- Panasonic Toughbook going cheap in UK (a Netbook alternative)

- Re: Panasonic Toughbook going cheap in UK (a Netbook alternative)

- Re: Loose 5mx keyboard

- Advantage 7501

- Loose keyboard The Digest V1 # 1188 (1)

- RE: Asus eee PC

- RE: Asus eee PC

- FW: US mapping site! HELP!!!

- FW: # 1184 mapping

- Loose keyboard

- another map site :(

- Re: Asus EEE PC

Date: 2 Feb 2008 10:33:52 +0100
From: Chris Handley
Subject: Panasonic Toughbook going cheap in UK (a Netbook alternative)

Hello all,

As the Panasonic Toughbook CF-T5 is a strong contender for a Netbook
replacement (albeit running Windows XP), with a proper touch screen
(fingers work!), barely larger than the Netbook, semi-ruggedised (even
withstanding water on the keyboard!), silent (no fans or airvents),
and a humongous battery life (10 to 14 hours if you do not play
games/etc), I thought that those in the UK might like to know that it
is going very cheap at the moment from (of all places) Woolworths
online:
http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/product/index.jsp?pid=50937104
Price is £1200 + £5 delivery, which is far less than the £1500 you
find most other places online, and far far less than the approximately
£1800 price that it was originally released at.

It's about to be discountinued in favour of the CF-T7, which has
significantly WORSE battery life (10hrs not 14hrs, i.e. only 70% as
long), weighs less (1.25kg not 1.5kg, due to a to a smaller battery),
takes higher falls (75cm not 30cm), has 1 more USB port (3 not 2),
larger HD (80GB not 60GB), faster processor (dual core not single
core), better 3D gfx chipset, more memory (1GB not 0.5GB, but both can
be expanded), and comes with Vista not XP.  Oh, and the T5 can run
Linux (e.g. Ubuntu), but the T7 may not (at least for a while).

As I've been eyeing the CF-T5 for about a year, I decided to take the
plunge on buying it, because although it generally slightly worse than
the T7 (which is not out quite yet), it has much better battery life,
something which I place very highly after (a) owning a Netbook (5 to 6
hours battery life), and (b) being stuck with a Tablet PC who's
battery only lasted 1 hour after I'd had it for a while (even after
replacing the battery, strangely).

I've only had my CF-T5 for a day, but so far I'm extremely impressed
by it, and am very glad I bought it:

Unsleeping it is virtually instant (and might feasibly be left like
that all day, we will see), unhibernating it takes about 25 seconds,
which is fast for Windows, while booting from scratch is also veeery
fast (not timed it yet).

I was worried that the non-TabletPC-style touch screen would be a
problem, since Windows  was designed assuming the mouse could hover
without clicking (and that right clicking was as easy as left
clicking), but so far it seems that this is only a minor annoyance, as
you very rarely really need to either hover or right click, and their
are work-arounds for both.  (It comes with a taskbar icon that
converts a tap into a right click, while hovering tends to work even
if you drag from an area of the screen that isn't clickable, and right
clicking was always a real pain anyway on the Tablet PC.)

Battery life is (of course) stunning - I haven't timed it yet, but
with all the power-saving measures enabled (inc dimming the screen &
one option in the BIOS) it is definitely going to reach 10 hours (and
maybe 14), and it still seems fast (so the speed of the CF-T7 would
just be wasted and/or burn the battery life).  Worth mentioning that
it has a mode for increasing how many charges the battery takes before
it deteriorates, by only charging it to 80% full, which I will be
using.

Size is slightly too much larger than the Netbook to use cases
designed for it, but is very close to my old Acer TC102 Tablet PC.
The (unscrewable) handstrap (which doubles as a stand for easier
typing) does add significant extra thickness, so I may remove that if
I don't find a need for holding the CF-T5 (rotated by 90 degrees) in
one hand & using the other to touch the screen.

Annoyingly there is no place to put the pen/stylus, but the provided
pen comes with a pocket clip (like some normal pens), and you can use
your finger (or nail) if careful.

No CD/DVD drive of course, and more annoying is not provided with an
external USB drive, so you'll need to spend £60+ on one yourself.  I
recommend the free downloadable version of Alcohol 52% for CD/DVD-ROM
emulation, which worked very well on my old CD-ROM-less Tablet PC.

With the battery pack removed, the CF-T5 is almost weightless (!), so
something like 95% of it's weight is due to the large battery, hence
it's awesome battery life.  Sound is mono but quite loud.  Opening the
laptop lid unhibernates/unsleeps it automatically (kind of like the
Netbook).  Keyboard is much better than my old cramped TabletPC, close
to the Netbook's overall (better in some ways IMHO).  Somehow the
touchscreen feels slightly "squishy" which is good because you know
you've touched it.  BIOS supports locking the HD with a password, like
my old Acer TabletPC, which is good for security.

