Osaris - Epoc compatible PDA

A low cost Epoc miniature computers from Oregon Scientific.

Low cost Oregon Scientific version of a Psion.

A lower cost (US$350 and US$400) version with a 320 x 200 display, 4 MB, 8 MB and 16 MB models and different ARM CPU. Two AA batteries. Has a serial port, IrDA, and Compact Flash port, plus DC power port. 112 x 70 x 12.5 mm, 75 grams. The only computer released with Epoc Release 4. www.oregonscientific.com/

I think too many compromises were made to get the price down to close to half the price of the Psion model. However since markets are very price sensitive, it is hard to argue against this approach.

Hardware

Processor
32 bit 18.432MHz ARM 7100 CPU with cache and MMU (CL-PS7111). Same speed as the original Psion 5 classic. This is an ASIC (code-named Eiger) with the ARM core, and all peripheral drivers. There is a buffer to the memory, and separate RAM refresh clocked by the 32kHz real time clock. The non maskable interrupt is used for power down support.
Display
320 x 240 backlit display with 16 grey scale. Multi level zoom of character size. Clamshell design. The screen is pretty small by comparison with the Psion 5 models. Pixels are rectangular, not square. Display quality about that of the Psion 5.
Weight, Size, Power
Up to 35 hour battery life from two AA alkaline cells, although if you use the backlight about 10 hours is more likely. 3V CR2032 lithium backup. Optional 6V external power supply.
Memory
6MB ROM version 1.02 with ER4. 4, 8 or 16 MB dynamic ram, although I think only 4 and 8 appeared. Compact Flash slot underneath body.
Keyboard
Yes.
Audio
No microphone at all, beeper only.
Communications
115kbps RS232 serial port. IrDA.
Manual
No paper manual, unlike the Psion version. Electronic version on CD, but in MS Word format. OPL manual is in CHM (compiled HTML, which is also useless).

Software

Word Processor
Multiple fonts, bold, italics, bullets, borders, etc. Paragraph styles. Embed sketches, spreadsheets, sounds. Spelling checker. Zoom display. WYSIWYG. Password protect files. Outlining (like ER5).
Spreadsheet
Text formatting similar to word processor, auto-sum, 100 functions, zoom, seven chart types including 3D. Sorting available (like ER5).
Printing
Printing support for a selection of printers, via cable or IrDA infrared, or via Windows using True Type fonts. Print preview multiple pages at a time.
Sketch
Drawing tools, using stylus provided with Psion. Clipart library, zoom, resize. This is a paint (pixel oriented) drawing package, not a vector oriented package.
Agenda
Time management, with day, week, month and year views and alarms. Attach notes, sketches, sound. To-do items. Very powerful.
Database
Card view of records, list view of multiple records, embed sketches, sound or objects, sort.
Record
No microphone, no speaker, and no record application.
Calculator
Four function with "tape". Scientific, multi function, with ten memories. Use touch screen if desired.
Time
Select sounds or recordings for alarms, local times in 700 locations, add your own. Flexible multiple alarms. Daylight saving.
PC Docking
Serial cable with Honda connector. Windows 95/NT PsiWin2 conversion program included, Psion appears as an icon in Windows.
Programming language
OPL built in.
Communications
VT100 and TTY terminal emulation, ASCII, Xmodem, Ymodem protocols. Free Message Suite software on CD provides fax, limited web browser, email.

This site will look much better in a browser that supports W3C web standards but it is accessible to any browser or internet device, including Psion Web and similar PDA or limited browsers. Netscape 4.x users - turn Style Sheets off. Your style sheet support is too broken to use (sorry).


ericlindsay.com -> epoc -> epoc hardware -> osaris

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