Top 10 Apps For Psion 5

[@WhatALoadOfTosca]

I used to write software under the moniker of Medialinx back in the 90s for the Psion line. As a teenager it was great receiving cheques all the time for my shareware. Took me on holidays :) I wrote apps such as Shortcut Wizard, Stickies and RecentDocs. It was a great time to write software.

[@HandheldComputing]

What did you write? I probably came across it already!

[@HandheldComputing]

|I defiantly used a recycle bin app (quite possibly yours) and I tried a lot of sticky note apps eventually settling on MMMsticker (sorry) . I only recently started using a series 3 so I will keep an eye out for your software!

[@diytech2001]

Psion 5 is such a great device! I have to try some of the programs you mentioned here, they seem quite usefull. From your top 10 I only have the PDF print, PDF viewer, the Sinclair emulator and the virtual Keyboard. My favorite programs and games for Psion 5 are: Goby (gameboy emulator), Zheroes (a game similar to Worms), RMRSol (Solitaire), PSI Wallpaper, T3D Test (3DS file viewer- I could not believe that it could display 3D models considering the specs). I also found mp3 player (Audio Player 1.2) for Psion which works really well but there is no way to register it sadly... I use a lot most of the default programs, especially Word and Sheet.

[@HandheldComputing]

I went looking for Audio Player but couldn't find it so I converted to Wav then psion standard for play back, though its only mono and no headphone jack! Zheros is great and looks fantastic on the colour psion 7!

[@reekooism]

Do you know if we can install Linux on it?

[@sanelb1147]

Is this thing still worth something. I got one 5mx brand new in package , unused. What could I ask for it if I decide to sell it , or is it better to keep it 10more years till it's really vintage ?

[@babyshela2703]

Phenomenal is all I can say.

[@HandheldComputing]

The 5Mx is one of the best PDA's ever made with an excellent keyboard and great OS, the screen can be a little dim in low light but is otherwise great!

[@francoiscatuhe7410]

Hi, I used Assistant a lot. Latest version I remember was 1.98 or 1.99. It was the ancestor of command palette or Apple Spotlight, searching apps and files across the whole OS.

[@HandheldComputing]

I shall have a look for that, a decent search tool is always useful!

[@lionellolavezzari2226]

the PDF PRINT is very interesting. Where can I find it ? Thank you

[@HandheldComputing]

That is a good question, there isn't an archive as such. A quick Google and it looks like it's on www.mobiware.org a lot of Psion software is available in the Facebook forum in the files section too

[@jimmyturbo5]

Please can someone point me in the right direction of where to find a copy of SimCity for my S5mx ? Thanks in advance !

[@HandheldComputing]

I would suggest the best place to start is the "Psion Users" facebook group, they have a files selection and it's probably in there. Otherwise try the internet archive

[@jimsmith9056]

Just bought a Series 5 8mb in box almost new from the looks it. I've been converting one for years! That keyboard ❤ it's part of my retro EDC. It's this, a moleskine journal, a Casio Walkman and radio and my trusty Nokia 8210 (4g) I'm also almost exclusively gaming on a Palm Zire Z22 (Scrabble and Space Trader mostly but a bit of trade winds) I've even found a way to get Netflix and KZbin on a Casio EV-600 handheld TV. so I can sit in the garden and watch it on that. I could have done all this with an iPad but why the hell would I when I can do it using vintage tech?

[@HandheldComputing]

Damn thats cool 😎. The Psion 5 might mean you leave your moleskin notebook behind thanks to Sketch, there is also a multi-image/page program you can use to create 'notepads' I just can't remember what its called.... Love space trader, I've played it through a couple of times over the years 😃 I'm intrigued as to how you got Netflix on your handheld TV though 🤔

[@jimsmith9056]

@@HandheldComputing I prefer physical pen and paper for journaling, but will make use of spreadsheets and Word on the psion. I have ordered a CF card reader and a CF card with loads of psion programs and games so I can play around with those and use the card to transfer documents over to my laptop.

[@HandheldComputing]

@@jimsmith9056 There is nothing quite like pen and paper when it comes to jotting notes 😃 Psiwin 2.3.3 works under win10 (mostly) so you can sync and convert files, its just the explorer that doesn't work

[@sudarshanparajuli5275]

As always great video sir! Lots of love from Nepal Never end making videos of handheld pda devices... Great fan of yours !

