After looking at the Psion 5mx of the late 1990s, we begin designing a modern version of the highly ergonomic and most iconic back-pocket sized clamshell computer ever. We haven't answered every design question and hope you can help us get everything right.
Was a Psion fan during my Uni days.
At that time i switched from Apple Newton, then moved onto Psion.
I still think Psion could have done so much more.
I belive there is still a market for people who needs simple machines for business. WinCE sucks crap.
Several thing definately need to note when designing the next Psion.
1. Psion's 5 series Keyboard rocks. <<-- Don't even think about changing any desing, mechanism or material cost factored into this. It made the user experience non the less 'extremely unique'.
2. Gotta be thin and 'slanted' down.
3. Solid State disk gotta be used. No hard drive please. I think 30G is enough for XP as a default selection. Maybe 60G for the deep pockets.
4. SD Slot is enough. No need CF, even laptops don't have it. It's just going to take up space. Why put such thing in a cramped environment such as this???
5. USB port needed~!!!
6. Need Ear/Mic phone jacks for music.
7. Would be nice to add a Video Camera - Maybe next model generation you can add it in.
8. Use the best batter available to make it thin.
Make the battery last long as possible. Don't try to make money on 'Extended Battery' crap. For these kind of products people will tend to buy an immediate second if the price is good. Each batter making the device last 3~4 hours is very very adaquete.
9. Yes no need Wired LAN but Wireless must be built-in. What age do u guys live in man? a/b/g gotta be standard~!!! at least to b profile~~~
Would be nice if it's EVDO or 3G+ rather.
10. Don't lose the grey blackiness of the Psion 5mx concept.
The First User Market will be the loyal ones, like me, to buy the darn thing.And if you make it toooooo different, it's not gonna be attractive.
I think if price point is USD 1399. I'd buy it if the above it done as it says.
That SSD is gonna be tricky in your cost design but tell you what if you really manage to design this even with a 20 GB SSD, at USD 1500, I'd buy it without second thoughts.
Sillycon Out~~~~