Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 22

IR HotSync speed

I would like to hear from users who use IR to hotsync. How does it compare to USB in terms of speed? Now that Handspring has released Palm Desktop 4.0.1 I am wondering whether I should go for it. It would be nice to have one less cable on my desk but if it's going to slow me down too much I probably won't bother. Thanks for your replies.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 251

It's a lot slower than USB! It's even slower than serial (seems to be about half the speed of serial).

I only use it because it's easier than lugging the cradle around with my laptop (my only PC). I got tired of unpack, connect, sync, disconnect, pack, repeat.

Registered: Apr 2001
Location:
Posts: 20

I agree with all the comments that Rolando made. Although I felt as though it went about as fast a serial hotsync. Although the tech specs are unclear to me and I wasn't installing any new apps.

I also noticed that when I hotsync via IR wth my laptop, the Visor batteries (NiMH) take a comparatively larger hit. I did one last night and my batteries went down (from I believe 3/4 full) to around half full. A regular hotsync doesn't depreciate the battery charge at any (markedly) noticeable rate.

If you're concerned with space, time, and battery life, try buying one of those hotsync cables sans cradle. You know, it's just the cable alone. I've seen them advertised, it would take up as much space in your laptop bag.

-dp

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Misplaced Canuck in Charleston SC
Posts: 257

I don't do any IR syncing, but have any of you checked the comm speed for your IR syncing? It probably defaults to 57600 bps, but you can create a custom connection profile that jacks it up to 115200 bps. that might help with sync speed issues.

__________________
-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
Version: 3.12
GS d-(+) s: a C++ UX++++V++S++ P+>+++ L>+++ E+>++ W++ N++(+++) o? K? w !O !M V-- PS PE Y+ PGP++ t++ 5++ X++ R+ tv++ b++(+++) DI++++ D+ G++ e+++>++++ h--- r+++ y?
-----END GEEK CODE BLOCK-----