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Epoc Digest Wed, 17 Sep 2003 Volume 01 : Number 341
************************************************************************
Sent to: 790 subscribers
In today's Epoc Digest 24 messages:
==============================
- RE: Palm OS and Multitasking
- Re: Tuberoute
- Re: Palm OS multitasking
- Re: 5mx power problem. Message to Ian Chapple.
- Re: Apple ibook and Psion Series 5mx,
- VPN client
- Re: nB crash
- Re: 5mx - help required please?
- Palm OS and Multitasking
- Startup Screens
- Competition !!
- Re: 5mx - help required please?
- Palm multitasking, S5mx basics....
- Re: 5 mx help
- Re: hitting the 'Reply' button
- Replacements for Psion
- Seen on the internet
- Re: Not Very Clever Programming
- Re: Mystery crash
- Re: Sony's Hot Crossover PDA
- Re: Restoring too much
- Re: TubeRoute
- Indenting quoted emails
- Re: Mystery crash
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 12:24:43 +0000
From: Simon Wolf
Subject: RE: Palm OS and Multitasking
Michael,
The Palm OS is not multi-tasking (the upcoming Palm OS 6 is) but Palm applications save their state when you leave them and return to the application launcher so that when you next use the application it is as you left it. This does mean that you cannot just switch between applications and have to go via the application launcher (although I think that some third-party application switchers allow you to jump from one application directly to another). However, returning to the launcher and launching a new application and involve just two pen taps and isn't too taxing. As for switching speed, the newer Palm devices are very fast and launching applications is generally almost instant.
HTH
Simon Wolf
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 12:32:33 +0000
From: Messer Colin - cmesse
Subject: Re: Tuberoute
Chris S Handley wrote on Sat, 13 Sep 2003 07:43:16 +0000
> Do you mean the Glasgow Circle line, which is just 15 stations in a circle? :-)
That's the one.
> The Circle line, with some additional bus routes, might start to be
> useful, and prompt other people to extend it further - if you gave me it...
An excellent idea, but I am unfamiliar with those services.
How had you intended to manage adding to the database? Mine now includes the tramway (now located on the London Connections map), stations on the Windsor and Eaton Riverside service, a few buses and assorted comments.
Astrid Stappenbeck wrote at 12 Sep 2003 22:52:39 +0000 in EPOC DIGEST V1 # 338
> Chris wrote:
> >> Users are free (and encouraged!) to make their> own database & map for their own countries,> although sadly no-one has sent me any yet... <<> Scotland's complete underground system? Are we> talking here about the Clockwork Orange? Then at> least I am really impressed - how did you manage> this this gigantic project all on your own? ;-)> Astrid
I'm not a project manager for nothing.
I worked in Glasgow for six months, and after an evening on "heavy" trying to keep up with the Glaswegians the Clockwork Orange could get me home.
OK. So my example is small and rather pointless as a navigation aid, but it did prove the concept. I could take a map, build the database, locate the entries on the map and determine routes.
Regards
Colin Messer
Twickenham
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 12:44:40 +0000
From: michael robins
Subject: Re: Palm OS multitasking
Michael asked...
Can anybody tell me, if PalmOS is a multitaskign operating system or not?
Short answer NO
The Palm is multiswitching - so you can switch (move) between tasks easily and intuitively but it does not multitask like a Psion does. As I understand it, the Palm has memory set aside which it uses to hold the state of each 'active' task. so if you start program A and then 'switch' to program B you can come back to where you were in Program A.
Multitasking is one of the great things about Psions....
amongst many other great things about Psions ... all down the drain... but I won't get there cos we all have said it already !
and it is too drepressing to think how Psion lost its way.
MikeR
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 13:40:19 +0000
From: jgthomson
Subject: Re: 5mx power problem. Message to Ian Chapple.
