Psion Siena

Psion Siena
	Psion Siena 512k with lid open
Developer	Psion PLC
Manufacturer	Psion PLC
Product family	Psion Series 3
Type	PDA
Generation	3
Release date	1996; 28 years ago
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 × 160 monochrome LCD
Input	QWERTY keyboard; Numeric keypad; Microphone
Camera	N/A
Touchpad	N/A
Connectivity	Serial, 19,200 bit/s RS-232C
Power	2 × AAA battery
Predecessor	Psion Series 3
Successor	Psion Revo
Related	Psion Series 5
Language	Open Programming Language

The Psion Siena is a personal digital assistant made by Psion 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 two AAA 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 the Psion Series 3 but it has a smaller size liquid-crystal display (LCD, 240 x 160 pixels) and a separate numeric keypad next to the screen. The Siena uses the same 16-bit NEC 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 an RS-232 serial port. That port also provides PC connectivity if used with the separately available PsiWin software and dial up access via the Travel modem accessory. More connectivity was available via the included infrared port, next to the serial port.

In popular culture

The device was used as a model for a gadget in Anarky (vol.1) #3, Metamorphosis: The Economics of The Madhouse, a DC Comics book. The character, Anarky, is seen tracking Batman's movements using the small PDA.^[1]

References

^ VerBeek, Todd. "Anarky". Beek's Books. Retrieved 22 July 2024. 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.

[1] VerBeek, Todd. "Anarky". Beek's Books. Retrieved 22 July 2024. 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.

[1]