Buying a Psion

[LAbroadcast]

I am looking for a PDA with a decent keyboard and screen. In other words, I don't like using a stylus only so I'm avoiding the standard Palm and Pocket PC PDAs

Can anyone help me with the following questions?

1) What is the most recent PDA from Psion that works with Windows 2000?

2) I heard that Psion is getting out of the PDA business. Anyone know what the support life is for these products?

3) Which Psion PDA, if any, can synchronize with ACT?

Thanks

[doogald]

Originally posted by LAbroadcast

1) What is the most recent PDA from Psion that works with Windows 2000?


The PsiWin synchronizing software at version 2.3.3 works for me with Windows2000. I just replaced a Diamond Mako (rebadged Psion Revo Plus) with a Psion Series 5mx; I know for a fact that both work with Win2k. The Psion Netbook and Series 7 I know also work, and I am pretty sure that even the older Psion Series 3 machines work as well, though somebody else will have to confirm that.


2) I heard that Psion is getting out of the PDA business. Anyone know what the support life is for these products?


They are out of the consumer PDA market, but are still manufacturing devices for enterprises. However, I really cannot answer your question of support life.



3) Which Psion PDA, if any, can synchronize with ACT?


Out of the box, none that I know of. I know that you can purchase a version of Intellisync (http://www.pumatech.com/)that synchronizes with ACT!. According to the website, Intellisync is limited to the EPOC 5.0 releases, though: Revo, Revo Plus and Series 5mx. There may be other apps that let you synchronize (I do not use ACT myself).

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by LAbroadcast
1) What is the most recent PDA from Psion that works with Windows 2000?
As doogald said, they all work fine with PsiWin 2.3.3. and Win2K, including the older SIBO machines - Series 3 and Siena. I guess you'll be looking at RevoPlus, 5mx or S7/netBook, though, depending on the form factor you require. The netBook (my favourite!) is the one machine set to continue and be further developed. Keyboard is wonderful, by the way!

2) I heard that Psion is getting out of the PDA business. Anyone know what the support life is for these products?Depends what you mean by support - I'm sure the warranty period will be honoured. After that, there are sources other than Psion for repairs and service which I would expect to continue. In terms of user support, there is plenty of third party software available, and plenty of assistance with problems on forums such as this.
3) Which Psion PDA, if any, can synchronize with ACT? doogald is right again, you need some extra software. I believe Advansys is another company which offers what you would require.

http://www.advansyscorp.com/products.htm

Hope that helps. If you do decide to go the Psion route, I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Julie

[LAbroadcast]

Thank you doogald and netBookBabe for your responses. One last question. Does anyone know what distributor carries these products in southern California?

[netBookBabe]

Being in the UK, afraid I don't know anything about suppliers local to you. Online, you might try Expansys, however:

http://www.expansys.com

I know a number of people in the US who have bought from them, their prices are generally very good, and I've always found them reliable. They have a US fufillment centre at 409 S. Center, Bloomington, IL, 61701, USA.

Julie

[harveyr]

You can also try the Psion US store at@
www.psionusa.com

or the US distributor from Psion: Sparco @ www.sparco.com

[doogald]

Yes, I had meant to mention that http://www.expansys.com/ is where I purchased my 5mx. Sparco has Psion 5mxes but they are far more pricey. The last I looked they do have the Diamond Mako, but I must say that as much as I like the Mako/Revo, I find the keyboard just a bit too small and stiff for my likes.

You can also try http://www.clove.co.uk/ . They ship to the US, but must add international shipping charges.