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  • From: "jeremy snyder" <halffinn AT hotmail.com>
  • To: internetworkers AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [internetworkers] Older PDAs
  • Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:06:00 +0000

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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