Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/11/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On Nov 23, 2006, at 10:48 AM, lug-request@leica-users.org wrote: >>> the Psion Series 3 was by far the best PDA ever in my opinion, >>> instinctive software, beautifully made and functional. Killed by >>> cheaper less effective competition. If your PDA needs are keeping phone and address files, appointment schedules, financial records, spreadsheets, communications, programming, games, but not viewing colored pictures, the best PDA's are the old (circa 1992/4) HP 100LX and 200LX. These little PDAs are really second generation IBM computers packaged in a hockey puck sturdy case the size of two cigarette packs. The computers are solid state and will take up to a 2 GB Compact Disc chip in a PCMCIA housing. The PC slot also accommodates PC cards for communications, GPS, wi-fi, etc. Built into the computer's ROM is an appointment program, a Lotus 1,2,3 spreadsheet program, a sophisticated math calculation, a word processor, Pocket Quicken, Laplink, ccMail, communications programs and direct support for a variety of printers. I have several programming languages on mine, including MS Basic, True Basic and Forth, and a couple of statistical programs. In short it is a full fledged PC computer that will run any IBM software that can work on DOS 5. The display is the weak point from a photographic standpoint. It is a reflective B&W screen capable of displaying 25 lines of 80 characters. It can handle JPEG pictures but only to 2 bit depth. The small HP hand held computers are a favorite of scientists, engineers, and medical personnel. A 2 GB chip can hold the entire 2000 page Merck manual and probably half the NY phone book. Hundreds of free programs are available on the Internet. Like the Leica camera, good things are not easily obsoleted by trendy glitz. Larry Z