pda in paris
Feb 14th, 2006, 05:28 AM
#21
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OK, here's a couple more 'pda for dummies' questions:
1. how do you download files from your desktop to the SD memory card?
2. when you plug the SD card into the pda, is it like a 'drive' on a pc? (ie. the pda memory is c:/, the SD card is d:/, or something like that)
thanks for your info!
1. how do you download files from your desktop to the SD memory card?
2. when you plug the SD card into the pda, is it like a 'drive' on a pc? (ie. the pda memory is c:/, the SD card is d:/, or something like that)
thanks for your info!
Feb 14th, 2006, 06:10 AM
#23
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The PDA connects to the desktop through a cradle that plugs into a USB port.
Applications for PPCs are usually supplied with an installer program. Note: the default location for programs is Main Memory. I always opt for Memory Card instead, because filling up the computer memory affects performance negatively.
Data files are transferred by a program called ActiveSync running on both machines. Any <i>newer</i> files on either computer are copied to the other.
The entire PPC is like a demountable disk drive that is visible from File Explorer in the desktop computer as a "drive" called Mobile Device. One can copy files to and from it, delete, create directories etc.
There are two batteries in the PPC: the main swappable one and a built-in one whose only function is to preserve memory if the main one goes down. There is also non-volatile memory built into the PPC that can be used to back up calendar, appointments, contacts, etc.
I keep all my data on SD cards, which are flash memory (and therefore non-volatile).
Applications for PPCs are usually supplied with an installer program. Note: the default location for programs is Main Memory. I always opt for Memory Card instead, because filling up the computer memory affects performance negatively.
Data files are transferred by a program called ActiveSync running on both machines. Any <i>newer</i> files on either computer are copied to the other.
The entire PPC is like a demountable disk drive that is visible from File Explorer in the desktop computer as a "drive" called Mobile Device. One can copy files to and from it, delete, create directories etc.
There are two batteries in the PPC: the main swappable one and a built-in one whose only function is to preserve memory if the main one goes down. There is also non-volatile memory built into the PPC that can be used to back up calendar, appointments, contacts, etc.
I keep all my data on SD cards, which are flash memory (and therefore non-volatile).
Feb 14th, 2006, 07:10 AM
#24
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Robespierre is certainly the guru on this subject. I would concur whole heartedly about using memory slots. The Axiom has an SD and a CF slot. I use the CF primarily for my attached GPS. I, too, use one SD for each purpose except music and books so I can read and listen to music at the same time. I buy 1GB cards.
I might add that I have found success in dumping most things (Word files, maps, but NOT music or programs) directly from my computer to a $10 SD card holder fit into my computer USB port. I have found this is much easier, faster and ensures that the item goes directly to the SD card rather than internal memory. Also my computer Word program allows me to "save as" a PocketWord file, which is what the PDA requires. I have always found it easier to do most work on my computer.
One word of caution: I have found that AOL mail works poorly on PDA (more the fool me for sticking with AOL).
I might add that I have found success in dumping most things (Word files, maps, but NOT music or programs) directly from my computer to a $10 SD card holder fit into my computer USB port. I have found this is much easier, faster and ensures that the item goes directly to the SD card rather than internal memory. Also my computer Word program allows me to "save as" a PocketWord file, which is what the PDA requires. I have always found it easier to do most work on my computer.
One word of caution: I have found that AOL mail works poorly on PDA (more the fool me for sticking with AOL).
Feb 14th, 2006, 07:15 AM
#26
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This is very helpful, and I believe I am following your explanations quite well.
It sounds like the typical pc applications I would use, ie. Word, Excel are required to be 'converted' to a pda-specific file/format type.
Is this software I would need to buy or is it included in more recent versions of MS Office? (I'm still using '98)
It sounds like the typical pc applications I would use, ie. Word, Excel are required to be 'converted' to a pda-specific file/format type.
