I went to POS yesterday when their team were at a training meeting, but the boss/founder Paul Pinnock kindly came down to show me 2 versions of the Psi)(pda - one running WinXP and the other Linux Ubuntu.
(I know Paul as POS has repaired my two 5mxs and one Psion 5 since 2002, and had quite long chats about the possibility of an upgraded colour 5mx. Paul says he will try to look after his old customers as they kept them going and allowed them to develop the PsiXpda.)
As I have said before, I have stuck with the 5mx due to its size, and mainly use Agenda (as a diary making notes of meetings etc with ctl Z), Data, etc. (Have wasted thousands of pounds/euros/dollars on Nokia Communicators, various HTCs, etc which did not do the job for me.)
The size of the PsiXpda is almost identical to the Psion 5, being very slightly thicker/heavier. On the Linux/Ubuntu version Paul showed similar programmes to Agenda.
Paul said they have received messages of congratulations from Psion, including David Potter (who told me at an AGM that it was a mistake to stop producing the 5mx, while he had to stand down as he was unwell). Paul has his team working on new Psion type specific software for the PsiXpda but with support from Psion these tasks should be completed quite soon - so he promised I should be able to access my Agenda files going back to 1993, including notes!
The battery life should be 4.5 hours and separate batteries can be carried. No backup battery is required as the data is stored permanently.
I am planning to pickup my Linux version from POS in Croydon, South London, on Friday when sales officially start.
It may not be the answer to my dreams and I may have to go back the 5mx and an iPhone (as my Vodafone Blackberry contract has expired) - but I certainly shall give the PsiXpda a good go.
I think heartiest congratulations are due to Paul Pinnock and his team - who like Paul are mainly from Jamaica.
Hugh Dibley,
UK Mobile: +44 (0)79 6908 7873 , Skype: Hugh.Dibley; SkypeIn: +44 20 8133 7775 (at local phone call rate from normal phone)