{"id":1281,"date":"2023-10-19T22:41:34","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T22:41:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vintage.bohemiancave.org.uk\/?p=1281"},"modified":"2025-12-23T23:39:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T23:39:52","slug":"oregon-scientific-osaris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vintage.bohemiancave.org.uk\/index.php\/oregon-scientific-osaris\/","title":{"rendered":"Oregon Scientific Osaris"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Oregon Scientific, rather than developing a palmtop computer to fill a niche in their portfolio, took Psion’s Series 5<\/a> and (as far as I can tell) made a cheaper version. They, however, retained the very nice keyboard but reduced the screen resolution and dropped the dictaphone feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same vein Ericsson based their MC218<\/a> on Psion’s Series 5mx, although they mostly just added some software to it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hardware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Osaris handheld computer is heavily based on Psion’s Series 5<\/a>. When closed, its shape and size are almost identical to that of Psion’s offering. When open, it’s a different matter, though, due to the sliding keyboard on the Series 5.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The hardware specifications of the Osaris are very similar to those of the Series 5, both having a CPU clocked at the same speed, CF card slot, RS232 port and IrDA. The processor in the Osaris might be compatible to the ARM7100 in the Series 5 but is, in fact, a CL-PS7111 (which contains an ARM7100 core).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The screen on the Osaris is a similar overall size to that on the Series 5, but it is strikingly different. The fixed buttons on the Series 5 number 5 functions and 9 program shortcuts, arranged to the left and bottom. Those on the Osaris are much larger, are situated to both sides of the screen and cover only 4 functions and 6 application shortcuts. The larger buttons allow the Osaris to have a smaller display area – it also has a lower pixel resolution (320×200 versus 640×240 on the Series 5). They both, however, feature an elecroluminescent back light.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The keyboard on the Osaris is very similar, but not quite the same as that on the Series 5. The font used is different and some of the Fn keys are in different places. In all important respects, though, they might as well be the same.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The way the Osaris hinges is much simpler than Psion’s machine, but that probably makes it more robust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the left hand side you will find the IrDA lens, serial port and power input jack. The holder for the stylus can also be found here .<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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On the other side is the socket for a compact flash card. The cover for it is hinged and retained. It can be accessed by turning the machine upside down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom also contains a battery lock switch, bent-paperclip reset switch, and the holder for the backup lithium coin cell – a 3V CR2025.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n