My 5mx shows power to the machine when plugged into the mains, but the computer will not switch on.  Neither will it switch on on battery power (yes - all batteries have been replaced). I've had this happen 2 or 3 times on my 5mx, and on all occasions, a soft reset was enough to get things working again. I've no idea what the problem is; I thought it might be do with the switch which detects if the 5mx is open or not, but if so, I'm not sure why a soft reset would help.
Thanks Ian - this did indeed solve the problem.
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 14:55:36 +0000
From: Aleck Cartwright
Subject: Re: Apple ibook and Psion Series 5mx,
Psion and Apple ibook:
I own a Series 5mx and an ibook. They are both very stable and I
transfer all files via compact flash cards from my ibook to the 5mx via
a card reader.
I work as a journalist and graphic designer and find that this
combination and connection is more than suitable for the huge files
that need to be transfered across.
This combination is awesome if you want to transfer loads of pdf's or
similar files. I find it much more stable and no longer use Psiwin at
all, it is not missed! It is also in my opinion a very good and stable
environment to use for PDA and design needs. I create websites, do
video and print design, so use the mac for this, I do research for
articles and travel with my 5mx which is my other workhorse. They are
both great machines and well suited to my needs.
Both of them are "instant on" and have their own unique strengths.
I used to use windows and when I changed to a Mac, I was worried that
it would make my Psions obsolete. Since I have a Series 5mx, compact
flash was the way forward. Of course my Diamond Mako is not so easy to
accomodate now though. (I couldn't bear to send all my research over by
email to my Revo).
If anyone is interested in the Diamond Mako (Psion Revo+) please let me
know, it comes with a blue hard shell case and docking cradle, power
cable, manuals etc. I am looking to get £150 or similar for the lot.
The machine is in pristine condition. Let me know if you are
interested, or else I will sell it on ebay.
I'm looking for a loving home for this psion, that's why I thought to
ask here, where I know ti will get the loving care it deserves!
Thanks,
Aleck
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 15:03:04 +0000
From: Daniele Squarci
Subject: VPN client
Hello group,
Is there a IPSEC VPN client available for the netBook so that I can connect to a corporate network?
Ciao
Daniele Squarci - Italy
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 16:39:00 +0000
From: Jack
Subject: Re: nB crash
Subject: Re: crash
Ealasaid and Simon wrote:-
> I'm also still slightly confused that the modem > could freeze the computers - is it really possible?
Owen wrote:-
>> Your e-mail problem sounds more like EPOC Email has gone batty, > something I have experienced a couple of times. I think it happens > if the line goes down at exactly the wrong moment whilst you're getting > your emails...........
>> I assume your Index file was corrupted, but the problem only occurred when it tried to use more than a certain number of records.>>
m.garrett wrote
>>>>Whist I agree with Owen on his method of rebuilding the Index file, I'm not fully convinced that a line drop or the number of records has caused Ealasaid and Simons problem in the first place.
My new netBook exhibits exactly the same problem - ie a total freeze in email when using the IR port to connect to my Internet service to send and receive emails. I have only 3 emails in my Inbox. I have connected about 5 times and it has hung twice. It also hangs when sending and receiving IR info from my 5MX. I have used the IR port on my 5MX to connect to my Siemens 35i all over the World without any problems at all.
I'm beginning to suspect some netBooks have a somewhat iffy IR
port?<<<<<<
RE
I suggested an (antivirus?) modification from the ISP side (not from a nB modification), because this crash is new and happens via (cable or Ir) RTC as well as with a mobile connection.
Only some ISP "provide" the new crashe; ie in France : Wanadoo and Free. Any modem works perfectly well with any other ISP.
Irritating isn't?
Jack
Our beasts crash but remain virus free ;-)
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 18:14:41 +0000
From: Arne Christensen
Subject: Re: 5mx - help required please?
Anne Parry asks:
>> This is probably very basic but any help would be appreciated. I have just been given a 5mx, but without any instructions, CD, charging unit or a PC connector. I realise the power cable from my Series 7 is the wrong size. However, can I use the S7 cable that links to the PC, with the 5mx and use the CD that came with the S7 to install and back up information/programmes? <<
Yep, it's all the same.
