Hi All,
I recently purchased this pocket computer - RiscStation OSARIS.
Check these web sites for information :-
www.riscstation.co.uk
www.oregonscientific.co.uk
It a neat and well built pocket sized computer, that probably has more
features than the now well know Psions. The shape is a 'clam shell',
folding out to reveal screen and keyboard.
The keyboard, for the size, with a very positive feel. A touch
sensitive screen with a pen is the main input device for navigating.
Memory is a 8Mb ROM "internal disk", called the 'C Drive'; to which
Compact Flash Memory Cards can be added as 'Drive D'.
It has a range of standard applications that are compatible with PC and
others, such as Word, Sheet, Data. With a range of the normal
applications like Agenda, Jotter, Sketch, Calc, etc.
In addition it has Comms, and Email, Fax and Web browsing ( the latter
has to be loaded in off a supplied CD-ROM ). It sychronises with a PC
or other computer via either a serial link or infra red. So that
information is easily exchanged in either direction.
This evening I downloaded a free z80 emulator for Spectrum games, which
installed itself as another application quite painlessly :-)
It uses the EPOC system, and includes a programme language based on
procedures to create your own software.
It uses a RISC processor, so software is supplied to link to both RISC
OS and PC. Price is 170ukp.
I'm impressed with it, and I have used it non-stop to be able to carry
information with me to meetings, etc.
I can now see the potential that different OS's than those supplied by
Bill G have in markets like this. Was it Arnould who has been
proclaiming the possiblity of a portable QL based OS machine ?
Perhaps there is hope to link it to a QL ? I haven't yet experimented
with importing data from QL software, via a PC format, either.
All in all, it is a real joy to use. Everything is so effortless :-)
--
Malcolm Cadman
