ATA-CF and SM cards. Pass-thru parallel port is powered from PS2 or 5 pin DIN keyboards. Includes Win95/98/NT installation disk £10 delivered anywhere in the UK.
I don't know whether the following would be of any use to anyone out there. I have three parallel auto printer switch boxes.
One is a Dakota AS152P 3 way non-powered parallel auto switch. No drivers, although I am not sure if it came with any. The unit is untested, but did work 3 years ago. £10 including delivery anywhere in the UK.
Next is a Belkin Bitronics 3 way auto switch FIU125. Again no drivers, but I think that these and a manual are downloadable from the web. Drivers were only used in a 2 printer to 1 PC configuration if memory serves me correctly. The unit is untested, but did work 2 years ago. £10 including delivery anywhere in the UK.
Lastly is a 4 way auto switch, manufacturer unknown with no drivers. The unit is untested, but did work 2 years ago. £10 including delivery anywhere in the UK.
First come first served on all items, and all offered so cheap you will know not to bother making me an offer. What you don't buy goes on Ebay.
Thanks a lot
Andy Hayes
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 22:10:36 +0000
From: "Gordon Love"
Subject: Re: Culture in non-humans
On 27 Mar 2003, at 18:41, Epoc Digest wrote:
> to say that various types of monkeys have their own culture I think is a > little far-fetched. Eliphants also live in groups and surely have the same > struggle for leadership and rights and wrongs, but culture?
In the case of var. chimpanzee groups, and of African forest
elephants, it is not far-fetched to talk of culture.
No-one is claiming they paint representational artworks on cave-
walls, but they do pass down knowledge and ways of living the
means of forebears teaching their descendants. One of the best
examples is the onward transmission of particular forms of tool
manufacture and use in certain chimpanzee groups.
Culture is not restricted in meaning to opera and impressionist art.
Cheers,
Euathis).sf.(antispam.)net
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 22:40:28 +0000
From: Christopher Marwood
Subject: Re: losing all data
Andrew Longdon protested at loss of data on battery change... Been there, done that and its a hell of a shock. its caused by less than perfect connection between the backup battery and its contacts. A contributor recently suggested wedging it in more firmly with a piece of card. Personally I never now change batteries without mains power plugged in.
All the best, Chris
*++++++++++&
Date: 27 Mar 2003 23:20:30 +0000
From: Kevin Thorne
Subject: mp3 on Psions
Reply to Saj,
<I don't actually plan to play the mp3 files on my netBook. Where did you get the program to play mp3 files on your psion? What psion are you using?
I can send you mp3 files by email if you want.>
I can't remember where I got the program but it's called EplayM and I'm using it on a S7. It has a very basic interface but it does work and you can float the control window anywhere on your screen, so you can use say Word whilst listening to your mp3s. The trouble is, without a PC, ripping them from one's CD collection is not possible.
Regards
Kevin Thorne
*++++++++++&
Date: 28 Mar 2003 00:24:57 +0000
From: Mark DEPPE
Subject: Re: Losing all data # 213 (6)
Andy <<<My question is, how could such an event occur - yes it makes sense to do regular backups, but why should simply changing the main batteries cause the RAM to be wiped clean?>>>
Now I have never done this or tested it, but I remember hearing somewhere once of this happening to someone and they put it down to putting the batteries in the wrong way round - it doesn't sound reasonable to me, I would think there would be a built in safety device to stop this, but thats what I heard. Another possibility is the backup battery meter is in error, try taking the battery out and testing it with a volt meter and post back. If you want to be extra safe in future - besides backing up first (I use backup by ralph sprenger http://www.psionwelt.de/ralphsprenger/, well worth the money) - you could plug it into the mains.
Kind regards
Mark
*++++++++++&
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