Review
Two years after the introduction of the classic and innovative Series 5,
Psion unleashed its long-awaited successor - the Series 5mx - into the mobile
computing market.
The new device boasted a new and improved look, more internal memory, a faster
processor and an updated and enriched operating system - EPOC Release 5 (also
known as Symbian OS v5). The case was metallic grey (the peeling paintwork
associated with the classic Series 5 prompted this), the keyboard now black
and the screen contrast enhanced.
In addition to the original Series 5 suite of applications, EPOC Release
5 signalled the introduction of new software in the form of JOTTER and CONTACTS.
The Series 5mx remains a worthwhile update for all Psion users (except possibly
those who own a Series 7 or netBook) and is more satisfying to use than the
original Series 5.
However, it was a real shame that the 5MX was not launched with a colour
display and a rechargeable battery, especially as Microsoft's Windows CE
platform was evolving quickly in 1999 and several handheld computers supported
by this OS had colour displays. It is my view that a colour Series 5mx would
have been a real rival, even to the newer Microsoft Pocket PCs.
The Series 5mx can still be purchased from some online stores - try
Expansys or
eBay for secondhand devices. |