Can't think of anything else to say at the moment, but I will try to
post an update on my experiences with it, once I've had it for longer.
--
Chris Handley

Date: 2 Feb 2008 10:47:47 +0100
From: Chris Handley
Subject: Re: Panasonic Toughbook going cheap in UK (a Netbook alternative)

I forgot to add that I have a list of on-line reviews of the CF-T5, which were difficult to find:
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/04/20/cf-y5_toughbook/http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/100156/panasonic-toughbook-cft5.htmlhttp://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=de%7Cen&u=http://www.xonio.com/artikel/x_artikel_25501821.html%3Ftid1%3D7087%26tid2%3D0&prev=/language_toolshttp://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=de%7Cen&u=http://www.notebookjournal.de/tests/242/2&prev=/language_tools
And some more general info on CF-T5:
http://www.pcw.co.uk/itweek/news/2163401/panasonic-beefs-toughbookhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/01/17/panasonic-updates-toughbooks-w5-t5-y5-all-vista-ready/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2014575,00.asp
For the official info, look here:
http://www.toughbook.eu/ENG/notebook_cf-t5.aspxhttp://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/toughbook/business_mobile/cft5/
I also have downloaded PDF spec files for both the CF-T5 & CF-T7 if anyone
can't find them & wants to do a full side-by-side comparison (although I
think I remembered all the significant differences).
--
Chris Handley

Date: 2 Feb 2008 15:48:24 +0100
From: Chris Cooper
Subject: Re: Loose 5mx keyboard

Philip Carlisle <address truncated> wrote:

Dropped my 5mx a little while ago and, being unobservant, have just noticed that one side of the keyboard is higher than the other. This is because the slide at that side has come out of what looks like its groove or channel.

>

I've done this myself in the past, Philip, and ended up using brute force. I can't remember enough to advise you, but your email inspired me to extend the list of links on PsionWiki's DIY repairs page (at http://psionwiki.wikidot.com/diy-repairs).Somewhere among that lot you may find some guidance.

Date: 30 Jan 2008 16:29:08 +0100
From: Arabbitte <address truncated>
Subject: Advantage 7501

In response to Moshe Nahir:

I used Psions over many years and gave up on my last - the 5mx - because its frequent cable replacements were getting too expensive. The last time it failed, my ideal combination PDA/Phone didn't exist so I replaced it with a Palm Tungsten. When Sony Ericsson announced the P910i I snapped one up in August '04 and had only positive experiences of it over 3 years.

During this time, I formulated a wish list for my next ideal device and the first to tick most of the boxes (it is missing an FM radio and Infrared) was the HTC TyTN II. I bought one over 4 months ago and am delighted. The physical aspects of a device are critical to me and you may want to look closely at the Advantage before making a plunge. I think its one of those devices that's too big for a phone and too small to be an effective laptop. Why compromise - if you want a device about that size why not buy a UMPC - oh, and a phone. Click here to get a side-by-side comparison of my TyTN II, the Advantage and the 5mx. It makes interesting viewing! http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdacomparer&id1=833&id2=752&id3=733

In summary:
              HTC TyTN II        HTC Advantage  Psion Series 5mx
Size:     59x112x19           98x133.5x16         170x90x23  mm
Mass:         190                          359                    354 gramms

The thing is, nothing will really replace the 5MX. It was ahead of its day when it was launched and it still is today. Newer devices offer a much better package overall, but there are aspects of the 5MX that will never be beaten: Keyboard, ease of use, stability, speed, functionality, etc, etc. Just convince yourself that 3G comms (3.5 G actually in the case of both HTCs), a camera, GPS, decent synchronisation and up to date technology makes up for what you will miss.

All the best from Dublin, Ireland

Alan

P.S. To keep things more interesting for me (!) I'd like to see more Windows Mobile / Symbian content!

Date: 2 Feb 2008 20:02:22 +0100
From: Vlad A <address truncated>
Subject: Loose keyboard The Digest V1 # 1188 (1)

Philip Carlisle: Loose keyboard

See here for details on dismantling.
http://www.psionflexi.co.uk/fitting_&_opening.htmand Paul Wright's advice. Not such a hard diy job to get to the keyboard.

But also see Digest 990 ff for a somewhat risky recipe from Erik... Which I applied successfully...

Best,

vlad a

Date: 2 Feb 2008 22:56:57 +0100
From: Bob <address truncated>
Subject: RE: Asus eee PC

I am interested in the new Asus.  I find the 4gb and 8 gb for about one hundred dollars difference.  Do you find the 4gb big enough for most things or is the 8gb worth the extra one hundred dollars???
It looks like you can add SD cards anyway and as cheap as they are it might worth it for the 4gb and just use the SD cards and you can buy them as needed.

Did I answer my own question here???

