Registered: Dec 2001
Location: Southern California
Posts: 10

New PDA Buyer (essential accs.)

I have been looking over many reviews and specs for visors and have decided on the Neo. I would appreciate recommendations on necessary accessories. I am a high school student, and plan to carry it in my pocket, so I want to make sure it does not get scratched/broken while being bumped into, banged around, etc. From what I've read, a replacement stylus and screen protectors are necessary. I hope to get everything I will need at once, and would be very happy if ya'll could list the essential things such as those.

Registered: Apr 2001
Location: Conway SC USA
Posts: 92

A Targus folding keyboard,IR print cable, Wordsmith.a good backup/8mb module.

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LARRY

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Petersburg, AK
Posts: 131

Wecome to the family!

Welcome to the family! I think you'll find that you've come to the right place for a friendly community of Visor owners (past, present and future).

Be sure to use the "Search" function on these boards - often I've found the answer to my question in someone's previous post.

To answer your question I find the following pieces of hardware pretty darn important. Your list will depend on your needs.

(In no particular order)
*Pentopia stylus (the one with the pen)
*Contact paper for screen protection
*Targus Stowaway keyboard
*Backup module
*Memplug with 32 MB card

I use some software enough to label them essential:
*Splash ID - or some other password storage utility
*Wordsmith - or your choice of other word processor
*HandyShopper - I use it for wish lists, work projects, packing lists... and it is free.
*Think DB - or Hand DB for building databases. You can use this single program instead of a bunch of smaller ones. For instance I tried out AirMiles to track frequent flyer info and eventually made my own database to track it. I built logs for kayaking, hiking, and climbing. I have a household inventory with serial numbers and replacement values and built one database to track employees, hire dates, scheduled raises and evaluations, etc.
*LoanCalc
*YAUC - Yet Another Unit Converter
*A few games - I need to have new games for sleepless evenings, long flights, etc. Problem is I grow tired of many of them quickly. Search for threads about essential games or free games for some great suggestions.
*HappyDays - to automatically add birthdays from the address book to the calendar.
*Mapopolis - great for finding many fast food eateries while I'm out of town.
*Soft Track - to see what has been installed and uninstalled. There are a few other similar programs - one that tracks the files added by programs. I'll make sure I add that program first thing when I get a new PDA because I can't figure out where some of those files I have came from.
*Filez - helps out with the above problem a little.
*Geek Sounds - so you can have some different tones to use.

I hope this helps. Once again, I urge you to scour the archives of this board because there really is a wealth of information here.

Registered: Dec 2001
Location: Southern California
Posts: 10

Thanks!

Yes, I've been reading through and this seems like a great source of information. Thanks for the help!

Registered: Aug 2001
Location: TX
Posts: 80

Student Software

I absolutely could not live without the software I use to keep up with all my assignments/due dates for my classes. I am partial to Due Yesterday . There are several others out there. Try as many as you can until you find the one that fits you.

Teri

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If at first you don't succeed....hide all evidence that you tried...

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 366

quote:

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Originally posted by whiteytech
A Targus folding keyboard,IR print cable, Wordsmith.a good backup/8mb module.

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Did you just go near a burning hot river of lava or are you just happy to see me?

Registered: Aug 2001
Location:
Posts: 383

A back-up is essential. I also recommend bringing an spare set of batteries to school as I've had to change my batteries at school several times. I don't have a keyboard yet but plan on getting one soon. Also you may or may not want extra memory depending on what you use. I got a 2MB Innopack and still haven't used it.

Wordsmith is important!

[immature comment mode]
So I got more posts then you volcanopele
[/immature comment mode]

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 366

quote:

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Originally posted by Techie2000
A back-up is essential. I also recommend bringing an spare set of batteries to school as I've had to change my batteries at school several times. I don't have a keyboard yet but plan on getting one soon. Also you may or may not want extra memory depending on what you use. I got a 2MB Innopack and still haven't used it.

Wordsmith is important!

[immature comment mode]
So I got more posts then you volcanopele
[/immature comment mode]

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Bringing extra batteries is a MUST. I don't know how many times where I have either had to restrain using my Visor until I got home because I was low on battery power, or couldn't use my Stowaway or Eyemodule because I was low on power, or I had to take batteries out of my TI-89 so that I have batteries for my Visor. I try to always check my battery power before leaving for school but I don't always do that. And I end up having problems. This is the one thing that I envy Pro, Edge, and Prism users, battery power. They don't have to worry about it as much.

As far as extra memory goes... well, I am beginning to think 136 MB of either RAM or external memory may not be enough. I may need to get another SM card I am using 100 MB of a 128 MB card right now.

I may have less posts than you, but I am catching up.

Jason

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Did you just go near a burning hot river of lava or are you just happy to see me?

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 137

Get a Memplug. You can use that to backup your Visor...so you won't have to get the Backup module.

Smartmedia or Compact flash? Depends on you. If you're already using a certain one, just get the Memplug to match.

You can find some deals on Ebay.

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Registered: Nov 2001
Location: Sumner, WA
Posts: 70

Welcome!

I bought a Neo on Tuesday. Great suggestions here, and I'd like to add my 2 cents worth.

If you are looking for a good time management system, buy your Neo at Franklin Covey. Same price, but they throw in their Visor version of their software and utilities $140 value. If that doesn't matter, buy it at Handspring.

Get a Targus Stowaway keybaord, which is my next purchase.

