User experiences please: SL-860/3000, OQO, P1120, U50/71P
Forum PDA : Handhelds General - User experiences please: SL-860/3000, OQO, P1120, U50/71P
Archived from groups: comp.sys.handhelds (More info?)
Graham Holden wrote:
> ...
> I'm currently using a Psion 5mx. Very happy with it, but there are things
> it can't do, and it won't last forever. At the moment, I'm looking at two
> areas: a PDA and ultra-compact PCs.
>
> One of the most important features that originally attracted me to Psions
> was the ability to "self program" on them: with OPL, you not only have a
> fairly powerful language, but you can develop on the device itself. You
> don't _have_ to work with a PC-based SDK.
>
You can install the correponding sdk on all device you quoted in your post.
> Sticking with a PDA-type device, there's:
>
> Sharp Zaurus SL-C860/C3000
>
> Only available by import to the UK (has anyone had particularly bad
> experiences doing this?). Given that it's Linux-based, you can probably
> "self-program" by loading gcc, but what else is there? Are there any
> packages that are "OPL-like" that either come with the machine or are
> freely available?
gcc + python + perl + whatever you can compile for Linux ARM. Most old Psion
5mx users don't like Qtopia (the Sharp UI) nor the Qtopia default
applications design, nor the synchronisation tools. As a programmer, I like
the Trolltech Qt toolkit but dislike the corresponding PDA sdk. There is a
too big gap between programming for Windows Mobile (VB, .NET, VCC...) and
programming for Linux PDA when they run Qtopia.
If you can install Linux on a PC, get Qtopia source code and have a look
before buying. It's easier to start programming in C++ for Zaurus than for
Symbian device thought (as long as you don't need something too complicated
requiring something else than Qt).
> (OPL, if not known: basic-like syntax; can easily use dialog boxes, menus
> etc., can be extended with OPXs (similar to DLLs). Very handy for simple
> "knock together" apps, but can handle some quite serious programming if
> needed).
You will perhaps like Python. It's more powerful than OPL. It doen't have a
very cool editor (no WYSIWYG editor) but OPL didn't have one too. And you
will certainly need to build it yourself (I mean to compile one from
source)
>
> The other route I'm considering is a more portable Windows PC than a
> laptop; the ones that have caught my eye are:
>
> OQO Ultra Portable Notebooks
Good. Not very fast but fast enough. As fast as most Windows XP tablet I
think. Enough memory to run VB or VCC. I like it but it is too expensive.
> Fujitsu LifeBook P1120
Good. Not very fast but fast enough. As fast as most Windows XP tablet I
think. Bigger. Enough memory to run VB or VCC. Better keyboard for typing
with two hands.
> Sony VAIO VGN-U50/U71P
External usb keyboard 
Never tested
> Regards,
> Graham Holden (g-holden AT dircon DOT co DOT uk)
> --
> There are 10 types of people in the world;
> those that understand binary and those that don't.
--
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