>> Also I tried sending my agenda from the S7 to the 5mx by IR, but it told me I couldn't do this, although I know I can send back and forth from a Revo. Does anyone know if I can send information from one to another? <<
It should work, I think, but try instead to copy from your S7 to a PC with the cable and software, then (using the same cable and software) to copy from the PC to the 5mx.
-- Arne Christensen
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 18:16:00 +0000
From: Jim Watson-Gove
Subject: Palm OS and Multitasking
<<one question is still unanswered: Is PalmOS 5.2 (which is the version that comes with the Sony) a multitasking OS or not? My 5MX handles about 15 open applications at a time and as you all know it is really easy and fast to switch between them...>>
No. You have to go to the top of the line Tungston with the new OS and hardware for multitasking.
The best my Treo will do is allow me to leave Snappermail without closing the app and open Wordsmith to paste info back and forth. A real PITA.
The good news is that Palm continues to evolve the way Psion used to.
<<By next year or 2005 we will no doubt have PDA's with Psion 5 type keyboards and we will all be saying.sorry but were we not here 5 years ago..>>
I don't think it will happen that soon but I agree that there is a Psion like clamshell unit with decent keyboard at around $500 in our future.
Watching an old Hercule Periot last night I found myself wondering what the difference is between a pound and a quid, between a pence an a farthing.
Jim Watson-Gove
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 20:43:49 +0000
From: Andy Hayes
Subject: Startup Screens
Hi All
Not wanting to be left out of the start-up screen conversation, here's mine: -
************PsiSecure v2.1************
Name: Andy Hayes
Home Tel: 01595 999999
Mobile: 07776 999999
Address: 7 Some Street
Lerwick
ZE99 9ZZ
Reward for the return of this netBook
*****Password Retaining Software*****
This was an idea that someone had a while ago. The fear was that after having the Psion stolen the thief, by removing the batteries, would reset the Psion and everything would be theirs. The only thing that they would have lost was the data. The start screen might put them off. A bit weak I know, but it would have to be worth a go. Of course if they were just to remove the batteries on the netBook that would be stuffed without the OS.IMG
I carry that on a CF, but it is zipped up - doh! Note to self - sort out the OS.IMG conundrum!
My son has no password set on his 7. Instead he has an OPL file named ATM Pin Numbers. I decided to run this one day when he was out of the room to get his Pin numbers and then present him with them and tell him the error of his ways. On starting the file a message flashes up to say that the tracking beacon has been activated and then another message announces that within moments someone will be around to whip my sorry (part of anatomy at the back below waist!) if I don't return it immediately. He was only 12 at the time. I have no idea where he gets his intelligence from. It certainly can't be his Mum!
Just nipping out to look for a PsiTrackingBeacon!
Andy Hayes
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 20:51:12 +0000
From: m.garrett
Subject: Competition !!
Buzzjazz wrote:
> Hey Malcolm!
> Did you say that POS told you that flexing the cable (opening and closing > the 5) would cause it to HARDEN, or otherwise become brittle, and
> BREAK? Seems odd.
POS have stated that flexing the cable (by opening and closing the case) breaks it and leaving the unit open continuously will harden the plastic around the cable, causing it to break. No win here for anyone.................
So, onto more fun things - a little competition in three categories.
Cat-1) Which one of us has spent the most money on Psion repairs?
Cat-2) Which one of us has had his Psion in for the most screen cable fixes?
Cat-3) Which one us has had the most Psion repairs in the shortest time?
I currently hold the World record in all three categories.
Cat-1) £160 with POS
Cat-2) Twice on a 5MX
Cat-3) 2 repairs in 18 months
Ok gang - beat that!
Kind Regards,
Malcolm ;o)
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 21:16:00 +0000
From: David Steer \(Plus\)
Subject: Re: 5mx - help required please?
