FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 009 (11/06/96)

GETTING ORGANISED

I’m sold on the idea of one of those little hand-held computers, but which one? Basically I want it for word processing, with the facility to transfer files to my PC (386/33, Windows 3.1, MS Word), plus send and receive faxes using my mobile phone (Motorola Micro TAC).

L.S., Stevenage

A

Most ‘palmtop’ computers, including those made by Apple, Hewlett Packard, Psion and Sharp, come with word-processing software and can exchange files with a PC. When connected to a suitable modem they can all send faxes, one or two can receive them as well, but none of them will work with your phone. The Motorola Micro TAC is an older analogue model and the networks do not support data services, like fax or e-mail. You will have to change to a digital phone first, if that facility is important to you. It should be a GSM type, ideally a Nokia 2110 or Ericsson GH388, which are well suited to this application. You should also look at the Nokia 9000, due to reach the UK in August. It’s a combined GSM phone and personal organiser, with fax, data and Internet access; the price is likely to be around £1000. As far as the other palmtops are concerned, the best advice is to try before you buy, and practice some two-finger typing...

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

I live on a fairly isolated stretch of the Dorset coast, and judging by the way the lights keep flickering, my house must be at the end of the electricity supply chain. It plays havoc with the TV, so what effect would it have on a computer?

J.G. Lyme Regis

A

Desktop PCs have fairly flexible mains power supplies, that can iron out small variations in mains voltage, though probably not the kind of instability you’re suffering from. There’s a very good chance you would end up with corrupted data, or worse. Your best option is to use a device called a URS or uninterruptable power supply. They stabilise the supply, effectively isolating the computer from the mains. Even if the supply fails completely the URS keeps the PC running on its internal re-chargeable battery, long enough for files to be safely saved. They’re relatively inexpensive, prices start at around £100 and they’re widely available from computer hardware dealers. The other alternative is to use a laptop or portable PC, powered by its own battery pack. You could run it with the charger plugged into the power socket, to keep the battery topped up.

POWER PHONE

This Summer I will be touring Europe on an extended camping and climbing holiday, before I start University in September. My parents have lent me their GSM mobile phone, for emergencies and to keep in touch, but how can I keep the battery charged?

M.D., London NW

A

Assuming you’re not expecting a lot of incoming calls, and you can get to a mains socket now and again, you need only switch the phone on when you intend using it, that way the battery could last several weeks. Two or three battery packs might be all you need to see you through. If you want to keep the phone switched on all the time then you could try a battery belt. C.Z. Scientific have one, that will keep a typical mobile phone running in standby mode for almost 10 days. The UPB 8000 weighs around 1.8k and costs £108. If you’re not going to be able to get to a mains supply at all, and you want to do your bit for the planet, then how about a solar-powered battery-charger? On Site Power manufacture a rucksack-sized folding solar panel called a Military Manpack, which sells for £450. It has a 12 volt output (most mobile phones have 6-volt batteries), but you can use it with a car charger/adaptor cord for your phone. They also do a cheaper flat panel called Solarex for around £100. It’s about the size of a tabloid newspaper and fitted with mounting holes, so it can be attached to a rucksack.

Contacts: C.Z. Scientific, telephone 0181-207 3055.

On Site Power, telephone 01553 636353.