The Digest V1 # 595

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The Digest Wed, 15 Sep 2004 Volume 01 : Number 595

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Sent to: 759 subscribers

In today's digest 13 messages:

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- Re: JVC

- 9500 questions

- Re: any 9210(i) owners

- Re: P800

- Re: Crontab & Freenote

- Sony T610

- Nokia 9300,

- Jewish New Year

- Re.: Data Netbook > Nokia 9300?

- No, don't laugh, try an N-Gage

- RE: JVC Mini-Notebook

- RE Last Chance Saloon

- RE: The Digest V1 # 594

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 22:38:38 -0500

From: Alan Morris

Subject: Re: JVC

Itamar Engelsman wrote:-

> At Heathrow airport T4 I noticed at the Dixon's store a JVC

> small notebook hardly larger than the netBook. It has a full

> working windows system, 256 mb memory and 40 Gb harddisk. If

> someone is looking to replace the netBook with a small

> notebook and a smartphone this could be for you, however the

> price is steep, Gbp 1,399.-. I took a photo with my palm but

> can't read the details on it

Sounds like the MiniNote MP-XP731 Itamar.

1Ghz, 256Mb RAM, 40Gb HD, 8.9" TFT, external DVD-ROM combo, modem, 10/100 LAN, 802.11b, 1.1Kg, WXPP.

Also has a port replicator.

Another is the MP-XP5230.

933Mhz, 128Mb RAM, 20Gb HD, 8.9" TFT, external CD, modem, 10/100 LAN, 1.1Kg, WXPP.

Smartphone extra!

Alan R Morris, G4ENS.

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK.

Using a Psion netBook & Nokia 6210e.

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 21:21:18 -0500

From: Kevin Thorne

Subject: 9500 questions

I'm wondering just how easy will it be for me to make a Nokia 9500 connect to my Wi-Fi broadband modem? When I bought my laptop it was quite a job to get it to communicate with the modem and this is a modern Centrino running XP Home Edition! The setup looks quite easy in the 9500's control panel from the articles I have read on it.

Alas, Palmtop Money was never upgraded to run on any Communicator so I can't have it on a 9500 - simple as that. I did use RMR Bank but always found that slow (comprehensive though!) and also found it would test my original 9210's limited RAM to the limit! Obviously memory overheads won't be a problem on the new 9500 but I would guess it will always run slowly due to its programming? I've used RMR Bank on my S7 in the past (133Mhz processor and over 20Mb of free RAM in which to work in) and even on that it runs like treacle. I know of many finance programs (and tried most of them) but Money has always been way out in front for me due to its simplicity, sheer functionality and impressive speed.

I've never seen any mention of printers supported by the 9500. Are they still as bad as on the older Communicators or can the new one print directly to a decent range of printers at last?

Such a shame that most mobile PAYG operators don't allow fax or data. If I get a 9500 and slip in my Orange PAYG SIM I'll be able to text with it but not pick up my email on the move. At home this presumably won't be an issue if it can connect via Wi-Fi to a WLAN network but it would be great if I could go anywhere with it and use my mobile provider to send/receive the occasional email.

Finally, I can't wait for a member of The Digest to get hold of one so we can bombard him or her with a mass of questions :-) There are quite a few articles now available but you can't beat an actual user's experience in my opinion!

Regards

Kevin Thorne

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 19:19:01 -0500

From: Mike Dyer

Subject: Re: any 9210(i) owners

>Date: 14 Sep 2004 08:21:01 -0500

>From: Jack

>Subject: Re: any 9210(i) owners; Re: Palm & Phone Replacement (2 Mike) >To: Mike Dyer,

>Re:

>On any Epoc\ Email\ Folder\Local(mailbox(es)\

>one can create Directory(ies)... even if this can mess up the Index filling.

Yes but UIQ is so locked down the email application will not recognise them :o(

>To: Mike again,

>Re:

>Have a 5 or a revo

I have a Revo, yes it can do the folder thing but the touchscreen is erratic, the batteries die if any load is put upon them, and I cannot see the screen unless there is bright light avaliable.

Come on Kevin, tell me what you know of the 9210 email application, didn't Steve Litchfield have one too ;o)

Regards,

Mike Dyer.

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 19:11:30 -0500

From: Mike Dyer

Subject: Re: P800

>From: Itamar Engelsman

>Subject: P800

>Answer to: Mike Dyer

>Re. P800 - Thanks for your further comments. What do you mean with "flip closed" ? And what >program is "Active Desk" ?

Regarding 'flip closed' , literally when the phone keypad is closed against the screen it's visible dimensions are halved. However most of the major applications are still accessable and modify their interface for the now smaller screen and phone keypad buttons.

Regarding 'Active Desk' this is a wonderful program that kicks in automatically when you open the flip on a p800/900/910 and gives you a today screen showing all your appointments, tasks, and messages for the day. www.cibenix.com

Regards,

Mike Dyer.

