4. System Memory And Storage

#3: System Memory

Having the Psion's heart sorted out, let's move to its system memory. The only choice here is 533 MHz DDR2. The amount of memory is an entirely different story. Readers suggested as low as 128 MB like CygnusRising in the forum and a maximum of 1 GB, upgradeable to 2 GB. Most of you though suggested 512 MB or 1 GB. The final amount will ultimately depend on what operating system and applications we want to work with.

Having chosen an x86 architecture processor, we have a number of options, but we must remember that x86 operating systems are limited to Linux, Windows XP and its variants like the Tablet and Embedded editions. I'll further address the operating system issue below. But for now, considering what more memory hungry Windows XP setups require, we would have to settle for a minimum of 512 MB and a maximum of 1 GB for cost reasons. And it would certainly have to come soldered with no option to add more, as it would be virtually impossible to find space to install a SODIMM inside.

#4: Storage

Storage is another important issue. Opinions were divided between a hard disk, most likely in the form of a microdrive given the Psion's size or solid state storage in the form of a flash drive. In the end solid state had the most votes. Those of you who suggested a hard disk went from 20 GB like Andrew Keohan to 80 GB like Alexander Speed. Roger Peggram and others however have an important point when they say a hard disk would consume too much power, along with the speed and reliability issue. As Kirk Wagner says, a hard disk makes more economic sense, but drains more power. In fact, a microdrive can consume five times more energy (500 mA) than an equivalent flash drive in compact flash form (100 mA maximum). A faster flash drive could still consume 50% less. Acknowledging that you can effectively get a much bigger hard drive for the same money, we would have to settle for a more energy efficient small flash drive of about 8 GB like sjobal suggests in the forum, enough to store the operating system and still have room for your applications, photos, music and perhaps some videos.

And what about the external storage? The Psion 5mx has a Compact Flash slot. Some readers agree it should be kept, some think an SD slot is enough, while some suggest both. I think the Psion should retain the Compact Flash slot, an opinion that is shared by fluppeteer in the forum. It will always be compatible with the biggest and cheapest capacity cards on the market. Professional digital cameras use it. There really shouldn't be a downgrade on this aspect. You should also be able to use CF type II on this new Psion. That also means larger capacity CF - which in the near future will grow in capacity to 32 and 64 GB according to Samsung - and microdrives. The SD card slot would be a welcome addition, because it's also a mainstream product and a lot of digital cameras and MP3 players use it, so you could easily exchange cards with your existing equipment and transfer files.

The Psion 20xx with its Compact Flash and SD slot and headphone jack; computer composite image by Tiago Pascoal.