Psion To Make Linux Handheld ?

[rolo]

I came across this article from last year that indicated that Psion would possibly make a Linux handheld.  Has anyone heard any news about this?  I know there are several people on this site who have owned or still own a Psion handheld.  I understand they were well thought out and well engineered handhelds.

What kind of specs do you think a Psion Linux handheld would debute with?
- 802.11g?, BT?, built-in hard-drive?

I don't know what direction Psion was/is headed in with its handhelds, but it would be nice to see another manufacturer create a quality linux handheld that would be available in the US.

Thoughts?


http://www.newswireless.net/index.cfm/article/423

[Psion]

I've gone through a 2MB Psion 3a, 8MB Revo, 16MB Psion 5, LG Phenom, Ipaq 3630, and am presently using an SL-5500. (maybe move to a C-series if I can ever afford it)

Beside this SL-5500, my Psion 3a has been the love of my PDAs.  A cracked screen has caused me to put it aside, as repairing is in the UK and rather expensive.  Being able to type was a keeper.
Psion made very stable, useful, and practical handhelds.  They were top of the line.

If Psion is thinking of getting back into the handheld market with a Linux based unit, I would highly recommend checking into it, especially if it is cheaper than the C-series Zaurii.

[nathanwms]

I've gone through a 2MB Psion 3a, 8MB Revo, 16MB Psion 5, LG Phenom, Ipaq 3630, and am presently using an SL-5500. (maybe move to a C-series if I can ever afford it)

Beside this SL-5500, my Psion 3a has been the love of my PDAs.  A cracked screen has caused me to put it aside, as repairing is in the UK and rather expensive.  Being able to type was a keeper.
Psion made very stable, useful, and practical handhelds.  They were top of the line.

If Psion is thinking of getting back into the handheld market with a Linux based unit, I would highly recommend checking into it, especially if it is cheaper than the C-series Zaurii.
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Did Psion integrate wifi or BT into any of their handhelds?  I have a C760 now and I've vowed that I will only upgrade to a model with integrated wireless.  I love my Z, but if Psion produces a Linux model comparable to what I have with wireless, I will be VERY tempted to jump ship.

[Psion]

Unfortunately I don't recall that any of their units were equipped with WiFi.
You had to buy a separate modem unit if you wanted to get connected.
One of the bad things about Psion was that you just got the base unit, and their flash cards were proprietary, as were the modem.  
So, as a stand alone unit it was great, but this is the age of wireless, so I would guess they would come out with something that would work easily in that realm.

[slapout]

One of the bad things about Psion was that you just got the base unit, and their flash cards were proprietary, as were the modem. 
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The Series 5 used standard Compact Flash cards (but for memory only, not accessories). But it was released in 1997, so that was long before WiFi became popular.

[Psion]

Thanks for the info, slapout.
Maybe something I should re-visit.

[swing]

I came across this article from last year that indicated that Psion would possibly make a Linux handheld.  Has anyone heard any news about this?

The general consensus is that they could if they want to (based on the netbook or netbook pro) but most of the staff who were working on it have now left, so it's unlikely to ever happen.