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 17:47:23 -0500

From: Chris S Handley

Subject: Re: Crontab & Freenote

Itamar Engelsman wrote:

> I just wonder, is there really a difference between asking Crontab

> to open the application or asking Crontab to start a macro

> that does "FgApp%:("D:\System\Apps\FreeNote\FreeNote.app")"

> if the application is already open ?

With the unpatched Crontab, the answer is no difference. With my patched version of Crontab, the answer is yes - because it explicitly waits for opened application to quit.

Ah, I see, I ought to modify Crontab to *not* wait for the opened app to quit, if it was already running in the first place. That would avoid the (ugly) need for having two options for opening an app. I'll see what I can do!

Since I don't use CronTab myself (!), it definitely helps to get feedback about how well the patched version works :)

Regards,

Chris Handley

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 14:02:28 -0500

From: Hoffman, Susan

Subject: Sony T610

Does anyone know if the Sony T610 uses EPOC? It comes with an unidentified synch program for Outlook. I'd like to synch with my Psion 5mx, if possible. It talks about using a cable to synch with a PC, but doesn't say anything about what kind of cable.

Susan Katz Hoffman

Pepper Hamilton LLP--------------

3000 Two Logan Square

18th & Arch Streets

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Tel: 215-981-4990

Fax: 215-827-5909

e-mail: hoffmans

web address: www.pepperlaw.com

This email is for the use of the intended recipient(s) only. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and then delete it. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not keep, use, disclose, copy or distribute this email without the author's prior permission. We have taken precautions to minimize the risk of transmitting software viruses, but we advise you to carry out your own virus checks on any attachment to this message. We cannot accept liability for any loss or damage caused by software viruses. The information contained in this communication may be confidential and may be subject to the attorney-client privilege. If you are the intended recipient and you do not wish to receive similar electronic messages from us in future then please respond to the sender to this effect.

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 13:17:46 -0500

From: Itamar Engelsman

Subject: Nokia 9300,

Answer to: Thomas

Re.: Nokia 9300 - Somehow I still can't see how a Nokia 9300 or 9500 would replace my mBook. My spreadsheets would be almost unreadable on the smaller screens and the typing would be a lot slower than my 8 finger typing on the mB (no, I do have 10 fingers, just don't use them all to type <G>).

Best regards,

Itamar Engelsman

London, UK

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 13:17:46 -0500

From: Itamar Engelsman

Subject: Jewish New Year

I would like to wish all the Jewish subscribers to the digest a very happy New Year and wish you all a healthy and happy new year.

Best regards,

Itamar Engelsman

London, UK

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 11:37:53 -0500

From: Marcus von Cube

Subject: Re.: Data Netbook > Nokia 9300?

Itamar & Anders,

>Your contacts appears to be the biggest problem as the netBook can only export one contact at a time and you would have to beam over each one separately

This can be overcome because the netBook can *export* the complete contacts database as a file. This file must then be imported by the other device, either as a file or via infrared. The latter needs plBeam or CBeam on the netBook.

Marcus

http://www.mvcsys.de

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 08:36:00 -0500

From: Steve Litchfield

Subject: No, don't laugh, try an N-Gage

A bit of a quirky suggestion, this, but Psion owners could do worse than try a Nokia N-Gage plus Bluetooth keyboard. I've had one to play with recently and it's quite cute.

For anyone interested, I've put up an article on 3-Lib looking at it from a 'serious user' point of view. See http://3lib.ukonline.co.uk/ngage.htm

It won't replace my P900, let alone the upcoming 9300, but it's a surprisingly useful backup. ____________________________________________________________________

Steve Litchfield, 3-Lib, http://3lib.ukonline.co.uk/

Software and features for Psion/Symbian handhelds and smartphones

Also PocketInfo, useful files - http://3lib.ukonline.co.uk/pocketinfo Journalism: sub-editor and/or senior contributor to:

Palmtop User - http://www.palmtop.co.uk/

PDA Essentials - http://www.paragon.co.uk/mags/pdaessentials.html

PC Basics - http://www.paragon.co.uk/mags/pcbasics.html

Reviews editor, AllAboutSymbian - http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 08:11:16 -0500

From: Gary Jenkinson

Subject: RE: JVC Mini-Notebook

>Date: 12 Sep 2004 20:05:03 +0000

>From: Itamar Engelsman

>Subject: JVC

>At Heathrow airport T4 I noticed at the Dixon's store a JVC small >notebook

hardly larger than the netBook.

>Date: 14 Sep 2004 18:29:26 -0500

>From: Mike Dyer

>Subject: Re: JVC

>Oh yes, the JVC MININOTE, a cute bit of kit I've often admired myself as a

potential Libretto replacement. Alas they have lost the plot with the latest

version imho as they have added an internal optical drive at the expense of

making the battery external (doh)

I have been using a JVC MP-XP7230 Mini-Notebook for a year now as a netBook

replacement. I use WinXP Pro and Office 2003, and apart from the usual

Micro$haft grumbles, the size and format have proved to be an excellent

netBook replacement. No longer do I have any programme compatibility

problems, this being the main reason for changing. I have an ad hoc network

set up between this and my main desktop replacement laptop (Dell Inspiron

8200) and wirelessly synchronise my documents and information between the

two when I get home from University. The size is excellent for taking down

lecture notes and with an extended battery, plus a spare, I can work all day

on battery power alone. Lecture graphics proved to be a problem for a while,

but I have overcome this with the use of a Seiko Ink-Note pen.