Thanks,
Bobby

Date: 2 Feb 2008 23:46:34 +0100
From: Bob <address truncated>
Subject: RE: Asus eee PC

I was just thinking trying to justify the 4gb and its that my 7book isn't even close to that and it works fine with my micro drive and expansion cards.  So I might just get the 4gb.
Thanks,
Bobby

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Rudolph [mailto:<address truncated>
Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2008 2:57 PM
To: 'The Digest'
Subject: RE: Asus eee PC

I am interested in the new Asus.  I find the 4gb and 8 gb for about one hundred dollars difference.  Do you find the 4gb big enough for most things or is the 8gb worth the extra one hundred dollars???
It looks like you can add SD cards anyway and as cheap as they are it might worth it for the 4gb and just use the SD cards and you can buy them as needed.

Did I answer my own question here???

Thanks,
Bobby

Date: 3 Feb 2008 17:08:22 +0100
From: Donald <address truncated>
Subject: FW: US mapping site! HELP!!!

opera n mapping

Once again, I'm sending this out. I got one response with a link that was just what I was looking for ( http://www.multimap.com/map/places.cgi?client=light) Thanks Simon - but I failed to mention that I live the US,
so I hope someone could send me a workable link for the US using an IR/GPRS connection to OPERA.

I can't believe that can't locate a link to a simple mapping site that will give me fast downloading of driving directions, or even better a map view of where I'm heading to ............! :(
Their must be someone out there that can link me up with a rare find.
using a GPRS IR connection to the netbook

ever since Yahoo has changed it's mapping link page (n I've been dealing with this fustration for quite some time now)- it has never work right with the netbook n opera (the page doesn't display proplery or not at all .... ect.....)  :(

mapquest has always been a joke using a netbook  :(

and most other links I search for takes way to long- then just freezes up :(

CAN ANYONE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!? :(

Donald

PS - I'm starting to get discourage using a netbook altogether between email STMP and now this map nonsense - and mainly because of the mapping site that I desperately need. (n Yes I know about GPS units - but whats the point if I have to carry another device from vehicle to vehicle - All I need is a workable site in the US for easy map image or directions using my IR/GPRS/netbook/OPERA) HELP!

--

Date: 3 Feb 2008 17:09:54 +0100
From: Donald <address truncated>
Subject: FW: # 1184 mapping

Thanks Simon

Try this: http://www.multimap.com/map/places.cgi?client=lightSpecially for Psions!

that is what I would be looking for
but
I guess I should have mention that I neeeded this for the United States,

I went to thier main site to see if I was able to request it for the US, but can't seem to locate that option.

Date: 4 Feb 2008 14:51:07 +0100
From: Damian Walker <address truncated>
Subject: Loose keyboard

Quoting The Digest's message of Saturday:

> Dropped my 5mx a little while ago and, being unobservant, have just > noticed that one side of the keyboard is higher than the other. This is > because the slide at that side has come out of what looks like its
> groove or channel.

I think I have a similar problem with my MC218, though it hasn't been dropped.  The keyboard is level, but when I close the unit, the
left-hand side of the keyboard doesn't always slide back properly.  I need to pay particular attention to making sure the left-hand side of
the keyboard is being pushed back into place to make the case close.

It's not enough to close the unit simply by gently closing the screen down as on all my other Psions.  I'd be interested to know if this problem is related, and what the remedy is.  It doesn't stop me using
the machine, but it does prevent me from letting other people use it, as those without the "knack" might well cause further damage.

--
Damian - http://damian.snigfarp.karoo.net/

Date: 4 Feb 2008 18:16:31 +0100
From: Donald <address truncated>
Subject: another map site :(

can anyone tell me how I can get this site to work on my netbook/5mx http://us.m.yahoo.com/only the source is showing - and this too used to work fine :(

I really can't be looking for the impossible - or can I

Donald

Date: 6 Feb 2008 16:29:20 +0100
From: Ajai Khattri <address truncated>
Subject: Re: Asus EEE PC

On 30 Jan 2008, Peter wrote:

> A friend of mine came over last night with an Asus EEE PC. It's a little > smaller than the Psion Series 7, can easily handle most standard office > formats (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, MP3, ogg, avi etc.), has built-in > WiFi, a web-cam and Skype. YouTube, streaming radio and everything else > I tried works without a hitch. And all that in a package costing about
> EUR 300. Wow!
>
> But I don't really like the 7 inch screen, it just seems too small. Once > they release a machine with an 8 or 9 inch screen, I think this machine
> will be quite hard to resist.

I came to the same conclusion a few months ago - Ill wait for a 9" or 10" screen. Im not a big fan of Xandros though and will be replacining it EeeXubuntu if I do eventually buy one.

Also I just noticed the Everex Cloudbook will start selling at Walmart for $399 (See http://www.everex.com/)
--
Aj.