Moses Izumi13h ago
What is the most powerful computer that can feasibly run off of two (or four, at most eight) AA batteries?

I've considered getting a Game Boy Advance or Wonderswan so I can play those games in their intended environment: but I'd prefer something that's more general purpose, complete with a keyboard.

As for battery life, I'd expect the thing to last at least 4 hours.

#askfedi
#retrocomputing
#permacomputing
Show threadGary 

@moses_izumi you’re describing a #Psion Series 5 😎

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psion_Series_5

Psion Series 5 - Wikipedia

10:17pmWeb
Show threadThe Last Psion | Alex11h ago

@WiteWulf @moses_izumi Yep. 5mx is the most powerful.

There's also the 3mx. It's an older generation and less powerful - 16 bit Intel rather than 32 bit ARM4 - but still good at 27 MHz, with a lightweight OS. It's still a great machine. I use mine all the time.

You'll easily get 4 hours out of two AAs. If you use Lithiums, you'll probably get closer to 10.

Show threadJess Robinson3h ago
@thelastpsion 5mxPro, no?
Show threadThe Last Psion | Alex2h ago

@castaway I couldn't remember the clock speeds off the top of my head, so I couldn't remember if the Pro was faster than or the same as the regular 5mx. Do I hedged my bets.

As a Pro owner, I defer to your knowledge. 😊

Mind you, it's much harder to get hold of a Pro than a regular 5mx.

Show threadJess Robinson1h ago
@thelastpsion brief research says the Pro just has more RAM, so mebbe tis not a lotta difference
Show threadHeliopolitan2h ago
@thelastpsion @WiteWulf @moses_izumi
Heartily agree with Alex here - my 5mx is my daily driver, but I *love* the 3mx simplicity, immediacy & elegance. I do a fair bit of text-based note taking - 5mx keyboard is perfect for that. Some super games (I love Infocom text adventures), but it's so *useful*. And being able to program it on the fly is the *chef's kiss*.