============================================ Programming Psion Computers An in-depth guide to the whole family of Psion palmtops By Leigh Edwards ISBN 0-9530663-0-4 Paperback, 640 pages ============================================ Programming Psion Computers is now out of print. However, in response to demand from readers, EMCC Software is now pleased to offer the complete book as a free download in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format. ============================================ Description ============================================ "Programming Psion Computers" covers the following material: * Series 3 family, EPOC16 and the 16-bit SIBO architecture. * A full OPL16 application with extensive comments/detailed explanations in the OPL16 chapter. * A 170 page reference guide to OPL16 and OPL32. * A complete guide to the SIBO OPL and C SDKs. * Includes a complete electronic index to the latest C SDK. * C SDK Index detailed guides to the ODE and OVAL development environments. * Series 5, EPOC32 and the 32-bit architecture are explained, along with changes from OPL16 to OPL32. * A full OPL32 application with extensive comments/detailed explanations in the OPL32 chapter. The examples illustrate many techniques such as how to implement Help and zoomable icons. Details all of the key methods of writing software for the Psion range of hand held computers, with equal emphasis on the Series 3 family, Siena and Series 5. Most of the material is also directly applicable to the Workabout and HC machines. Covers all programming languages, macro systems and utility software for Psion/Geofox One programmers. Describes all of the methods for producing and testing of application programs, either exclusively on the Psion or in conjunction with a PC, i.e. each of the programming languages, Software Development Kits (SDKs) or utility programs. Provides numerous programmers utilities, lots of example code, details of file formats and much more. This book is invaluable to all developers of software for the older Psion series of handheld PDAs. It covers essential concepts and techniques which are either unique to the Psion environment, difficult to master, or poorly documented elsewhere. It helps programmers to ensure that programs are reliable and remain consistent with the "Psion application house style". ============================================ A review of Programming Psion Computers by Steve Lichfield ============================================ I've often made a point of reviewing items I've found particularly impressive and not bothering to slate programs I don't like ("If you can't say something good, then don't say anything!"), with the end result that I tend to use a fair number of superlatives in each review. Which is a shame, as I should have saved most of them for this review, and I make no apologies for this sounding like an advert! The Psion world has suffered from a paucity of affordable, readily available programming information for years, with individual programmers having to root out code snippets on the on-line services in fairly hit-and-miss fashion. Psion's own OPL/16 guide is a good introduction but stops short of a lot of the really clever bits and besides, they've no plans to do a printed version of the corresponding OPL/32 version. If you're like me, you appreciate having important reference information in hard-copy form, for reading in bed, on the loo or just because it's quicker when looking things up. There have been a few independent books along the lines of 'getting started with OPL' or 'graphics programming' but on the whole I've found these very disappointing. So it's with open arms that I welcome Leigh Edwards and his new book, "Programming Psion Computers". Leigh's close association with Psion Software means that there's much in the book which has previously only been available in more cryptic form in the C Software Development Kits. It's also bang up to date and covers OPL, C, C++ and OVAL, though 98% of people reading this review will be most interested in the OPL angle, which is also the primary focus of the book itself. There are some excellent general chapters on designing and building programs of all types, details of the more interesting aspects of the EPOC operating system and a 170-page OPL reference section covering all commands in all versions of the language. Production quality of the paperback format book is very good, with exemplary text and layout throughout. I particularly liked the clear sub-section headers and the fonts used for each text type. If I had to quibble at anything, it would be that more of the book could do with a little more proof reading, as the english used is in places less than perfect. The occasional grammatical errors never detract from the book's central mission, though, which is to provide a huge amount of computer programming information in easily digestable form. The book comes with a useful CD-ROM, containing all the example code quoted plus a mountain of other stuff for each programming language. It's organised into separate folders, but that's largely about it, with the text files in each folder usually being the original programmer notes from the example. Of special note is that Leigh has added several examples of his own as well, plus various Psion-sourced documentation sets and some handy shareware programs. Both the book and the disk are extensively indexed, well done Leigh! The book/CD combination form a veritable treasure trove for Psion programmers and are highly recommended to anyone wishing to distribute their creations to others by freeware, shareware or commercial means. It's certainly earned a place on the 3-lib editorial desk. More information and on-line ordering are available on the EMCC web site. ============================================ Licence Agreement ============================================ The electronic version of Programming Psion Computers ("the Document") is provided under the following conditions: The Document is copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999 Leigh Edwards. The Document is supplied in the belief that the contents are correct and operate as specified, but the author and EMCC shall not be liable in any circumstances whatsoever for any direct or indirect loss or damage to property incurred or suffered by the customer or any other person as a result of any fault or defect in the information contained herein. The moral right of the author has been asserted. All rights reserved. The information in the Document is subject to change without notice. The Document may be downloaded, stored and printed for personal or educational use only. For terms of commercial use, please contact info@emccsoft.com. Reproduction of the Document in whole or in part is prohibited without the express written permission of EMCC. Downloading the Document does not in any way imply transfer of copyright or rights to distribution. Copyright © 2002 EMCC Software Ltd