Ghana to develop pocket computers

Psion a technological giant of the 1980's, that pioneered pocket computers, selling to more than one million users worldwide, has located to Ghana to do business.

The technology would be redeveloped through one of the technical developers of the technology and business.

On February 9, this year the company grabbed a deal with the Department of Computer Science of the University of Ghana to develop the next generation of pocket computers.

In cooperation with the department PsiXpda's platform would be developed, despite the current lack of infrastructure and other logistic challenges on campus.

“PsiXpda will be breaking down barriers. PsiXpda Africa and Ghana university's future plans will dismiss the critics, silence blame gamers, reduce the brain drain and promote values across Africa and the rest of the world,” says Mr Paul E Pinnock, Chief Executive Officer of PsiXpda Africa.

As a young Psion engineer, Mr Pinnock had received honours as the first African to use pocket computers.

“Today the original form factor is back in Africa for redevelopment and the gateway is once again opened for Africa to get with the programme,”he told Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra.

He said many now see computing as the next logical step in the evolution of portable communicators.

Mr Pinnock said computing is seen as the next revolution, which consumers must have, whilst forecasting “yet more breakthrough in chipset technology, creating new generations of handhelds and wearable to service an insatiable demand for a mobile lifestyle, in which computing and communications are pivotal”.

“Nations are now much more aware of the market opportunities presented by this sector, and in recent years have invested in research and development and marketing in an attempt to fulfill demand and boost their economies. However, Africa has not taken the opportunities presented by the sector.”

He said PsiXpda is ready to be first in Ghana, first for Africa, first to bridge gaps and breakdown physical and mental state “where we pitch computerised V chalkboard class rooms”.

Mr Pinnock said the future is absolutely about computing, everything needs computing, Smartphones need it, Tablets need it, Computers need it. Users want to carry one device that functions as a single source data portal.

“Where laptops are too heavy, tablets too bulky and the Smartphone too small, PsiXpda SmartPDA is the logical solution to bridge the gap between the Smartphone and the laptop,” he said.

He noted: “Looking around Africa I couldn't agree more with the statement ‘no modern nation can develop without embracing technology.’”

“In Africa, institutions have failed to pursue excellence, failed to recognise the importance and value of uninterrupted flow brought about by sound technologies that underpins the fabric of modern societies.

“North America, Europe, Asia, India are at the forefront delivering home grown technologies yet in Africa approximately 1.2 billion potential users are left to pick from the fallout.”