Best way connecting to PC (mc218)

[persal]

At the moment i cannot connect my mc218 to my PC. After some searching it seems like "IR-eye" or "rs232<->serial" is the only way to connect.
Are there any other ways (fx rs232<->USB)?
And most important, which is the best and most effective way to communicate with my PC and also to the internet (LAN) through my PC?

[Johnny]

Why can't you connect to your PC?
Whats wrong with using the cable? Which Operating System does your PC have? Which program do you use to connect?

[diem]

As Johnny says, we need to know the OS you are using to help you connect.

Both EPOCConnect and Psiwin (Psion's badged version of the same software) use a serial port (COM port) to talk to the Psion. Ideally this should be a wired connection; alternatives are IR (difficult and slow) or a USB-serial convertor (most models do not work).

I suggest that you get hold of Psiwin 2.3.3 from www.psion.com/myPsion - this is the only version that supports Windows 2K and XP. To install this you must completely remove the version currently installed - including registry settings. There is a procedure for doing this (and testing serial connections) in my FAQ at the URL below.

I would make a separate posting (in the 'Internet' forum) about connecting to the Internet only once you have got the MC218 talking to your PC.

[persal]

Sorry that i was not clear enough with what i meant.

When i bought my mc218 i did not get a cable or anything to connect it to my PC.

I want to know the best way to connect my mc218 to my PC.
I want to know the different ways that i can send data between the 2 machines.

Buing some kind of cable or using IR-eye?

(The software is the next step that i will consider later on)

diem:
according to you the best way is by cable.
Is it a standardcable of some kind, or do i have to order it from a certain place?

[diem]

The cable can be purchased direct from psion (with software) at www.psion.com/store

You can also buy the cable only from various online PDA stores, e.g. www.clove.co.uk , www.expansys.co.uk and www.serialleads.co.uk




(Edited by netBookBabe to activate URLs)

[netBookBabe]

Persal

I hadn't realised that you did not receive the serial cable with your MC218 - that's unfortunate, as it really is the most practical way to connect with your PC, so I recommend you obtain one if possible. In case you are wondering, cables for Psion 3c/3mx/5/5mx/7 and netBook are all identical to the one you require for the MC218. You might be lucky and find one at eBay.

I happen to know that you are not in the UK, remembering from previous postings, but it would assist others who are trying to answer your posts if you included your location in your profile.

The European Psion Store (with pricing in Euros) is at:

http://www.psion.com/store/euro/

Unfortunately they are quoting "out of stock" for the cable at present, as is the UK Psion Store.

The other three suppliers mentioned by diem will ship internationally, although SerialLeads do not accept credit/debit card payments, which could make it more difficult.

Julie