[@HandheldComputing]

Thank you so much Sudarshan! I haven't forgotten your request, I keep searching ebay!

[@benadamsondxb]

I've just bought a Series 5MX on eBay - really looking forward to what was once my dream palmtop. I only ever got as far as the Siena in the Psion range. Any tips for installing apps using a Mac? I have Windows 11 running in Parallels, and I guess I could run a Windows XP VM inside that, but are there USB converters to connect the Psion's serial cable? Any tips would be much appreciated! 🙏

[@HandheldComputing]

1st off join the Psion users facebook group, then check out their files section (remove the "r" after the .zipr Now just move the .sis files to the Psion via CF and tap to install. The latest Psiwin 2.3.3 will allow sync (with outlook 32bit 2013 or earlier), backup and conversion of files but the file explorer only works in XP Hope this helps, have a good weekend 😃

[@neilrose3725]

I have word files on my Psion 5mx compact drive. I tried to open them on my windows 10 pc via the compact drive, they open but not intelligible. Will any program open them properly or is it just too old?

[@HandheldComputing]

You can either save them as an RTF or TXT file on your Psion (if it still works) they will then open fine in word or you can install psiwin 2.3.3 and open the file converter that installs with Psiwin and use it to convert them to a windows friendly format archive.org/details/psiwin-2-3-3-english Psiwin works on win 10 and 11 apart from the file explorer so if your Psion still works you can still sync it and back up on windows

[@vintagemoderncomputing]

Could do with a video like this for Series 7. It could be an opportunity to explore them as writing machines, too.

[@HandheldComputing]

I did do a review of the series 7 (ages ago, so probably not great...), they have a great keyboard! I was going to do a 7 vs Netbook video but never got around to it

[@vintagemoderncomputing]

@@HandheldComputing Oh, that would be an interesting comparison. Especially if the Netbook Pro was thrown in with a test to see which machine enables the most modern workflow. If MC can run on a 400MHz Pentium II on XP, there must be a way to get it working on CE 4.2! 😂

[@HandheldComputing]

@@vintagemoderncomputing Ha ha I think modern workflow relies far to heavily on permanent internet connection rather than distraction free environments to create productivity!

[@vintagemoderncomputing]

@@HandheldComputing Google Docs. _Cough_ 🤣

[@HandheldComputing]

@@vintagemoderncomputing 🤣🤣🤣

[@ctcards2636]

Love the videos :-). Im gonna be posting one soon of my Sharp ZR-3500X, just waiting for my 9 pin to USB adaptor.

[@HandheldComputing]

Sounds great!

[@ctcards2636]

@@HandheldComputing Also finally got my SD to CF adaptor. So im not stuck with 4mb CF cards anymore haha.

[@HandheldComputing]

@@ctcards2636 Let me know if it works, I had issues with using the SD to CF adaptor in my psion

[@cliffordlewis5682]

Hi excellent video,I have been watching this video with interest.However I wonder could you please help me . I have had no luck in finding this software anywhere on the net. Most of the freeware sites can’t be reached, Have you any advice Regards Cliff

[@HandheldComputing]

Hi Cliffe, some of this software is still available to buy (Any of the RMR software like PDF+) while a lot of it is "greyware" so its not officially abandonware which is why I haven't linked it. There is a Psion FB group which if you join has a lot of software available in its file section. Hope this helps, happy hunting Huw

[@cliffordlewis5682]

⁠@@HandheldComputingHi thanks very much for your advice and info,it’s been very helpful.cheers Cliff

[@CodySmiley]

Hey, it is possible to run linux terminal on this devices? There is any wireless/wired internet connectivity?

[@HandheldComputing]

I am not aware of any off the shelf linux terminals for the Psion 5. If you are handy with a soldering iron you could have a go at this... www.kianryan.co.uk/2022-11-28-psion-sidecar-ppp-modem-and-terminal/ As for outputs it has IR and serial 232 so no WiFi or bluetooth connectivity but you can get a PC card adapter designed to use with PC card modems. Hope this helps 😀

[@stuaxo]

I'd forgotten how satisfying the Psion 5s screen was - the update is a little slow, but it makes it feel more paper-like.

[@HandheldComputing]

It a lot better than you think and compared to the Velo 1 is fantastic!

[@stuaxo]

@@HandheldComputing mine died with the infamous cable issue, but may well get one again - it's great to see all these apps - I never had any of them.

