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-- Visor Traveling Tips (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=11676)

As a member of the Handspring Tribe, I have spent the past year perfecting my Visor travel experience. There is nothing greater than traveling without the added weight and bulk of a laptop in an airport. I also can't stand the little "please boot it" dance the security guys make you do (I suspect this is less for security and more for laughs over coffee in the break room). If you gotta boot, nothing is easier than the occasional "instant on/off" of my Visor.

After running into a number of travel snafu's, I put together a Visor "Survival Pack." With it, along with my Boy Scout training, I have been saved from a number of small crisis (I can make a splint out of two modules and a phone cord). I keep my Visor "Survival Pack" always ready to pack and since it is so handy, I thought I would share some of my tips and tricks. At the end of this article, please join our new Travel discussion thread and share your own Visor travel experiences. We'd love to hear them!

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<B>Marcus Adolfsson</B>
Editor

I'll be the first to say it:

If you enter any significant amount of data while on the road (and even if you don't) you need the Backup Module.

Back up your Visor with it after every big "data entry session". When it's backed up, take the module out of the Visor and keep it someplace separate!

If your Visor crashes, you can restore.

If your Visor is lost or stolen and using it is "mission critical", you can buy another one and restore to it.

And pack an extra pair of alkaline AA batteries - they have the longest shelf life.

[Edited by PDAENVY on 02-09-2001 at 11:45 AM]

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Jeff

Nice story!

Thanks for the story, Marcus and Alan. Good overview, good tips, and an appropriate level of information. [A bit over the head of total newbies, but I'll try to remember to add a link to it from my Pilotlite site, since it's a nice article about traveling with a PDA.]

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<B>Traveliter</B>/ Lani Teshima. 2000: Blue Vdx. 2001: Vpl. Travel writer, <A href="http://www.mouseplanet.com/lani/">MousePlanet.com</A>
Publisher/Editor:
- <B><A href="http://www.pilotlite.org">Pilotlite.org</A></B>: Simplify your travel with a PDA.
- <B><A href="http://www.travelite.org">Travelite.org</A></B>: Learn how to travel with just your carry-on

marcus/Alan--

On the Software section, you listed Countdown and stated that it supports four events.

(Insert the "Are you sure?" look here)

The 1.2 version I have (and what's available on that Tucows link) appears to support one event...

[Edited by ProjectZero on 02-09-2001 at 01:13 PM]

THIS IS ESSENTIAL!!!!!

quote:

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Originally posted by PDAENVY
I'll be the first to say it:

If you enter any significant amount of data while on the road (and even if you don't) you need the Backup Module.
.....

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Thanks! I know it may be a little over the head of newbies...but I felt it was already such a long article, that to go too deeply into an explanation would make it dull. But you'll find I included plenty of links that will help people locate these products and get more info.

I appreciate the nice words. I just hope it helps a few people prevent the numerous "d'oh's" I have experienced the past year.

If anyone there happens to be a newbie...please feel free to post your questions here and I will do my best to answer them for you.

Alan

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I saw that everyone else had a signature and I felt left out, so here is mine.

Countdown

ProjectZero,

I'll check on that. I have a version of Countdown (1.0) that I thought this was the same app...it seemed that way from the description. My version has four events. I will double check this and post the answer here.

Thanks for the heads up!

Alan

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I saw that everyone else had a signature and I felt left out, so here is mine.

Storing da stuff

I love my Tamrac Extreme model 129 Folding Filter Wallet for holding modules, retractable telephone lines, batteries, and modem. It cost around USD$20. It's made of some ballistic type material. I too use the Stowaway keyboard, wireless (OmniSky) and wired modems. Last summer I used the wired setup in Germany and accessed Earthlink's local number for access. Worked without a hitch. Earthlink even sent me an email to set me know that someone was using my access to get into their system from Germany - just in case it wasn't me.

quote:

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Originally posted by ProjectZero
On the Software section, you listed Countdown and stated that it supports four events.

(Insert the "Are you sure?" look here)

The 1.2 version I have (and what's available on that Tucows link) appears to support one event...

---

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<pre> ^<br> /_\ WINCHELL CHUNG Nyrath the nearly wise at the Praeternatural Tower<br> <(*)> [email protected] http://www.ProjectRho.com/home.html<br>/_/|\_\ ABSIT INVIDIA VERBO IDEM SONANS<br> //|\\ -------------------------------------------------------------------<br>SURREAL SAGE SEZ: I'm nobody. Nobody at all. But the secrets of the<br>universe don't mind. They reveal themselves to nobodies who care.<br></pre>

Cool and thanks. You might want to update the tricks and tips software page since it's pointing to a different file.