Anne,
Psiwin on the CD and the cable are all compatible with both the Series 7 and the 5mx. IN fact both machines run exactly the same operating system. The only difference is that the Series 7 has e-mail and Web built in where the 5mx comes with only e-mail built in. You may need to get Web separately - or Opera even.
I have both machines and have been able to send via infrared between them with no problems. Do you have plBeam installed on the Series 7? If you do then this might effect the transfer as it uses a different protocol from the 'normal' EPOC IR. If you can't do this via the IR then try either with swapping CF cards and using the c drive to store the agenda or copying to a PC and then back again via the serial cable.
Regards
David Steer, London
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 22:00:34 +0000
From: Trygve Henriksen
Subject: Palm multitasking, S5mx basics....
Greetings!
Michael Asteriou wrote:
> Can anybody tell me, if PalmOS is a multitaskign operating system or not?
Define 'multitasking'...
Palm OS is multitasking in that sense that it allows OS related sub-processes to run at the same time as your program, but the versions I've tried (Up to V4.1 on my Zire) didn't let two USER programs run at the same time.
It may look like it, but the background processes are inactive, and won't be activated again until the program is called to the foreground, or is told to close down.
(On Palm, a program is never closed by the user, just pushed to the background. Only if the system runs low on RAM does it force a program to close. The program then saves its state and exits, so that it can reopen at the place it left off.)
In fact, the only REAL improvement it has over my 1988 vintage Z88(8bit laptop) is the ability to automatically close applications in the background...
> My 5MX handles about 15 open applications at a time and as you all
> know it is really easy and fast to switch between them...
It IS possible to keep 15 tasks in the Palm at one time, but...
Those must be 15 different APPLICATIONS because the OS doesn't allow you to run two instances of a single program at the same time. (Like two Data files, or two spreadsheets)
Maybe V5.0 can handle it, but I don't own any V5.0 machines(yet) so can't say.
---
Anne Parry wrote:
> This is probably very basic but any help would be appreciated. I have
> just been given a 5mx, but without any instructions, CD, charging unit
> or a PC connector. I realise the power cable from my Series 7 is the
> wrong size. However, can I use the S7 cable that links to the PC, with
> the 5mx and use the CD that came with the S7 to install and back up
> information/programmes?
The 'Psiwin' cable that came with your S7 is the same as for the S5mx, and incidentally, the S5, S3c, S3mx and Siena machines..
Yes, the version of PsiWin that's on the CD will work.
(Note: V2.33 is downloadable from Psion's website)
The S5mx' power requirement is 6V with a 'stabilised PSU' that can deliver at least 500mA.
The PSU for a Revo would be just about perfect...
Not that you need one since the S5mx can use alkalines or whatever rechargeables you want. (I recommend Ni-mh, and keeping an extra pair in the charger until you need it)
No, it won't recharge the batteries in the machine.
(At least it's not DESIGNED to do that. )
> Also I tried sending my agenda from the S7 to the 5mx by IR, but it
> told me I couldn't do this, although I know I can send back and forth
> from a Revo. Does anyone know if I can send information from one to
> another?
Was the S5mx' serial port free?
The S5mx only have one HW circuit to tackle both the RS232 port and the IRDa port, so if the Link is active, the IRDa port isn't.
(The S77 and netBook have separate HW circuits for the IRDa and RS232 ports)
Since the machines run the same version of the OS you should be able to beam back and forth just about anything.
---
:-)
Trygve
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 22:13:32 +0000
From: Anthony Napier
Subject: Re: 5 mx help
Anne
Yes you should be able to use the same PC to psion cable as for the S7. I presume the CD you refer to is the psi win CD? If so it is the same. As regards ir beaming across your agenda, this should be possible between all the machines, Revo, 5MX and S7 so I do not see why this did not work. What was the message given?
I presume the agenda file on the sender was not open? You can of course use the compact flash disc to move the agenda file. There is also the synchronisation application "EpocSynch" which will place the latest version of a file on the connected machine by ir.
