Psion help needed

[SpringHeeledJack]

One is doing an early spring clean and came across (after forgetting about them for some years) a Psion 3 series and a Psion 5 series mini computer/hand/palm/whatever at the back of a cupboard. I remember at the time that there was still data on them, but due to both the main batteries and the memory battery having run out of juice I couldn't retrieve said data. In fact (a few years back) there didn't seem to be many sources to access any methods for data rescue.

Do any of the ppruners have any experience with this ancient platform's mysteries or could point me in a direction (forum or such like) where I might finally retrieve my ramblings of times past. I also think that I have one of their first handhelds with the tiny rectangular screen that might have data on it.

Any help appreciated.


Thanks


SHJ

[Bushfiva]

Gosh, a blast from the past. If the batteries are truly dead, then the data in internal memory has gone. Data on the CF card should be OK. If you backed up data to your PC, there are a couple of converters out there. Psion Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.filesaveas.com/psionfaq.html) might be a good starting point.

Good grief, the support site's still up: Psion Customer Support Online - Search Solutions (http://www.mypsionsupport.com/mypsion/downloads.asp)

[ZH875]

Agree with Bushfiva, and for another blast, the Psion II forum can be found here (http://24.199.149.210/cgi-bin/org2/YaBB.pl)

[SpringHeeledJack]

Thanks chaps!

It's a shame that once the memory/internal battery dies, then so does the internal memory in the psions. In general terms what is the difference in memory method that causes the data to 'disappear' rather than with solid state cards of today ?


regards


SHJ

[Bushfiva]

Volatile (requiring the occasional refresh cycle from a power source) memory and non-volatile "flash" memory. There are many nuances, but that's about it. Flash arrived commercially around 1988, and was really expensive for a while.