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 Psion Siena 512k with lid open | |
| Developer | Psion PLC |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Psion PLC |
| Product family | Psion Series 3 |
| Type | PDA |
| Generation | 3 |
| Release date | 1996; 29 years ago (1996) |
| Lifespan | 1996–? |
| Media | Psion Solid State Disks (optional) connected via RS-232 port |
| Operating system | EPOC16 (SIBO) |
| CPU | NEC V30H @ 7.68 MHz |
| Display | 240 × 160monochromeLCD |
| Input | QWERTYkeyboard Numerickeypad Microphone |
| Camera | N/A |
| Touchpad | N/A |
| Connectivity | Serial, 19,200bit/sRS-232C |
| Power | 2 ×AAA battery |
| Predecessor | Psion Series 3 |
| Successor | Psion Revo |
| Related | Psion Series 5 |
| Language | Open Programming Language |
ThePsion Siena is apersonal digital assistant made byPsion PLC and was released in 1996. Two versions were released, one with 512 kB of memory and a second with 1 MB.
The main power is provided by twoAAA batteries and the backup power by one cell-style CR1620 battery. The batteries are held in a compartment below a detachable casing in the top of the device. It has no socket for an external power source.
The Siena was of the same generation as thePsion Series 3 but it has a smaller sizeliquid-crystal display (LCD, 240 x 160 pixels) and a separate numerickeypad next to the screen. The Siena uses the same16-bitNEC V30H processor as its predecessor the Series 3a. Although the Siena shares binary compatibility with the Series 3, many programs had to be modified due to the reduced sizes of memory and display.
Unlike the Series 3, the Siena has no bay for removable solid state disk drives; however, an external drive device is available which connects via anRS-232serial port. That port also provides PC connectivity if used with the separately available PsiWin software and dial up access via theTravel modem accessory. More connectivity was available via the included infrared port, next to the serial port.
The device was used as a model for a gadget inAnarky (vol.1) #3,Metamorphosis: The Economics of The Madhouse, aDC Comics book. The character,Anarky, is seen trackingBatman's movements using the small PDA.[1]
As a years-long user of Psion's wonderful pocket-sized computers, I got a kick out of seeing that Anarky uses a Psion Siena personal organiser. But like much of the hardware we see, it's boxy and awkward, instead of the sleek little gadget it is.
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