Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

["jeremy snyder" <halffinn AT hotmail.com>]

bill,

are you in the DC area now?

- jeremy


> From: "Bill Geschwind" <geschwin AT email.unc.edu>
> Reply-To: "Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/"; 
> <internetworkers AT lists.ibiblio.org>
> To: <cmccarthy1 AT nc.rr.com>,"'Internetworkers: 
> http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/'" 
> <internetworkers AT lists.ibiblio.org>
> Subject: Re: [internetworkers] Older PDAs
> Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2006 20:15:50 -0400
>
> Hi Colleen,
>
>
>
> I'm sure you know that opinions will vary widely on this subject. Here's my
> take on this subject:
>
>
>
> -          I would look for a PDA that uses the Palm O/S rather than
> Microsoft Windows CE/Pocket PC/Windows Mobile or whatever they call it 
> these
> days. In my experience Palm O/S is much easier to navigate, less
> resource-hungry and crashes less than the Microsoft ones.
>
>
>
> -          Make sure that whatever Palm PDA you buy includes the CD with 
> the
> software. I have found that you can't always download all of the software
> you need after the fact from the manufacturer's website. This applies in
> particular to the freebie software that's usually included with Palm 
> devices
> to connect to Outlook for contacts and calendaring.
>
>
>
> -          Regarding what other PDA applications to look for, I would keep
> an open mind about it and see if any other "killer apps" present themselves
> to you. On mine I use the address book for Outlook contacts that you 
> mention
> all the time, and I also use it very frequently for its calendar (which can
> also synch with the calendaring portion of Outlook and other calendars), 
> its
> "memo pad" for note-taking and to play Solitaire whenever I need to wait a
> few minutes for somebody or something. This is one category where Your
> Mileage Will Vary!
>
>
>
> -          Before buying, make sure that the hot synch cable that comes 
> with
> it is compatible with your computer. Older PDAs often connect to a serial
> port rather than to a USB port and some newer "legacy-free" PCs no longer
> have serial ports. Make sure what you're getting is compatible with what 
> you
> have before buying!
>
>
>
> -          Some Palm PDAs operate with AAA batteries whereas others run off
> of internal rechargeable batteries. There are pros and cons to both, but
> after having used both in the past I have a very strong preference for the
> rechargeable internal ones. However if you're buying an old used one, then
> caveat emptor applies regarding the condition of the battery. Some of the
> internal ones may be a royal pain or impossible to replace.
>
>
>
> -          About memory, get as much as you can afford. Even for basic Palm
> O/S functionality I would stay away from the early models that have 2 MB or
> less of memory and at least get one with 8 MB. (For example Palm Vx instead
> of Palm V). Once you start using it and find that it's useful for stuff
> besides a fancy address book you don't want to catch yourself frustrated 
> due
> to a lack of memory. Remember to keep an open mind about how you end up
> using it, and you may find yourself using it for many more things than you
> originally intended. They really are neat devices.
>
>
>
> -          As far as accessories go, I generally find it useful to have a
> battery charger both for home and the office. Also, if it doesn't come with
> one, some sort of protective case is a good idea, so that the screen is
> protected from damage if the device is in your pocket or bag. Disposable
> screen protectors are also a worthwhile investment.
>
>
>
> Best of luck in finding a good one.
>
>
>
> Hope things are going well for you over in N.C. On a totally unrelated
> subject, my first tour in the Foreign Service with the US State Department
> will be Cotonou, Benin, and it looks like I will be heading there early
> January and will be there for two years. The more I read about the place 
> the
> more I'm looking forward to getting there.
>
>
>
> - Bill
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> From: internetworkers-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org
> [mailto:internetworkers-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Colleen
> McCarthy
> Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 7:43 PM
> To: Internetworkers@Lists. Ibiblio. Org
> Cc: Barry Kahn
> Subject: [internetworkers] Older PDAs
>
>
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> A fiend of mine just bought an older PDA (I think it was a Palm 5) on eBay
> for $18.00.  I am looking for a PDA also-- just an electronic address book
> that will synch with my Outlook Contacts.  I know that many of you have had
> PDAs for many years.  If any of you could offer answers to these questions,
> I would appreciate it :)!
>
> Is there anything else that I might want?
> How much memory should I look for?
> What accessories should I look for?
> Is there anything that I should avoid?
>
> Thanks much!
>
> Colleen


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