Tony
*++++++++++&
Date: 16 Sep 2003 23:26:10 +0000
From: Alan Morris
Subject: Re: hitting the 'Reply' button
Astrid Stappenbeck wrote:-
<< I would rather have it that all contributers to this digest went through the little trouble of editing their messages and were not just hitting the 'Reply' button and thereby quoting a lot of irrelevant stuff - and taking up lots of space. >>
I'm with you on this Astrid, however, fortunately this digest is probably the best that I've seen for editing. Maybe because Psion folk are a bit more responsible in the way they post. I've stopped reading many digests because I've not got the time to wade through quoted messages often 5 or 6 deep complete with all the Yahoo junk that's missing here.
--
Alan R Morris, G4ENS.
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK.
Using a Psion 7 & Nokia 6210e.
*++++++++++&
Date: 17 Sep 2003 03:59:09 +0000
From: Gary Y Reyes
Subject: Replacements for Psion
>Date: 15 Sep 2003 13:55:15 +0000
>From: Gary Jenkinson >Subject: Reply to Itmar & Owen re Owner Information >
>I said previously, and I still do, I am only looking for a simple machine >that could handle my agenda entries and contacts details because that's all >I ended up using my netBook for.
Gary,
I ran through the same exercise a year ago when my Revo started to fail because of the batteries. While I really liked the functionality of the Series 5 and Revo, when looking for a replacement, I asked myself the same questions you probably did.
My needs are mostly agenda, contacts and SMS. A Palm form-factor did it for me because it is small and fits in my small pants pocket. But I miss the keyboard of the Psion during times when I need to take notes at seminars. With even just the Revo, my two thumbs captured a very good amount of the talks at seminars.
Gary
*++++++++++&
Date: 17 Sep 2003 09:15:20 +0000
From: Timothy H.D. Williams
Subject: Seen on the internet
I don't speak German and therefore have used the Systran translation
service:
> Essential special Tool for the engaged Revo nut runner
>
>
> Corrosion resistant the tool manufactured from a special alloy
> captivates by its flexible handling
>
>
> its both pointed ends bore themselves also into the smallest
> Revo Resetloch and release almost orgastische feelings with their
> small psi on buddy
>
>
> in the common trade it is also often falsely driven out under
> the article name "paper clip"
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Price: EUR 0.00
The original text - and photo - are available at
http://www.pulster.de/index.htm?revo.htm
Best
T
*++++++++++&
Date: 17 Sep 2003 09:38:25 +0000
From: Chris S Handley
Subject: Re: Not Very Clever Programming
Andy,
> I wonder what Chris Handley's Clipboard History program will
> be like! Don't answer the question Chris, just get on with
> writing it <BG>!
Although not the easiest program to install (any suggestions welcome!), you can now get the first version from www.freepoc.org . There is a screenshot to give you some idea what to expect.
---
Chris Handley
*++++++++++&
Date: 17 Sep 2003 09:38:27 +0000
From: Chris S Handley
Subject: Re: Mystery crash
Hi
>> A mystery affliction has gripped our 2 psions at the same
>> time, my 5mx and my wife's netbook. Both have taken to
>> completely freezing whilst connected to the internet...
>
> Re: Same intriguing affliction stroke since 2 weeks some of
> my psionnists friends while and every time they try to
> download emails or web pages.
I didn't believe it myself, but in the last week or two, I have also had such problems (freezes from ALL internet apps, I believe due to the modem hanging the Psion), as people on last weeks EpocChat will attest (I eventually had to give up & use a Windows machine for chatting).
Yesterday I did a complete hard reset, and reseated the RAM/ROM modules on my Netbook. Very early signs are that *may* have fixed it, but...
I find it difficult to believe that other people's experiences are related, but the timing does seem strange. Could it be a program we all used? Hopefully not one of mine!
BTW, I am using BT Openworld (56K) in the UK. I doubt it is antivirus, but maybe they changed their ISP software?
BTW #2, it is not the modem, because I tried 3 different models. And a soft reset.
