Gemini PDA – modern clamshell handheld for content creators

In 2017 Planet Conputers introduced Gemini PDA. This handheld offers physical keyboard and is designed as modern replacement for Psion 5 Series.

At Planet Computers we believe in freedom. The freedom to create on the move.
Our powerful pocket computers are clamshell devices which feature integrated physical keyboards and the ability to multi-boot operating systems, helping increase your productivity.

Reference.

Let’s compare Gemini PDA and Psion 5MX side-by-side. These devices differ in release date by almost 20 years.

The right way to store Psion Series 5/5MX

Psion Series 5 has a CF slot. When the CF door is closed. it pushes a small button inside the device, which indicates that the door is closed. When this button in not pressed, the device will not recognize the installed CF card.
Unfortunatelly, the little piece of plastic, which presses this button is very fragile. Sometimes it cracks: Psion Series 5 not recognizing CompactFlash cards : OldHandhelds.
In order to eliminate the tension on this piece of plastic, the door must be open.

Besides that, the stylus holder mechanism also contains a spring. The spring is weak when the stylus is removed from the device.

Therefore I follow these two simple rules for storing Psion Series 5:

  1. Keep the CF door open.
  2. Remove the stylus.

Running SimCity on Psion 5MX

Classic city-building computer game SimCity was also released for EPOC32 operating system. I recently opened a new box and tried to run it the game a Psion 5MX. 20+ year old floppy was successfully read by Libretto 70CT floppy drive. The game runs flawlessly. And the save files are compatible with the DOS version of the game.