[@HandheldComputing]

@@stuaxo I have had 2 broken flexi cables :-( looked at the tutorials on replacing myself and way beyond me! I was in New Zealand at the time and a guy did the repair for me

[@T_U3721]

The first thing I received my recent 5mx is to open it up and tape the fragile area on both sides of the cable (a curious small hole on the cable which is favourite spot where the breakage begins). Time will tell whether the damage can be mitigated.

[@HandheldComputing]

@@T_U3721 This is a great idea, I will do mine later, anything to reduce the risk of breakage!

[@hermetic_wizard777]

I have a series 5 original (not mx version) will I still be able to download additional programs for it?

[@HandheldComputing]

Yes, all these programs will work. You cannot directly install a .sis file on the 5 (unless you have already installed the .sis installer) so installation is via psiwin - Psiwin 2.3.3 works under windows 10 (and I think Win11) with the exception of the file explorer. Enjoy :-)

[@imrankucherawala4548]

U have collection of all these handheld pcs want to sell anyone...want to buy HP 100lx

[@HandheldComputing]

I don't currently have any to sell, like Pokemon, gotta catch em all 😉

[@TheViktor128]

Great video and apps to psion. Is there still any website where we can get those apps?

[@HandheldComputing]

Sadly there isn't currently a website for Psion apps like there is for Palm of handheld PCs. The internet archive is a good place to look or join the Psion Users facebook page as they have a lot of software available to download from the 'files' section

[@BasedPureblood]

I really wish they made these in some form still today.

[@HandheldComputing]

Me too! There are a couple of groups working on Psion emulation in android to run Epoc on a planet computer cosmo

[@alexdinca6651]

hey i have one but i was not able to install the OS on the card please help me how i can do that

[@HandheldComputing]

The OS is built into an onboard ROM chip unless you have one of the elusive 5Mx Pro versions in which case you boot the OS from a CF card. Let me know if you have the Pro and I will try and find you a ROM image file for it

[@alexdinca6651]

@@HandheldComputing its a 5mx pro 32mb and i have a sundisck 1.0gb compactflash its say on it sdcfb.its the C in a circle i like the R from registred mark and say 03sundis i think its from 2003.I Dont have right now batteries for it but when i open it its say to insert the the card. i have try a few times to install a OS on it but i fail since i have not use linux and all its say in some tutorials on internet. i have a new laptop its working great a rogstrix G and have no Cd to make a bootup cd with linux and i have try to boot up before from usb a windows and dident work i have change the setings in bios and i give up after.... I wait for your guiding and if its posible for a Rom image it will be great.Thanks very much

[@RobertDeloyd]

Dang, now I'll have to get a Psion 5 to add to my collection ;)

[@HandheldComputing]

ha ha don't go blaming me lol

[@RobertDeloyd]

@@HandheldComputing Hmmm, yes a scapegoat 😇

[@HandheldComputing]

@@RobertDeloyd Doh!

[@jansirkia3809]

TI-85 emulator?

[@HandheldComputing]

Good call, its a great graphics calculator. There's probably an emulator out there for the Psion but I haven't seen one

[@thehobnob]

That PDF printer seems super useful...shame it seems to be paid software (and the websites used to purchase it are long gone!)

[@HandheldComputing]

Yes its a really good application, there's a Psion group on facebook which could help you get a reg code. I also found this on the internet archive. archive.org/details/pdfPrinter_full Hope this helps :-)

[@T_U3721]

Why does KZbin keep deleting my comments? I am just listing the names of my favourite apps!

[@HandheldComputing]

Hi T U, I don't understand why youTube keeps deleting your comments. I receive your comment as email though so I will be sure to check out the ones you recommended! RMRTask, Fastbackup, Essential Disk Utilities (this is a great tool), Fileswitch, RMRFile, Macro5 (I've usd this a lot in conjunction with ExtraBars), Plan 5 and RPG dice which I downloaded on your advice!

[@T_U3721]

@@HandheldComputing It's beyond me that KZbin just deleted my comments with just the list of apps in your reply. Sorry for bombarding your mail box with my repeated replies!

[@HandheldComputing]

@@T_U3721 Just a bit weird! I've seen quite a few comments by others be removed by KZbin. Checked my settings which are fine, think it must be a glitch in the algorithm