I was thinking yesterday about what the Microsoft Origami project could really mean. The ‘folding paper’ connotations reminded me of the lovely three-part mechanics of the old Psion 5. I loved that device and the keyboard was literally a masterstroke. It was a real piece of engineering. Then I remembered the Psion 7 which didnt really do very well. It turns out that there’s a Psion Teklogic Netbook Pro which is based on the series 7 and netbook and was introduced mid 2003. It got an update to Windows CE and an Xscale 400mhz processor. Considering this device is, what, 6 years old in design, its remarkably close to a carry pad.
Given another hardware update, a trim-down to a 6″ screen and a better price point (currently Euro 1000) it could be a lovely clamshell-type device.
Psion Netbook Pro 2006
Posted on 01 March 2006, Last updated on 23 February 2019 by Steve Paine
Unfortunately, those with good designs cannot think long term enough to mass market while those who mass market cannot think beyond basic designs.