Psion, a British company founded in 1980 by David Potter, initially gained prominence for its innovative software for early home computers. However, it was Psion's entry into the handheld computing market that truly set the company apart. The Psion Organiser, launched in 1984, was one of the first handheld computers, offering basic functionality such as a clock, calculator, and simple database.
Building on the success of the Organiser, Psion released a series of increasingly sophisticated PDAs, culminating in the Psion 5, which was introduced in 1997. The Psion 5 represented a significant leap forward in terms of design, functionality, and user experience, cementing Psion's reputation as a leader in the PDA market.
The Psion 5 was a sleek and compact device, measuring approximately 170 x 90 x 23 millimeters and weighing around 350 grams. It featured a robust clamshell design with a sturdy hinge that opened to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard and a monochrome touchscreen display. The keyboard was widely praised for its tactile feedback and comfortable layout, making it ideal for typing long documents and emails.
The display was a 640 x 240-pixel grayscale LCD, which was quite advanced for its time. The screen was large enough to display a considerable amount of information, yet the device remained highly portable. The Psion 5 also included a stylus for precise input on the touchscreen, enhancing its usability for various tasks.
Under the hood, the Psion 5 was powered by a 32-bit ARM710T processor running at 18 MHz, coupled with 4 or 8 MB of RAM. While these specifications might seem modest by today's standards, they were more than sufficient for the needs of the time. The device also featured a CF card slot for expandable storage, allowing users to carry more data and applications.
One of the Psion 5's standout features was its operating system, EPOC32, which later evolved into Symbian OS. EPOC32 was a multitasking operating system designed specifically for portable devices, offering a robust and stable environment for running applications.
The Psion 5 came preloaded with a suite of powerful productivity applications, including:
Word: A full-featured word processor that supported rich text formatting, spell check, and other advanced features.
Sheet: A spreadsheet application with support for complex formulas and charting.
Agenda: A comprehensive calendar and scheduling application that allowed users to manage appointments, tasks, and reminders.
Contacts: An address book for storing contact information.
Email: An email client that supported sending and receiving messages via various protocols.
Web: A web browser, albeit limited by the device's monochrome display and slow internet connectivity options.
In addition to these built-in applications, the Psion 5 supported a wide range of third-party software, including games, utilities, and specialized business applications. The device's expandability and versatility made it a popular choice among professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts.
The Psion 5 offered several connectivity options, including a serial port for connecting to other devices and peripherals. Users could also connect to the internet using external modems or infrared connections. While these options were relatively slow compared to modern standards, they provided essential connectivity for the time.
One of the Psion 5's most notable features was its support for CompactFlash (CF) cards, which allowed users to expand the device's storage capacity. This was particularly useful for storing large documents, databases, and additional software. The CF card slot also enabled users to add peripherals such as wireless modems, GPS receivers, and other accessories, further enhancing the device's functionality.
The Psion 5 was well-received by critics and users alike, earning praise for its innovative design, powerful software, and robust build quality. It became a popular choice for professionals who needed a portable device for managing their work and personal lives, as well as for tech enthusiasts who appreciated its versatility and expandability.
While the Psion 5 and its successors, the 5mx and Revo, enjoyed commercial success, the PDA market was becoming increasingly competitive. The rise of smartphones, particularly the introduction of the BlackBerry and later the iPhone, eventually eclipsed the PDA market. Despite this, the Psion 5's influence can still be seen in modern mobile devices, particularly in its pioneering use of the ARM architecture and the development of Symbian OS, which became one of the most widely used mobile operating systems in the early 2000s.
The Psion 5 also left a lasting legacy in the form of its user community. Enthusiasts and developers continued to create and share software for the device long after its production ceased. This vibrant community helped keep the Psion 5 relevant and usable for many years, and it remains a beloved piece of tech history for those who experienced its unique blend of functionality and innovation.
The Psion 5 PDA was a groundbreaking device that played a significant role in the evolution of mobile computing. Its innovative design, powerful software, and robust build quality set new standards for what a portable device could achieve. While the PDA market eventually gave way to the rise of smartphones, the Psion 5's influence can still be seen in today's mobile devices.
As we look back on the history of portable computing, the Psion 5 stands out as a testament to the ingenuity and vision of its creators. It was a device that empowered users to be more productive, stay connected, and explore new possibilities in the digital age. For those who had the opportunity to use a Psion 5, it remains a cherished piece of technology that continues to inspire admiration and nostalgia.