2. Size And Display Resolution And Technology

#7: Size

We'll start with size, which, after all, will determine what kind of portability we want and what can actually fit inside: the Psion's case. Much of the feedback received just assumed the case size would remain about the same as Psion 5mx's, with some of you asking for something a bit slimmer if possible. In order to keep things realistic, I'll keep the original proportions for now, as we have to put a lot inside this little computer.

#1: Display Resolution And Technology

Moving on to display resolution, and also speaking of the screen size, readers expressed concerns about readability and usefulness. Low resolutions don't strain your eyes, but make using programs and surfing the web a complicated task. As with everything, a balance has to be found. The original Psion had a 640x240 16-greyscale display. Color, of course, is a basic premise nowadays. Ideal would be 16.1 million colors, but, favoring battery life, those who responded would be happy with 256k or even 65k color.

And if we are going to be using Windows Mobile or Windows XP on it (more on that later), we can do without those side-of-the-screen shortcuts that made more sense for the EPOC operating system: menu, cut/paste, infrared, System, Word, Sheet, Contacts, Agenda, etc. However, many wanted the new Psion to retain the 5mx's two icon buttons on the left side of the screen that let you zoom the screen in and out. This means having a bigger screen area, and maybe even stretching it a little to the left, but keeping space for a webcam.

The Psion 20xx with a webcam in the upper left corner and zoom buttons (rocker switch) on the lower left side; computer composite image by Tiago Pascoal

With the added width and height the screen resolution could be improved. To support working for a longer period, 800x480 would be the best compromise between comfort and practicality. This resolution is in fact the most quoted in e-mail feedback and in the forum, and actually accomplishes two things: it's proven, because a few keyboardless tablets use it (look at Asus' R2H for example) and it keeps a 16:10 eye friendly panoramic aspect ratio that other proposed resolutions like 1280x600 and 800x600 don't. Other proposed panoramic resolutions like 1024x600 and 1280x768 would be difficult to see on the Psion's small screen. Higher resolutions up to 1280x768 or 1280x1024 would, of course, be available through the VGA port (below).

Display technologies are constantly evolving, and as with everything in the Psion, the display has to be energy efficient. Therefore an Organic Light Emitting Device (OLED) TFT display with both low power consumption and low operating voltage might be a good starting point.

Simon and Roger Peggram both recalled their experience with the Psion's display going blank, to which I add my own recollection. The problem lies within the ribbon cables that connect the motherboard to the keyboard and screen. The original ones had design flaws, especially in the screen ribbon cable, which would eventually lead the wires to break. However, this system can be kept as there is now better technology and design that can deliver much more durable ones.

Though they realize that underlying technologies will be different, most readers want the new Psion to have a stylus and touch sensitive screen as did the original. After all, it's what made inputting into this computer so cool, even with your finger if you dropped the stylus on the floor!