Psion Series 7

Believe it or not, the Psion Series 7 was originally conceived as a corporate-only device. Fortunately, Psion changed its mind and the concept was split in two. The netBook (previewed issue 61, p159) now fulfils the original business role, while the lower-specified and cheaper Series 7 is aimed at the individual user.

The Series 7 is a bit of a departure for Psion. Unlike the previous Series models, which were essentially electronic Filofaxes you could do other useful things with, the form factor of the 7 encroaches on the realm of the subnotebook. The keyboard boasts full-size keys on a par with a decent laptop, and the colour passive LCD screen offers 640 x 480 resolution with 256 colours - not quite the netBook's 4,096, but still superior to previous mono LCDs.

However, the set of apps is identical to the Series 5mx. There's the usual word processor, spreadsheet, contacts database, agenda, note taker, plus a few sundry useful utilities. The Message Suite, which consists of a Web browser and email client, is also included as standard on the built-in ROM. In other words, what the extra £200 gets you over the 5mx is the hardware, and that's obviously quite different.

A Type I/II CompactFlash slot opens up the possibility of adding an IBM microdrive for storage. A PC Card slot, ideal for a modem and potentially future wireless networking devices, accompanies this. The Honda serial port makes a welcome return, but again this has been augmented by a port on the bottom of the Series 7 for an optional docking station. Battery power isn't provided by AA batteries but via a lithium ion battery pack, while a small lithium battery provides backup. The main battery is good for up to 8.5 hours.

Overall, the new Psion feels far more robust than previous models. The pen is accessed via a sliding switch, so won't be susceptible to the faulty popping mechanism that plagued the Series 5. The CompactFlash is inserted into a sturdy tray, there's a rubber cover over the serial port, and the whole device is made of strong plastic covered in many areas with real leather. However, the lid is too flexible, making it easy to blur the screen temporarily when you change its angle for your current viewing posture.

As it runs EPOC32, the new Psion is still compatible with most of the applications created for the 5 and 5mx, with any issues mainly revolving around designs for the smaller, monochrome screens of the Series 5. PsiWin is supplied with a serial cable, so PC connectivity to install new apps comes as standard. Agenda, contacts and even email can be synchronised with a variety of desktop PC software, including Outlook. I found it easy to install a PC Card modem and link up to the Internet, offering still more connectivity options. The Series 7 is very much a device with interconnectivity in mind.

If, like me, you've been looking for a comfortable portable writing machine with the added bonus of Internet capability, the Series 7 is a dream come true. The robustness, reliability, instant on, and long battery life are all perfect for mobile work. The only real drawback, which it shares with large-format Windows CE devices, is that it doesn't run desktop Windows. If you want to take your entire desktop experience with you, the Series 7 can't oblige, and a notebook would be a more suitable choice.

Author: James Morris