looking for software for checkbook?

[Terrilp]

I must apoligize If I sound completely stupid here. But I am confused. I stumbled across this Psion website today, and It seems as though it may be exactly what I'm looking for. I want to replace my paper check book with a pda type, and the psion looks like it fits what I would like. But my question is... how come the software I've seen is not in Us currency? Can it be changed in the program? Which Psion would best fit my needs. I only want to use it as a checkbook. But I would like to be able to save as a Qif to use in Quicken. I looked on ebay for a used psion, and most of them are not sold in the us, so is this not something that I can use? I sure hope someone can help me clear up my confusion on what the Psion actually is, I've never heard of it before today.

Thank You,
Terri

[Beakynet]

Originally posted by Terrilp
I must apoligize If I sound completely stupid here. But I am confused. I stumbled across this Psion website today, and It seems as though it may be exactly what I'm looking for. I want to replace my paper check book with a pda type, and the psion looks like it fits what I would like. But my question is... how come the software I've seen is not in Us currency? Can it be changed in the program? Which Psion would best fit my needs. I only want to use it as a checkbook. But I would like to be able to save as a Qif to use in Quicken. I looked on ebay for a used psion, and most of them are not sold in the us, so is this not something that I can use? I sure hope someone can help me clear up my confusion on what the Psion actually is, I've never heard of it before today.

Thank You,
Terri

Welcome to our world!

Psions are small handheld computers running the EPOC operating system (this later became Symbian that you find in many mobile phones, i.e. Sony p800/900/910, Nokia 9290 and many others).

The company stopped producing consumer handhelds over 2 years ago but many of us are sticking with the form factor and, despite its age, it stands up very well agains the competition! All it lacks is the multimedia capabilities of the current Palm and Pocket PC offerings.

They are fully featured!

There are several models:

the Revo is the smallest form factor and was also produced in the US (badged Diamond Mako). If you were to look for one of these the best is one that has had the battery problem fixed - there was an issue where the unit would power off prematurely as the rechargeables still seemed to have full power.

the 5mx - probably the best, also available in a US version - note keyboard and spell checker localised. This has the best ever keyboard on any havdheld of that size, they did suffer for a failure of the screen cable, but many are still going years after (mine included ) and can be picked up quite easily on the net, some sites still even boast new machines.

the Series 7/netBook - the flagship of the range - color screens and sub notebook in size. The netbook is faster and has more memory and was the last to be withdrawn from production (about a year ago). There are als some called a 7book - a convertion of a Series 7 to a netBook using a (personality module) and the mbook, netbooks specifically built for an education project in Malaisa.

From what you say, the smaller form factor of the Revo/Diamond Make or the 5mx would best suite your need.

As for banking programs, one of the best that suppors QIF format (and I have been using for about 6 years now) is ABP, available from http://www.freepoc.org/viewapp.php?id=4 check it out. Whats good about this one is it is free!

Hope this sheds some light.

David

[Terrilp]

Thank you David for responding. I'm going to bid on a 5mx at ebay. But do I need to make sure that i only bid on one that is a US Version? If It's not a US version, would I still be able to use it?

Thanks,
Terri

[Beakynet]

Originally posted by Terrilp
Thank you David for responding. I'm going to bid on a 5mx at ebay. But do I need to make sure that i only bid on one that is a US Version? If It's not a US version, would I still be able to use it?

Thanks,
Terri

You would be able to, the only difference, as far as I know, is the keyboard - position of " and @ keys and that the spell checker would be for UK English and not US English. Othere settings on the machine can be set, such as home city ect. I don't think you will have any issues.

There are programs available that can re-map the keyboard if this was a problem for you typing.

By the Way, the 5mx runs on AA batteries and can use any AA rechargeable or 1.5v AA Lithium Cell.

Regards
David

[Terrilp]

Thanks again David,
You've been very helpful. Hopefully I will be the owner of my own Psion very soon!

Terri

[ohsix]

One thing you should consider - I found that beginning with Quicken 2005, they will not be using the qif format, but something different. In my case I use the freeware 'abp' program and am considering just keeping on using Quicken 2004 until some banking app for the 5mx is upgraded to use the new format. Considering the current state of affairs, that may not happen. :(

Keith

[netBookBabe]

Hi Terri

Welcome to Psion Place, and I hope soon to be able to say welcome to the ranks of Psion owners too!

You've come to the right place - lots of enthusiastic members here ready to answer queries, as I think you have already discovered. :)

Julie