alt Hacker NewsMy dream productivity device is a modern take on a Psion 5MX.
I don't mean I want a Psion 5MX with a bunch of hacks to keep it running - I've seen that, no thanks.
I want the same great keyboard, same form factor, some ergonomics, but with a modern screen (mono/e-ink is fine), modern CPU, modern connectivity (wifi, bluetooth, usb-c, maybe 4G/5G eSIM if we're being fancy), and improved battery life with usb-c charging.
The first thing that goes with all these geek PDAs and mini form-factors is the keyboard. I want to be able to type a short email, I want to be able to ssh into a server and use vim (so, yeah, ESC is needed or ability to remap caps lock or something), and also do some basic doc writing and perhaps a spreadsheet or two. A web browser would be nice.
I don't need apps. I don't need a compressed desktop. I don't need games. It's a productivity device.
Thinking about it as I type this, perhaps a psion-style keyboard for an iPhone might hit the spot if I figure out the right focus mode setup in iOS for when I need that mode. Maybe.
I'm glad this hits the spot for some people... but that keyboard... no thanks.
Replies
Take a look at Plant Computers PDAs: https://www.www3.planetcom.co.uk/planetphones . The hardware is a bit old notre and if love to see a refresh, but the Pison keyboard is there!
I want an updated Psion too. Either that or a modern TRS-80 Model 100. Something that can run for hundreds or maybe thousands of hours on 4 AA batteries (the original could do 30 or so hours). Something without an app SDK and definitely without a browser.
> "My dream productivity device is a modern take on a Psion 5MX."
Adapt it out of the conventions of the inferior form factor by making it a detachable, i. e. a UMPC in a smartphone-like form factor, and you might have a winner... if you don't skimp on all the other good stuff that makes a great ultra-portable general-purpose computing platform.
> "Thinking about it as I type this, perhaps a psion-style keyboard for an iPhone might hit the spot [...]."
The problem with the iPhone is that it's not a UMPC, but locked-down crap.