The JVC has gone through a number of changes, these are;

MP-XP7210/5210 - 1st version

MP-XP7230/5230 - 2nd version

MP-XP731 - 3rd version

MP-XV841 - 4th (latest) version

- http://www.jvc.co.uk/product.php?id=MP-XP&eshop=&catid=100035

Personally, I'd recommend the 7230 model as there is very little difference

between this model and the 731 unless you need and want to pay the extra for

another 10GB of HDD space and a slightly faster Centrino processor.

I have upgraded the external CD drive with a Panasonic KXL-CB35AN DVD/CD-RW

one. It has a unique feature in that it can draw its power from the USB

cable alone. This genuinely makes it a mobile drive as you can use the drive

without the need for external mains power which all other external drives

need to work. Admittedly, the speeds are reduced on USB power alone, but for

those road warriors, or any others that mains power isn't an option, then

this is a real viable alternative. The drive is only available to the

Japanese domestic market, so I bought it from Brett at conics.net. He is an

Aussie living in Japan who specialises in supplying Japanese market

products. He could also supply a JVC Mini-Note if you want to buy one. I

bought my JVC from Hugh Symons in the UK, who proved to be competitive on

price and were particularly helpful with sourcing accessories and spares for

me. Please note if you buy from conics.net you will have to factor in the

cost of VAT and import duties as anything you buy will be coming from

outside the EU.

Panasonic KXL-CB35AN

- http://conics.net/shp/laptop/Panasonic-R2/KXL-CB35AN.html

However,........I wouldn’t recommend any type of JVC Mini-Notebook to the

Digest because the after-sales and technical support in the UK is absolutely

appalling, and its no good complaining because the Customer Services

Department and UK Product Manager just ignores your correspondence!!! Their

after sales and technical support is THE VERY WORST I HAVE EVER COME ACROSS.

BE WARNED!!

I would however recommend the Fujitsu P1120 because it appears to have

almost the same spec. and format as the JVC, but has the major advantage of

having a touch-sensitive screen and a better keyboard. Not only this, it is

only $1,199 to buy which when I compared it with the JVC's cost - after I'd

bought the JVC of course :¬(( - it was $600 cheaper. There is a really good

review on this model on the FoxPop website by Laurie Kern if you are

interested.

Fujitsu P1120

- http://webshop.fujitsupc.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=P1

However, this is not a product available to the European market, so you'll

have to either wait until you go to the States on holiday or try the

following supplier who specialises in supplying products not normally

available to the UK market. They are occasionally available on eBay.

j-note.com

- http://www.j-note.com

Please note I have no financial, or any other, interest in any of the

manufacturers or suppliers I've mentioned in this article.

As a hand-held I have gone back to using a 5mx having tried out a Dell Axim

X5 despite it having s colour screen, WiFi and Bluetooth, and all the other

goodies that I hear some on the Digest saying are indispensable. Believe me

when it comes to inputting on the fly, and having to peer at the very small

screen for any length of time, these indispensable features are not that

important at the end of the day.

As for a mobile phone I use a quad-band Motorola V600 and with this I

believe I have arrived at my ideal ICT configuration needs.

Feel free to contact me on, or off Digest if you want any further specific

info on any of the bits of kit I've mentioned.

Regards,

Gary Jenkinson

email: garyjenkinson AT email DOT com

Tel/Fax/Ansaphone: +44 (0) 2476 361242

Mobile: +44 (0) 7771 635764

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 07:38:19 -0500

From: Jack

Subject: RE Last Chance Saloon

Yep

I tried ordering 2 revos on the Carphonewarehouse site http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/commerce/servlet/gben-newclearance-Details?itemID=MAIN.UK.INTERNET.CLEAR2.ITEMS.PSIREVOPLUSPDA (clear out of old stock of Revos for £40)

But they don't accept checkout from outside UK!

Would some nice UK psioner around here accept to order these 2 Revos for

me ?

Thanks in advance.

Jack

"Epoc for(ever)... as long as the batteries last"

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

Date: 15 Sep 2004 06:36:13 -0500

From: Wajira Perera

Subject: RE: The Digest V1 # 594

To Mike Dyer

>Hi, I know there are issues with the SE pc suite and windows 98 1st edition, if you have the 2nd Edition (SE) things should work okay.

>The earliest versions of pc suite didn't even support windows earlier than ME, but I've had no problems with win 98SE.

>Regards,

>Mike Dyer.

Thanks. I am also interested in knowing if synching is a 'one button' process, as in the case of Palm machines. Or do you have to go through a lot of steps as the old Psions did?