---
Chris Handley
>
> It took me some hard time to understand that : It happened only with a
> specific ISProvider and only with ER5 machines.
>
> Might be some kind of new antivirus ISP procedure that our
> beloved machines dislike. So nowadays, even psion don't
> liberates us from (anti)viruses ;-) Jack
*++++++++++&
Date: 17 Sep 2003 09:38:29 +0000
From: Chris S Handley
Subject: Re: Sony's Hot Crossover PDA
All,
Does this list have any policy regarding massive verbatim postings of existing web content? Because it does not feel appropriate that "J" should make a 2 page post that is simply a cut & paste from some review.
If "J" had written of his own experiences, that would be very different. But otherwise I do not feel it is really appropriate, and that a web link (URL) & maybe a short summary is what should have been posted.
---
Chris Handley
> Date: 13 Sep 2003 08:40:11 +0000
> From: J
>
> Hi
>
> Pls find below that latest on the Sony Clié PEG-UX50 also see
> "Stuff and T3 Mags" for mini preview.
<snip>
*++++++++++&
Date: 17 Sep 2003 09:41:31 +0000
From: Chris S Handley
Subject: Re: Restoring too much
Hello Philip,
> a. Restrict the number of archive folders created by PsiWin
> as more folders means more aged files
This doesn't sound like a satisfactory solution.
> b. Remove the main backed up folder to elsewhere on the PC's
> drive. The result is that the next back up will be a
> complete fresh one. The disadvantage is the time the back up
> will take, the advantage is that each back up is only of the
> latest state of the Psion file structure.
And neither does this.
I would suggest that a far better solution is to run a back-up program on the Psion itself. You would back-up to a compact flash (CF), and then use a CF card reader & some Windows back-up program to back-up the CF to your harddisk.
If people are avoiding back-ups on the Psion due to the cost of (decent) shareware solutions, then they might like to keep an eye on www.freepoc.org in October, for when my FastBackup program should be released. It is free, and so far the beta testers seem to think it is quite good, if slightly quirky :-)
Regards,
Chris Handley
*++++++++++&
Date: 17 Sep 2003 09:41:33 +0000
From: Chris S Handley
Subject: Re: TubeRoute
Hello Itamar,
> Maybe it would also help to give more
> specific instructions how to add maps and other details to
> your program ? [if I missed something and it has been done
> already, forgive me].
I am afraid you *did* miss quite a bit, as I spent quite some time writing an explanation of how to create a basic database, add a map, and improve it.
While not idiot proof, the process should have a reasonably shallow learning curve, so that IMHO anyone with some interest & Psion experience could do it. The main stumbling block is converting a JPG map to MBM format; if someone could explain how to do this using PsiWin, etc, that would greatly help. (I do not use PsiWin)
---
Chris Handley
*++++++++++&
Date: 17 Sep 2003 09:41:36 +0000
From: Chris S Handley
Subject: Indenting quoted emails
Hello all,
Given the variability of how people quote messages, I wondered if Digest members would like to use the Indenting macro I wrote for Psion Email?
I have been using it for a long time now (years), and it seems to work flawlessly. To use it, I just have my cursor inside the message body (i.e. this text!), open the Macro5 launch window, and tap on the indent button. I designed it to be as fast as possible in OPL, so it is only slow on really huge emails.
If there is interest, I'll post a web link for people to download it. All it requires is Macro5, which can be got from http://pnicolas.epocboulevard.com .
Regards,
Chris Handley
*++++++++++&
Date: 17 Sep 2003 09:41:38 +0000
From: Chris S Handley
Subject: Re: Mystery crash
Update to previous email:
> Yesterday I did a complete hard reset, and reseated the
> RAM/ROM modules on my Netbook. Very early signs are that
> *may* have fixed it, but...
Nope. This did not fix it :-(((((
So either it is a Psion software problem (somehow), or it is ISP related. Help!
---
Chris Handley
*++++++++++&
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