­
Note-taking then and now — ICT & Computing in Education
  • Front Page
  • Search
    • Digital Education
    • Terry Freedman's Books Bulletin
  • RSS
    • Welcome
    • The "About" Page
    • Testimonials
    • CV/Resumé
    • My Writing
    • Published articles
  • Corrections Policy
Menu

ICT & Computing in Education

Articles on education technology and related topics
  • Front Page
  • Search
  • Newsletters
    • Digital Education
    • Terry Freedman's Books Bulletin
  • RSS
  • Info
    • Welcome
    • The "About" Page
    • Testimonials
    • CV/Resumé
    • My Writing
    • Published articles
  • Corrections Policy
Psion 5 and KIndle Fire, by Terry Freedman

Psion 5 and KIndle Fire, by Terry Freedman

Note-taking then and now

July 12, 2019

It’s interesting to reflect on what we become used to, and what we’re happy to put up with. For a long time now I’ve had a desire to resurrect my old Psion 5 Organizer. This was a clamshell device I was using extensively in the late 90s for writing on the move.

Being pocket-sized — see the photo above in which you can see its size relative to that of a Kindle Fire — it could be carried around with no problem at all. And because it had a keyboard, I could type merrily away, not minding about typos because I could always correct them afterwards.

Also, having a keyboard meant that it was much easier to use than pen and paper whilst travelling. For example, I wrote an issue of my previous newsletter, Computers in Classrooms, while sitting in the back of a car returning from a conference in Scarborough.

Well, having recently cleared out a load of stuff from our loft, we came across the Psion 5. I put in a couple of fresh batteries, switched it on, and it worked! And what an utter disappointment it was too. The backlight is hardly worth the name, because it’s green and not very bright. I don’t recall having that issue 20 years ago, so perhaps that’s a feature that has deteriorated over time.

Whereas before I was happy to use the keyboard, I now find it too small. I imagine I could get used to it again, but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort, given all the other note-taking options available now.

Psion 5, by Terry Freedman

Psion 5, by Terry Freedman


Perhaps one of these days when I have a bit of time I might try to use it again, because it does have certain advantages I think:

First, it’s really portable. The closest device I’ve come across in that regard is the Microsoft Surface Go, which is as light as a feather.

Secondly, it has no wi-fi connection, so there are no distractions.

Thirdly, it’s virtually mugger-proof methinks, because what self-respecting mugger would grab one? Mind you, I notice that they are worth around £50 on eBay.

If I do get used to using it again, I’ll have to buy an adapter in order to transfer files from the Compact Flash card in the Psion to my computer. I do have one but I put it in a safe place….

In the meantime, I’ll continue to write notes with a digital notebook and pen, or dictate them.

See also 10 Note-Taking Apps for Writers.

In Blast from the past, Reflections, Using and Teaching Computing & ICT Tags Psion 5, Psion, old technology, clamshell
← Computing and related qualifications ebook: why?Humility →
Recent book reviews
Backlist: The Written World
Backlist: The Written World

Writing was invented ‘only’ a few thousand years ago. It’s a fascinating story.

Read More →
Backlist: What I'm reading: Bounce
Backlist: What I'm reading: Bounce

What does it take to become an expert? And what can the Computing teacher do about it?

Read More →
Backlist: The Fourth Education Revolution
Backlist: The Fourth Education Revolution

The title of this book invites curiosity: what were the other three ‘revolutions?

Read More →
A book review for your English department colleagues perhaps
A book review for your English department colleagues perhaps

Some of these stories are so richly told, it can almost seem as though you’re right there with him.

Read More →
Review: Pen Names
Review: Pen Names

OK, so this has nothing to do with education technology, but we all read (I hope!). A very interesting examination of the pen names some authors have adopted, and why.

Read More →
Review: The Library of Ancient Wisdom: Mesopotamia and the Making of History
Review: The Library of Ancient Wisdom: Mesopotamia and the Making of History

There's a really interesting section in this book about how ceramic storage of data and information is probably the most likely medium to stand the test of time.

Read More →
A book review for your biology colleagues perhaps
A book review for your biology colleagues perhaps

The subject under discussion here is how human physiology has developed in different ways, in response to different conditions around the world.

Read More →
Review: Social Media for Academics
Review: Social Media for Academics

This book is very readable, and if I sound surprised that is because it’s not always true of academics!

Read More →
Quick looks: VIBE Coding by Example
Quick looks: VIBE Coding by Example

For the time being, this book is free in Kindle format.

Read More →
Review: The Game Changers: How Playing Games Changed the World and Can Change You Too
Review: The Game Changers: How Playing Games Changed the World and Can Change You Too

Despite the relative paucity of immediately obvious National Curriculum links, teachers will find several of sections of this book to be highly engaging.

Read More →
Dig+Ed+Banner.jpg

Contact us

Privacy

Cookies

Terms and conditions

This website is powered by Squarespace

(c) Terry Freedman All Rights Reserved