Product reviewsPsion Series 5 PDA

20 years young and still going strong.

PSION did all of their design testing and product testing and development on their previous machine, the Psion 3 Organiser. (psion 3 are also still able to be found in working order and also usefull).

The keyboard of the PSION 5 version machine is better, with easy to touch keys, like a pc keyboard in miniature.

PSION 5 screen has also got a internal "backlight" for the screen if needed.

The Psion 5 Micro Computer was built and designed well (except for the short lived data backup batteries).* To find one lik this in full operational working order after so many years is a credit to its orignal designers. Although running EPOC Operateing type suystem, the Micro computer is compatable via a cable link or an Infra Red Data connection, with Microsoft Versions of Windows XP or earlier. For a experienced coputer user like myself, who still runs LEGACY Platforms and Software OS, It has been quite easy (better than expected) to find and assemble the required CD rom and data link cable and Modem.

The machine can also send and recieve E mail and other useful things such as a Word Processor and Spreadsheet etc etc. Although an older type micro computer, it is worth searching for one of these, because they can still be very usefull tools today.

Printing from the PSION 5 is posible via a Print Link cable.

If an adapter is used, the (data backup) battery issue is not really a problem, and although not a windows or Android type system, (the machine ues a LCD which is touch stylus sensitive) is very easy to use.

Lightweight, and durable design, along with a stylus sensitive screen and drop down type lcd Menus, make the PSION 5 Microcomputer "ahead of its time" when years ago now, they were built, and still a usefull item today, in 2018.

Design was good, though on used and older models, a couple of things to watch out for are the flexible scren cable which can sometimes crack, and also any cracks on the LCD screen itself, (which should be avoided). Occassionaly to the stylus does not stay inside the inbuilt housing.

PSION 5 is now an old system, and finding Data cards and software for it can be time consumeing and difficult.

Replaceing the screen cable is possible, and spare parts including Mother circuit boards are often fo sale though getting rarer to find now in 2018. These tasks however, unless you are qualified, should be done by a expert.

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Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: pcmonde-it-uk

Sometimes, progress is backwards.

So am going on a beach holiday promised to my spouse, but have to catch up on documentation. I thought, I need something that is visible in sunlight, that I can type into effortlessly, that can actually be used in an airplane seat, that doesn't look out of place, and that I don't have to be distracted by constantly watching battery drainage and wondering where my next charge point is...

That's not my w10 tablet, my iPad, my super smartphone, my "look at me" battery chewing W10 can't see in sunlight full bore vanity suite that needs to be updated every millisecond by someone from India who will probably make it implode .. what do I need?

So I dusted off my very old P5. It was actually very unreliable so I "restored" it.. stripped it right down, took out every connector, sluiced it in switch cleaner, and to my surprise the keyboard ribbon is not gold flashed (hence 4 star), so I gave that extra attention. Wasn't sure it would ever work again, but it did. Total reliability. Dusted off the serial connector and CD and tried to install on W10. Won't go as some of the 1997 s/w is 16 bit. So I downloaded "Termie - a simple RS232 terminal" (in their own words) and hey, off we go. File transfer not easy, but doable.

So this little dream machine is not recommended to non techies, but for those interested in what genius design should be, still surpassing modern tech in many areas by a country mile, you cannot go past this inspiration. Read full review...

Verified purchase: No

Great machine

the psion has been out for years and I have had one since they were psion 3.

One of the best operating systems going and although it is not connectable (is that a real word?) to the internet, they are so useful

the product arrived quickly and is as described.Read full review...

Good quality machine, portable and reliable. Good for its age.

I have several of these machines since they were first manufactured. I used to get them serviced when they went wrong or parts needed replacing. Now I again know a company that services them, I unlikely to need to buy another. I use it for keeping old personal data and passwords so I am independent of the internet.Read full review...

A very good buy

Excellent condition looks like it is brand new all the components are there
Works well no problems

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: rabtogger

Exactly as described.

Been looking forward to fixing up another Psion recently, the item promised met all expectations. Very happy with the opportunity to work on this and even happier the proceeds are going to a good cause as there’s a 90% chance the thing will never work with me attempting to get it going again whereas charitable donations always help.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Sold by: jedburghrotary2010

Old tech is still good tech

Old school PDA - great battery life - no problems with viruses (as it doesn't go online!)

Just good old school fun really

Keep coming back!

I have tried other ways of keeping my information over the years but always return to my trusty 5 MX - it is the business!!
Fast, reliable and still easily available from various places on E Bay. Although no longer made, they are still supported. I back up all the time to an on-board compact flash card, I also keep my huge contacts list on the card. If I ever lose power for any reason and everything disappears from the unit I can then instantly reload from the card.
Why would I want to upgrade to a modern PDU whilst these gems are still available.Read full review...

Super Psion S5

Psion S5
Funny ancient device for word processing.
Since my hobby is writing science fiction stories, and a laptop, and notebook with you to wear uncomfortable, was looking for a similar device.
Very convenient. with two batteries AA type the text can be 12-14 hours without recharging.
Transferred to a computer is also very handy with CF card reader.
Thank you!Read full review...

happy

It's made an old man happy

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: floatingrocks