I asked Marcus to update the link. Yes that is the right version of the software...confusing to find two programs for Palm with the same name and similar function.

Sorry about that folks...this is the correct version:

http://www.palmgear.com/software/sh...110&prodID=7516

Thanks guys!

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I saw that everyone else had a signature and I felt left out, so here is mine.

More Travel Suggestions

The university that pays me a small salary has a handheld initiative underway coupled with a special program -- Online Wireless Learning Solutions -- See it at http://www.ecu.edu/handheld .

Here are a few items for traveler to consider that are not included in messages so far.

1. Look at DataViz mail with Documents to Go -- Dataviz works well with a modem and the Mail program on the Visor/Prism in ROM.

2. Blazer is a good alternive to AvantGO as a browser and information provider.

3. AOL IM is a worthy tool. (mentioned earlier)

4. Eudora Suite is a very good mail program and browser -- it beats Proximal hands down.

5. Multimail Pro is a great email client -- does cost a few dollars.

6. Get ready for the wireless ethernet Springboard module. How about this. Take along an ethernet hub (Apple Airport)as you travel and plug it into the ethernet connectivity that is apearing in many hotels. Now use your Visor/Prism with a Springboard ethernet module to do your thing. We are are doing this with an iPaq and a Lucent ethernet card. Really cool.

7. How about using your VisorPhone to access email and browse the web? I did this recently while traveling to New Orleans.

These are just a few of the things we are gleaning as we use the Visor and its Springboard modules with our students.

Guess we have our own travel tribe independent of what is official at Visor Central.

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D. Watkins
Please rescue a Greyhound

Now that I've had a time to reflect...

...well done article!

I guess I'm fortunate enough to be in a business environment that does not require me to have computing power and internet connectivity while on the road. Nor do I want to (hey! I'd rather sleep on the train and plane!). On pleasure trips, my Visor only serves as an address book and planner servant. It's amazingly blissful these days not being on a virtual leash or entirely dependent on a piece of technology

I'd like to add a few more nuggets from when my times required me to have the gear during travels:

Re: Retractable phone cord

If you're cramped for packing space, an alternative to the credit card size retractable unit is the smaller, self-retracting, circular or s-shape spool. It usually contains about 8 to 12 ft of phone cord. The credit card form factor of the one Alan mention is small, but if you want to maximize space, the spool is it. It can be found at most office warehouses.

Packing Space

I know discussing carrying cases can get into levels of religous proportions. Instead of recommending a case, for this topic's discussion, here's one tip I've used that might enhance your current survival travels:

* Baggies/plastic sandwich bags.

Perhaps the next best thing to Sliced Bread. Useful to _keep your Visor accessories_ together in your Visor case/bag/slipper. Stuff like cords, batteries, Springboard modules. Oh sure, there are many cases out there with nifty pockets, nooks and crannies to hold that kind of stuff but if your case de jour doesn't, a sandwich bag comes in handy.

Not to mention if you get one of those Ziploc types that keeps moisture out, it'll save your Visor and accessories from an inadvertant splash.

One sub-tip here: For the spare batteries, tape the AAA pair side-by-side, then place it into the bag, and then wrap the content with loose ends of the bag. That'll help prevent an inadvertant short of the batteries.

Re: Surge Protection

If your Visor doesn't require AC, instead of carrying a combination AC/phone surge protection (and that Curtis unit is indeed small), carry this even smaller device: A phone cable-only line tester with surge protection. You might want to carry this even if you do have a combo AC/phone surge protection unit.

If you remember the early days of PCMCIA modem cards, you probably have blown a few cards (if not, have heard of others doing so) by plugging their modem cord into a digital line. With a good line tester, you can instantly see and protect your devices from the wrong circuit. On a surge protection only device, the protection device _should_ trigger when you plug it into a digital jack, but that's not always a guarantee.

A good, small, surge protecting line tester isn't cheap...figure on at least $50 for that.

Reading light

On a plane? Need some light? The light overhead not bright enough or its beam not focused enough? Then you need a supplemental light source!

A book light makes a great portable light source for a PalmOS device. Most of the decent book lights have a plastic clip or similar to attach itself to the book cover. Instead of the book, it'll clip to your Visor. Even better is one that takes AAA batteries instead of AA. That way, you _don't_ have to carry yet another type of batteries and can use the book light batteries in a pinch.





