Registered: Dec 2000
Location: ...somewhere, deep down inside
Posts: 38

The Visor's Backup module seems to have found a new use beyond the intended purpose for which it was initially designed. Not only can you backup and restore a fully functional configuration, but it can also being used as a way to change the "personality" of the PDA. This could quite possibly be a viable work-around to the Visor's 8 meg barrier (or 2 meg of the basic).

When I first started creating new sync ID's & backing up one generalized purpose and several specialized configurations, I knew that this idea was far to simple and incredible to go undisclosed for too long. I was apparently correct in my assumption. I had posted this idea as a solution to a couple other posts and the responses I have receive led me to put it here to assist anyone who would care to do the same.

One warning: As this isn't the intended use of this product there is a danger of the unintentional loss of data if proper precautions aren't taken (always backup any configurations which you have changed) and do not mix up the modules otherwise you could overwrite valuable data.
Using this technique you will be able to test new apps as well as different combinations of applications on the actual unit. This has got to be a boon to Palm developers out there.

So far I have made use of seven Backup modules and am still finding reasons to buy more:
1 General Purpose module (all the most useful apps) for day to day use.
1 GPS mode module (in order to dedicate all the memory to maps).
1 Game module (very important for maintaining those high scores).
1 Reference module dedicated to large documents such as encyclopedias, dictionaries and a thesaurus.
2 modules for testing (I use a ladder technique in order to back out of a failed config).
1 Specialized module (black Ops) usage cannot be revealed... just to be mysterious.

Right now I have to do the Hard Reset button combo in order to completely remove the data from a previous config in order to do a 100% change to the configuration. It would be handy to have an application to serve that purpose at the click of a button (a couple of warning prompts of course wouldn't hurt either).

I'm realy curious to find out how many people have been employing this idea and what configurations they use.
___________________________________________________________
Whoever invented the hole knew nothing.
-zer0phase

[Edited by zer0phase on 12-25-2000 at 04:44 PM]

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: dynamic!
Posts: 189

Too much module switching, and far too many full wipeouts (too often) for my liking. Too expensive. What do you mean by failed configuration? Determining what new app causes a fatal exception? Test new apps one at a time. I imagine developers have test units kept separate from their main units.

quote:

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Right now I have to do the Hard Reset button combo in order to completely remove the data from a previous config in order to do a 100% change to the configuration. It would be handy to have an application to serve that purpose at the click of a button (a couple of warning prompts of course wouldn't hurt either).

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Get a flash module, or go the Compact Flash route that seems to be quite popular. I haven't looked for a hard reset app, and it would surprise me if there isn't one on Palmgear. Heh heh.. a self destruct button eh? I understand what you accomplish by what you're doing, and I like it to a certain extent, but it doesn't seem practical.

I for one enjoy using different applications by using my 'house' icon to switch to other programs. What if I get bored of Astroids (example, but games in general), and then I want to check out a "large document". It's not worth my time to find my "DOC" backup module and overwrite the game I might not be so bored of. If i get bored again, I'll have to get the "MAP" module and find out where I'll spend my time. See what I mean?

Flash module

__________________
"The Greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance -- it is the illusion of knowledge." -- Daniel Borstin

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: ...somewhere, deep down inside
Posts: 38

mrknowitall: I'll have to admit that for the most part my Visor is in its General Purpose configuration and rarely leaves this state. It is only when I have to be dedicated to a specific task which outweighs my needs for the day to day data that I "pull the switch". It quickly gets returned to the General Purpose state when the need subsides. The CF solution sounds interesting to me and I can't wait to try it. I would also like to see a Smart Media or other external memory option that are being developed.

I am currently using a few of the Flash Modules as well in fact I use my Reference backup module when I need to "push" large documents up to the flash module dedicated to reference material (only after backing up my GP mode first).
Lots of module switching, you are correct it can be, and plenty of opportunity for error...
...so I wouldn't suppose this is for everyone (it can get expensive too).

Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 1

Newbie Backup Help

Since you are the backup expert I was hoping you could help out a newbie. If I only care about 1 "personality" do I really need a backup module even if I Hotsync daily? If so, am I better off with the one touch backup module or a flash memory module that could be used for backup alos (even though a little more manual file moving would be required)?

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: ...somewhere, deep down inside
Posts: 38

mcguirej: I don't know about backup expert, some people might consider what I do as ultimately loopy (maybe they just don't understand).

My experience is that I found the 8 Meg Flash modules more useful initially to augment the memory capacity of the Visor. In fact it was the first accessory I purchased along with my PDA. It is the one module that remains plugged in at all times (not recommended by the manufacturer). I have used it to back up certain things at one time or another but this type of use has remained negligible.

The Backup module is an incredible deal. Once I had purchased my first module of this kind I wondered why I hadn't done so initially. With this module you don't have to worry about drained batteries, you can actually test a hack or app and back out painlessly, and the peace of mind of having a current backup goes without saying. There are applications out there that will allow you to restore lost data on the next hotsync. This would probably serve your purpose until you purchase a Backup module and you may find them useful even after you have bought one.

8 Meg Flash or Backup module...
...In retrospect, I'd still make the Flash module my purchase of choice because I found it just too useful to have the full 16 Megs at my disposal (it all gets used up too). But if an offline backup is essential say restoring while on the road then I'd argue for the latter (and a minimum of 3 Backup modules of course).

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 120

Well, compared to me 0phase is an expert! Nevertheless, his response comes from the perspective of an individual of his technical skills and needs. I can tell you (as a fellow newbie) that the backup module is flat necessity and a first purchase (after a screen protector). In direct answer to the question: Since I hotsync every day why would I need the backup module? Wellllll... Because, that little backup module is an invaluable safety net when "Murphy" does his thing. Man, nothing is better than knowing no matter what happens to my Visor, and regardless of whatever happens to my multi-gigabyte super pentium virus MAGNET, that little module is safely sitting in a desk drawer ready to save the day.
THEN I'd get that Flash Mod.
But I have a question for ZeroPhase that NO ONE CAN ANSWER!! (probably because I' am not asking correctly)

I keep a daily journal of contacts and calendar events in datebook+ I'd love a method that would allow me to annually move a single year's schedule of daily journals and calendar appointments off to some other "storage" place that I could later refer to if I am summoned to do so.
You know. 1998 module, 1999 module, Y2K module, etc. Will the flash mod. allow me to do that?

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: ...somewhere, deep down inside
Posts: 38

sanchan: Thank you for your candid response, one definitely can't go wrong following your advice.

Wow, you sure know how to pick the challenges. Let me see, it sounds like you would like to maintain multiple instances of an address or datebook db on the Flash module. On its own the Flash module can only maintain one version of a database at a time because it overwrites a currently stored db when another of the same kind is copied up to it. Don't give up hope just yet... there is a product out there called DataBag that just might fulfill your criteria:

http://linkesoft.com/english/databag/

They say that: "If you put the DataBag program and the databags into Flash ROM (using e.g. FlashPro or JackFlash) or on a third-party storage like a springboard flash card, FlashPlug or axxPac, you can restore this data any time you want."

Let me know if it doesn't fit the bill and we'll try something else. (BTW: I now plan on using the Flash module for Backing up databases and multi-versions to boot! -Thnx).

[Edited by zer0phase on 01-05-2001 at 08:31 AM]

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 120

I'll give that a try. Thank you!