need info on connecting to mac

[keithkreetzer]

can anyone advise where i can get software to connect my psion 5mx to a mac .Also I need a lead to connect to a UBS port . Any info appreciated.

keith

[brianh]

Keith,

Do you run Mac OS 9 or OS X?

The cable that you need will be a Belkin serial-to-USB connector. You should be able to find one at most any office supply store that deals with computers, etc.

As for software:

PsionLink runs in OS 9 and can possibly run in OS X (It is a Java program). The author supplies a little info on OS X usage on his website and a great deal on OS 9 connectivity. The site is:

http://website.lineone.net/~john.montgomery/psionlink/

Another is S5 Traffic. This is supposed to run well in OS X. The site is French but there is an English version that can be downloaded. The site is:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/philippe.galmel/

I believe that these programs only allow for exchange of files - not conversion. If you are looking for this, try the Psion onboard app nConvert:

http://www.neuon.com

Another method of connecting to file transfer is to buy a USB CF reader. These work wonderfully and this is what I do. They are available for approximately $25-30 USD.

Please note that I haven't used these programs. I currently connect in a roundabout way - the above mentioned - CF.

Hope this helps.

[MikeMcC]

Another method of connecting to file transfer is to buy a USB CF reader. These work wonderfully and this is what I do. They are available for approximately $25-30 USD. Are you doing this with a Mac? This is my normal method of file transfer with a 5mx & PC but I was under the impression that a Mac put system files on to the CF which subsequently made it unusable in the Psion. Ths has certainly been the experience of quite a few Mac users.

[brianh]

Mike,

I have read about some Mac users experiencing that problem, but I never have. My experiences with CF cards include both a 32MB and 16MB SanDisk CF card (unfortunately nothing larger) with a SanDisk CF (USB) reader. My iBook runs Mac OS 9 and my iMac runs Mac OS X.1.5.

It is true that the Mac puts some directory files on there because it treats it as an external drive, but nothing in my experience that causes a problem with reading the CF card on the Psion. I have even deleted some of these - some are still there (laziness).

This is a reliable method and seems much faster than a cable connection. If anyone has any different information, please correct me, as this is only a couple of years of experience.

Hope this helps.