[Edited by ProjectZero on 02-09-2001 at 06:39 PM]

I knew I was leaving something out...

...one more nugget:

If your Visor requires an AC or a DC adapter (like extend's FullCharge, or you have a Prism)...

...and you have other devices that you carry that can be powered with an AC adapter or a DC car power cord...

...and you plan on using the device in both an AC outlet environment (e.g. hotel) _and_ a DC enviroment (rental car)...

...instead of carrying the AC wall plugs and the DC car cords with you, just carry the DC car cords and invest in a single 12 volt AC to DC adapter with a cig. female outlet. You'll only carry one AC power adapter on your trips.

If you've never seen this device, it's about the size of a wall-wart but with a female power receptacle-- for you to plug in the DC car code. That way, you can use your portable power cords in an AC outlet and limit the number of AC power cubes to carry along. If this link works, it shows you a picture.

I think Radio Shack carries it as well.

Some good ideas there.

I have blown a modem on a digital line...someone told me it was analog.

Speaking of power...I did recently get a charger for my Visor...the company is http://www.icuaccessories.com. Very similar to the FullCharge...but the really nice feature of mine is that it only has one cord. The power cord works as both car and wall...just add a little attachment and you have power.

Also...I have a power converter in my car (runs off lighter and can move from car to car)...which converts DC to AC. Not necessary for a Visor...but it works great for my laptop. I can work while someone drives...or after a meeting while draining my batteries...I just plug it in. Another nice thing...is that I often carry my laptop on trips...to keep my Rio going. Since it only stores about 60 minutes...I plug it into my laptop and load it once again. Good for you SoundsGood users if you don't want to worry about running out of tunes.

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I saw that everyone else had a signature and I felt left out, so here is mine.

On the digital line issue - one of the nice things about the Xircom Springport modem is that the digital line detector is built into the module. The module downloads a little application that lets you check the line before you try and use it.

Re: I knew I was leaving something out...

"...instead of carrying the AC wall plugs and the DC car cords with you, just carry the DC car cords and invest in a single 12 volt AC to DC adapter with a cig. female outlet. You'll only carry one AC power adapter on your trips."

Does anyone know if there is a device available that goes the other way, e.g., allows you to plug wall plugs into a car outlet for charging? I would like to be able to charge my Minstrel S modem in the car and they have not yet made an adapter for this...

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Life is not a dress rehearsal!

I mentioned this in the previous page.

You need a power transformer that converts DC to AC. For anyone who may be unfamiliar with electronics...I'll explain...I hope I do it justice.

When they set up the power grid, they chose AC power because of the benefits of sending power long distances using AC.

You have AC power coming into your house. Lights, hair dryers, electric stoves...these simple heat generating devices can run on AC or DC. But most electronic componenets run on DC. To convert AC to DC - computers, TV's and the like have a component inside called a rectifier. This converts AC power to DC from withinin the device.

Now to plug a AC plug into a DC power supply...the easiest and safest way to do this is to purchase a power converter for the car. It is a small box that connects to your car battery via the lighter or direct wiring. It converts DC to AC and has a number of regular outlets built in. You can find them at Radio Shack and Staples...but I suggest you go to an Auto Parts store, flea market or shop online (Radio Shack and Staples are expensive). They can be anywhere from $30 to over $100. A $30-$50 converter should be just fine for your use.

The more affordable models allow you to plug in just about anything...but they can only handle a lower wattage device (generally under 300 Watts). You can't plug in hair dryers or microwaves...but most low wattage devices run without any problems. I'd still use a surge protector with it AND make sure it has a fuse protection built into it.

I have one for the car...it works great. Keep it under the seat...but damn...mine doesn't allow me to make Microwave popcorn.

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I saw that everyone else had a signature and I felt left out, so here is mine.

This may help while you are searching: A DC to AC converter is often called an "inverter".

Wireless on the road

As a new visorcentral member and a relatively new member of the Handspring Tribe who travels up to 100,000 miles a year, I read the article, this thread and their suggestions with great interest. Many thanks!!
Particularly interested that Marcus takes a wireless modem along...
My dilemma is that I want to use my Visor Platinum with my cell phone both domestic US and everywhere else in the world but I am having trouble defining the best hardware for this. Do people think it's best to get a Xircom 56K modem plus a Xircom GSM connector to use with my phone?

Any advice suggestions etc would be most appreciated. My Visor and I are off to Brazil next week....

Thanks

V