Subject: Re: [TS] [OT] Portables
From: Ben Darnell (ben@thoughtstream.org)
Date: Wed Aug 02 2000 - 01:43:25 EDT
On Wed, Aug 02, 2000 at 02:35:53AM +0200, Marcus wrote:
> Basically, I'm wondering what kind of handheld device to get. I once
> had a Psion 3, but much has changed since then.
> (Btw, The new Psion (7, or already 5?) Does support Java, so I guess
> that would speak for it and the Java port of Thoughtstream?)
I don't know about the status of Java on the Psion, but the Palm also
supports Java (both through Jump, which is a java compiler which runs
on the desktop and produces Palm executables, and KVM, which is a real
java runtime), although I don't think either option lets you use the
full class libraries (e.g. GUI stuff), so normal java stuff probably
won't work. KVM is slow, but has some hope of being cross-platform (I
think there is another version of KVM out there, for either WinCE or
Psion)
> Thoughstream will work on the Palm Pilot, and I guess programming is
> proprietary?
> Programming is a consideration (any that support Perl?)
Programming for the Palm is generally done using C, which is not
proprietary, although of course you're making calls into a proprietary
OS. Most programming is done on the desktop (using gcc or CodeWarrior.
gcc is vastly superior IMO), although there are various programming
environments on the device, such as LispMe (I think this one is open
source, FWIW), Quartus Forth, and PocketC.
I think the Psion is the only handheld to support Perl:
http://members.linuxstart.com/~oflebbe/perl/perl5.html
There is a Python runtime (but not a full compiler/interpreter) for the
Palm, and I believe a full port of Python for the Psion.
http://dales.rmplc.co.uk/Duncan/PyPsion.htm
>
> I'd like to be able to write texts and program in something
> Crossplatform if possible, otherwise, e-mail, browse the net, ftp my
> files.
>
It sounds like you're looking for something in the "very small computer"
category rather than the "digital organizer" category. Something from
the Psion family would most likely suit your needs better, although I
doubt there is any hope of getting ThoughtStream to run on it without a
dedicated Psion port (well, a text-mode interface has a chance, but no
guarantees). The Palm *can* be used to do email and other internet
things, but it's just not well-suited for them.
-Ben
-- Ben Darnell ben@thoughtstream.org http://thoughtstream.org Finger bgdarnel@debian.org for PGP/GPG key 1024D/1F06E509--------------------------------------------------------------------<e|- Get a NextCard Visa, in 30 seconds! 1. Fill in the brief application 2. Receive approval decision within 30 seconds 3. Get rates as low as 2.9% Intro or 9.9% Fixed APR http://click.egroups.com/1/6630/7/_/6321/_/965195004/ --------------------------------------------------------------------|e>-
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b25 : Wed Aug 30 2000 - 22:01:01 EDT