I really like Epoc. I bought a Revo a couple of months ago. I liked the
machine alot accept for a few issues I just couldn't get over. In short I
couldn't live without a backlight, and also I couldn't get used to the form
factor over what I already use (Newton MP2100). The MP is a discontinued
platform, but mine is starting to show some wear. I really wish Psion or
somebody would come out with a device which offers a screen size (tablet)
style device with avanced HWR software build in (ParaGraph is the best IMO)=
..
I sent this email to Symbian the other day. Thought I might share it with
this group in hopes that it might spur additional interest.

_____

I read with great interest the information available about the Quartz
reference design. I wish to express my interest and concern over a couple
of aspects of this next generation technology from Symbian. My primary
concern is the form factor for which I have seen presented by Symbian,
Psion, and others for this technology. Myself and others are waiting on
technology which will allow advanced PDA features as well as Advanced
Handwriting Recognition features (ie, the Newton Message Pad). The only
form factor I have seen for the new Quartz devices is 1/4 VGA, or 320x240. =
I
have also seen a few prototype designs which incorporate a 640x240 aspect.
It is my opinion that these resolutions are unsuitable to fully exploit an
advanced HWR feature. The quarter VGA is too small to allow one to write
comfortably, average size sentences. The later while supplying sufficient
resolution presents an awkward surface to write on. If HWR is to be a
primary and effective form of input for these devices (and I hope it is),
then the aspect of the screen should be that of a notepad and provide ample
resolution to write comfortably on. The Newton MP2x00 devices are a perfec=
t
example of this idea which, without a doubt, work as advertised. I don't
see that the additional size of such a device matters much either. None of
the 320x240 devices are truly "pocketable" anyway (perhaps in a suit
jacket).

I truly believe that Symbian and its partners stand the best chance of
dominating the next wave of mobile PDA devices. Unfortunately, I am cursed
by owning an example of this future with a Newton MessagePad 2100, and
cannot afford to switch to a new platform until one comes along that can
match it's functionality.