Psion Revo

If proof was needed that small is beautiful then the Revo is it. This device is visually desirable and at only 200g can be placed discreetly into a pocket without that lop-sided hanging fabric effect caused by larger handhelds. In fact, the size and styling of the Revo is such that it might tempt potential 3Com users into looking at a keyboard-equipped solution.

The case retains the familiar Psion clamshell styling, but is now sleekly curved on the underside. This has been done to accommodate the new docking cradle, a first for a Psion product. Placing the Revo into the docking station recharges the integrated NiMH batteries, and allows synchronisation with your PC at the same time. In a typically well-designed touch, the power adaptor plugs straight into the head of the serial cable so there's only one wire to deal with. However, the Revo can be recharged directly when away from the cradle, and Psion claims that on a full charge the battery will provide up to two weeks of normal use. Less impressive, however, is the socket to hold the stylus, which simply doesn't do the job since the stylus falls out with the slightest knock.

The applications differ slightly from those of the Series 5mx. Sketch has been removed, while Word and Sheet no longer appear as hard icons, having been moved to the extras menu. In their place is the new Phone application, which allows you to synchronise the numbers in your Contacts database easily with your mobile phone. In addition, the Revo can also send SMS messages to GSM-enabled mobile phones.

The screen technology on the Revo has been updated, providing the best contrast yet in a monochrome display. On the downside however, Psion has removed the backlight feature. The smaller screen also means the resolution has been dropped to 480 x 160. This can cause problems with shareware applications, which don't resize themselves for the Revo screen, thereby rendering the programs unusable.

The biggest change with the Revo is the keyboard. Whereas the Series 5 has been applauded for its typing action, the Revo keys are miniaturised versions that lack travel, making touch-typing a fiddly affair. However, as long as you aren't planning to write a novel on it, it's reasonable.

The Revo runs on a 36MHz ARM processor but has only 8Mb of RAM, with the same amount of ROM for applications. Without a CompactFlash slot there's no way of increasing this amount of RAM, and by taking this route Psion has given a clear indicator that the company isn't targeting the Revo as a solution for the power user. Unfortunately, the Internet browser is still provided on a separate CD and therefore has to be stored in valuable RAM if loaded.

Creating a dial-up connection is straightforward using the eSetup Wizard, making it the ideal solution for someone who wants to check their email while on the move.

If you're likely to be entering a lot of information then the superior keyboard on the Series 5mx might prove to be a better bet. However, as a highly portable organiser with excellent connectivity and functionality thrown in, the Revo is the most attractive option currently available.

Author: Benny Har-Even