Psion Revo 8MB

The Revo is relatively simple to set up. Connect the AC adapter to the serial cable (the power cord does not plug into the docking station), hook up the serial cable to your PC, open the Revo's case and slide the Revo into the docking station. (The Revo cannot fit into the docking station unless the case is open.) A green LED confirms that the Revo is properly docked and a red LED indicates that the battery is fast charging. The battery charges to 85 per cent capacity in just 1.5 hours and fully charges in four hours. The charged battery lasts about 12 hours.

The Revo is based along the same lines as earlier Psion models, but with considerable cosmetic and technical improvements. You operate this organiser with the 14 touch-sensitive buttons that border its screen or by using the stylus to tap onscreen buttons and menus. Psion has made every effort to keep the operational controls above the keyboard, thus maximising the space available for keys. Still, typing on this small keyboard requires much getting used to, and the keys' tactile feedback is not very satisfying.

Testing for this review, it was possible to type memos, make appointments, add addresses and create a sample spreadsheet using the Psion's built-in applications. Agenda and contact information automatically synchronises with your PC. For other files, such as those made using the Psion's surprisingly advanced word processor and spreadsheet applications, the PsiWin software transfers and converts the files to a PC-compatible format, such as Microsoft Word or Excel. The Revo's PsiWin software is also compatible with Lotus SmartSuite, WordPerfect, dBASE and more.

Psion licences its EPOC operating system from Symbian, so the interface is not as instantly obvious as with a Microsoft Pocket PC/Handheld PC based device. However, the steps to perform tasks are relatively intuitive. The Revo is accompanied by an extensive handbook that provides a detailed introduction to the comprehensive suite of PIM applications and check out the CD-ROM for additional utilities and tools.

The Revo's built-in applications are Calc, Time, Word, Data, Sheet and Cascade. Additional applications include Today View, Agenda, Contacts, Phone and Jotter. The Revo also supports e-mail, SMS messaging, Web browsing, PC synchronisation and connections to compatible mobile phones through its infrared port and an optional travel modem. If you are looking for an alternative to both Pocket PC and Palm OS organisers, consider the Psion Revo.

Also available for the Revo is a collection of Psion Accessories and Psion Software

If all you want is contact and appointment management the Palm is fine. If, however, you want to work on documents on the move, keep up with your e-mail, and work on spreadsheets then go for the REVO! I use mine all the time for e-mail (via infrared and a mobile), documents, spreadsheets, managing multiple Phonebooks via infrared on my Siemens S25 mobile, and much more...

The PsiWin software synchronises e-mail and contact information seemlessly with your PC PIM software, and provides "Drag & Drop" conversion of your word processor and spreadsheet files to all popular PC formats on-the fly. By double clicking on the "My Psion" icon on your desktop your Psion drive appears as a windows folder that you can browse just like any other -- transferring files really is as simple as drag and drop.

If you're looking for a small, light, versatile PDA you can actually do some work on, you will struggle to beat the REVO!


Compact, functional, cheap.   August 26, 2002
Dr. R. Jardine (Bath, UK)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I've had the Psion Revo for over 6 months now and I still use it every day. I don't understand why some people seem to be having problems synchronizing, I've used it on many different PC's and it always works without a hitch. I mostly use it to read and send email while on the train via my IR capable mobile phone, the keyboard is excellent considering the size, the screen is very clear(except when it's dark, no backlight...)

Although it's now no longer being sold, there is a huge catalogue of software available, both free and commercial. I can play chess, open a secure shell to my servers, do crosswords, compile java (!), as well as the more traditional pda tasks such as taking notes, keeping all my contact details, reminding me of birthdays etc. The 8Mb storage can be a bit restricting though, with hindsight I should have bought the 16Mb version (even though it wasn't nearly so much of a bargain...)

Excellent bit of kit and a bargain too, 4/5 (I've docked one star for the lack of backlight).


A Brilliant PDA   November 22, 2000
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I found this when I was looking for a simple PDA to keep track of some addresses and found this. It is the cheap solution for anyone wanting to organise their life. 5 stars!!! The only complaint that I would have is that the keyboard is quite hard to type fast on. As for the rest, brilliant!!