Is this software I would need to buy or is it included in more recent versions of MS Office? (I'm still using '98)
Feb 14th, 2006, 07:44 AM
#27
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With the Microsoft (non Palm) type PDA's the software is part of the purchase package that converts the files as necessary when it synchronizes the similar programs of your computer. That means when you sync your PDA and computer, programs like your day planner, address books, music programs, word, excel, books that all use Microsoft programs convert in transfer. My point above was that sometimes it is more convenient to convert on computer but you are probably correct in assuming you might need a more up to date version of some of your Microsoft programs to do this.
BTW sync-ing is a two way process and changes on your PDA can up date your computer. This is all done automatically while your PDA sits in its "cradle" recharging the battery.
The learning curve is very steep when you first get the PDA (at least to me it was) but there are sites like Fodors devoted to support – see http://www.aximsite.com/
BTW sync-ing is a two way process and changes on your PDA can up date your computer. This is all done automatically while your PDA sits in its "cradle" recharging the battery.
The learning curve is very steep when you first get the PDA (at least to me it was) but there are sites like Fodors devoted to support – see http://www.aximsite.com/
Feb 14th, 2006, 07:58 AM
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Just to put it one more way, to avoid confusion:
One cannot simply copy certain kinds of file from desktop to PPC; in particular, Word, Excel, and Outlook files have different formats on the two platforms.
But ActiveSync knows the differences, so when you use File Explorer to copy data from one to the other (while connected via AS), the format conversion is transparent.
One cannot simply copy certain kinds of file from desktop to PPC; in particular, Word, Excel, and Outlook files have different formats on the two platforms.
But ActiveSync knows the differences, so when you use File Explorer to copy data from one to the other (while connected via AS), the format conversion is transparent.
Feb 14th, 2006, 10:58 AM
#31
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The cradle attaches to the computer's USB port through a cable for syncing. The charger also connects to the cradle to charge both batteries simultaneously.
If you don't need to charge two batteries at once or sync, you can leave the cradle at home and plug the charger directly into the iPAQ.
If you don't need to charge two batteries at once or sync, you can leave the cradle at home and plug the charger directly into the iPAQ.
Feb 14th, 2006, 12:18 PM
#33
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<i>Moi?</i>
My iPAQ is in my pocket except when I'm navigating or reading a map or guidebook.
I can compute a Métro route in ten seconds instead of staring at an RATP map.
I can find a Fodor's article or a restaurant reference instantly with a text search instead of shuffling through mounds of paper. This activity typically takes place while I am enroute to somewhere.
The GPS tracks my position continuously, so if I ever don't know where I am, I take it out and look at the icon at the center of the display.
My "breaks from the PDA" typically last two or three hours.
What a smarmy question.
My iPAQ is in my pocket except when I'm navigating or reading a map or guidebook.
I can compute a Métro route in ten seconds instead of staring at an RATP map.
I can find a Fodor's article or a restaurant reference instantly with a text search instead of shuffling through mounds of paper. This activity typically takes place while I am enroute to somewhere.
The GPS tracks my position continuously, so if I ever don't know where I am, I take it out and look at the icon at the center of the display.
My "breaks from the PDA" typically last two or three hours.
What a smarmy question.
Feb 14th, 2006, 12:32 PM
#34
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Anthony - What a silly comment. Usually your opinions have some validity. The activities you read about in the posts above are time-saving just as using the telephone, computers, email, etc are faster than their alternatives.
Feb 14th, 2006, 12:39 PM
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ooooooohhhkay now, I guess I'll come in to ask maybe a stupid question.
I'm wondering how wonderful are the "smart" cell phones, the ones that combine pda & cell? I'm wondering if it would be the worst of two worlds. . or the best? Any thoughts?
s
I'm wondering how wonderful are the "smart" cell phones, the ones that combine pda & cell? I'm wondering if it would be the worst of two worlds. . or the best? Any thoughts?
s
Feb 14th, 2006, 01:05 PM
#36
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Sorry I can't help you. I did consider an alternative to that- an attachment that made a cell phone out of my PDA. Where I live cell phones are pretty cheap(often free with plans) and seems to change monthly. On the other hand, PDA's seem stable right now.
Feb 14th, 2006, 01:12 PM
#37
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I haven't found a PDA/Phone that had all the features and versatility of the two separate units that I want.
But my cell can communicate with the iPAQ through a wireless Bluetooth connection, so I can use the PDA as a web terminal anywhere cellular web service exists. The phone stays in my pocket while I do email or find the nearest watering hole with http://mobile.fancyapint.com/.
But my cell can communicate with the iPAQ through a wireless Bluetooth connection, so I can use the PDA as a web terminal anywhere cellular web service exists. The phone stays in my pocket while I do email or find the nearest watering hole with http://mobile.fancyapint.com/.
Feb 14th, 2006, 02:02 PM
#38
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Robespierre - it sounds like your IPAQ has separate slots for SD and CF... The specs list on HP for the IPAQ hx2495 says it has an "Integrated SD and CF slot".
- Does that mean it accepts only one or the other at a time?
- If so, is that really a problem?(I don't think I'll be a 'power-user' anytime soon).
- Does that mean it accepts only one or the other at a time?
- If so, is that really a problem?(I don't think I'll be a 'power-user' anytime soon).
Feb 14th, 2006, 02:13 PM
#39
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Are these Fodors maps and guides only in the PPC format or in Palm too?
The Palm TX seems like a good buy.
How about a lot of text entry? Doing that with pen or with a keyboard?
Only advantage of taking a PDA instead of a laptop on the trip is if you can find enough public hotspots. You can control whether the place you stay at has Internet access.
For the wifi PDA to do anything, you have to have hotspots (and not the paying kind either).
Some PDAs are getting into the low-end laptop range, in terms of price. While they may be good under certain conditions, if you can afford only one, a laptop will be of value after the trip, no?
The Palm TX seems like a good buy.
How about a lot of text entry? Doing that with pen or with a keyboard?
Only advantage of taking a PDA instead of a laptop on the trip is if you can find enough public hotspots. You can control whether the place you stay at has Internet access.
For the wifi PDA to do anything, you have to have hotspots (and not the paying kind either).
Some PDAs are getting into the low-end laptop range, in terms of price. While they may be good under certain conditions, if you can afford only one, a laptop will be of value after the trip, no?
Feb 14th, 2006, 02:55 PM
#40
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Some people will always find excuses to play with computers, if they wish to play with them just for the sake of playing with them.
I can find a route on an RATP map in far less than ten seconds, and I don't need to unholster and start up a PDA to do it. There are maps in every station, after all (right where you are likely to need them).
GPS isn't always very reliable on narrow streets in between buildings, so I don't use it for in-city navigation, as a general rule. It's often easier to look at street signs.
Laptops and some PDAs are heavy, fragile, and go through batteries like a hot knife through butter.
Typing and writing on PDAs (and even some laptops) is an exercise in frustration for someone who is used to typing at lightspeed on a real, full-size keyboard.
I use computers for lots and lots of things, but one thing that decades of computer use has taught me is that they are a waste of time for certain simple tasks … unless, of course, one simply wants to goof around with them for their own sake.
The only thing I use a PDA for is tracking appointments, since I have a very irregular and constantly changing schedule. Other than that, I hardly ever turn it on (it chews through batteries far too quickly for that).
I can find a route on an RATP map in far less than ten seconds, and I don't need to unholster and start up a PDA to do it. There are maps in every station, after all (right where you are likely to need them).
GPS isn't always very reliable on narrow streets in between buildings, so I don't use it for in-city navigation, as a general rule. It's often easier to look at street signs.
Laptops and some PDAs are heavy, fragile, and go through batteries like a hot knife through butter.
Typing and writing on PDAs (and even some laptops) is an exercise in frustration for someone who is used to typing at lightspeed on a real, full-size keyboard.
I use computers for lots and lots of things, but one thing that decades of computer use has taught me is that they are a waste of time for certain simple tasks … unless, of course, one simply wants to goof around with them for their own sake.
The only thing I use a PDA for is tracking appointments, since I have a very irregular and constantly changing schedule. Other than that, I hardly ever turn it on (it chews through batteries far too quickly for that).