I have Wordsmith and love it... registered it already and all that.

I am having to decide what MemPlug to get, I have a digital camera that uses CF, but I have a MP3 player/audio book reader (Rio) that uses SM. *grin* Since SM is cheaper than CF and takes less power, I'll probably go SM. I haven't overloaded my digital camera's 8 megs yet.

I have Handy shopper (thanks to the suggestions here), and I bought the case from Handspring that includes the notepads, area for credit cards, and such. It's sturdy, and you'll be able to drop your Visor and not hurt it. It probably won't fit in your pants pocket, but it is only about the size of a paperback book.

Dana

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Alabama, USA
Posts: 92

A few recommendations

Lots of great ideas above, I agree with all of them. They keyboard and MemPlug are great suggestions on hardware. A few additional software products that I would recommend are:

Progect (http://sourceforge.net/projects/progect) - Don't let the FREE price fool you! This is a superb project management application. For school, you could list all of your classes (as percentages) and then under each class, you could have Check marks that let you know the due dates and projects completed. If I were back in school (I'm old, 32) I'd be using this great app to keep track of stuff.

BigClock (http://www.gacel.de/) - I use this app. as an alarm clock to wake me up every morning. It's nice since you can set it only to wake you up Mon-Fri at a certain time and allow you to sleep late on the weekends (common for me). The price is FREE, and a program you'll really like. Of course, if you wind up travelling, the multiple time zones make it even better. The Timer would be great for sports (Stop Watch).

PCompress (http://www1.jump.net/~syenne/pilot/pcomp.html) - Again, another great app (yet, lesser known by most). It's a handy way of "WinZipping" files on your Palm that you don't use very often and want to free up room for other programs. No matter how much room you have on your Palm's main memory, it'll be never enough for someone who likes to try out new apps. This app. makes it a little less painful. You can also use it to delete any file off your Palm (becareful with this though, you can cause yourself problems if you don't know what you are deleting). A Great App and again, it's FREE!

If you get a Targus Foldable Keyboard, I highly recommend the following applications (Not FREE, but essential):

QuickOffice (Includes QuickWord/QuickSheet and QuickChart) - This application suite will allow you to work on reports, spreadsheets, etc. then sync to your desktop. QuickWord just recently added the ability to format the fonts (Color, sizes, alignment, etc.) which is really nice. I use this office suite exclusively and have been very pleased with it. There are many office type apps out there, so be sure to take advantage of their 30 day evaluations before you buy. Make sure it's what YOU want BEFORE you buy.

I hope some of this is helpful to you. Best wishes and Welcome to being a fellow Visor Owner!

Jon

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Elkins Park, Pa
Posts: 577

Avantgo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want news, sports, weather, joke of the day, or anything like that, updated everyday, get Avantgo!!!!!! Also, it's free!

www.avantgo.com

[immature comment mode]
well i've got more posts than either of you, but it shouldn't matter, because it's quality, not quanity!
[/immature comment mode]

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"One word sums up probably the responsibility of any vice president, and that one word is 'to be prepared'.
-Dan Quayle

Registered: Jul 2001
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 366

I think software for students have been covered before in a previous thread but I guess I will chime in here with some of my favorite programs:

1) Wordsmith (Shareware - $30) - Great word processing app. integrates with MS Word but not required, any RTF file from a desktop wrod processor will sync. Mac support. MANY features with tons of formatting tools. Allows you to take your desktop fonts w/ you (mac support for this coming in v2.1). Finally, it allows you to edit and format your memos and act as an ebook
reader for books in DOC format. V2.01 currently out but a new version, 2.1, will be out sometime next week or early the week after that. That version will have VFS support which is great for when your Memplug. v2.1 will also have a spell checker, a thesaurus, and a Font Manager.
2) Datebk4 (Shareware - $25) - Replacement for Datebk+ (which is actually a branded edition of Datebk3, a previous version of Datebk4 but still available for 20 bucks I think) and ToDo. It does everything Datebk+ does including icons for appointments and ToDos, split screens (so you can see your appointments and ToDos/Address Book/Memos on the same screen, saved
views for when you want to see you vacation days and only your vacation days with a couple of taps with the stylus, the ability to link appointments w/ todos, memos, and contacts, the ability to set repeating todos, and much more. Again a new version is in beta right now (v. 4.1) and it due out sometime this month. I am testing this beta and it is working just fine. Sign up at the, Datebk4 Beta Forum, to pick it up. It
has better support for repeating todos (now you can have it repeat like you would an appointment), the ability to crossout apponitments for things like cancelled events, better icons (though greyscale support is still being improved for editing them), and the ability to perform some of the color functions of Datebk4 on greyscale devices like highlighting events and
giving the fonts different shades of grey.
3) Handyshopper (Freeware) - Allows you to create shopping lists on your Visor. I don't use this all that much since I am still in high school as you are and don't go grocery shopping, but I do use it for Christmas shopping. Current version 2.1.
4) 4.0Student (Shareware - $20) - This program allows you to keep track of homework assignments as well as your grade. For many of my classes I was only .1% off of what my teachers had in their gradebooks. So it is accurate. It will also export your assignments to the ToDo database.
5) Mapopolis (freeware, but enhanced maps cost $3 a piece) - This is a great mapping program, especially for those of use with a greyscale device like the Neo or Platinum. You can get maps by county on Mapopolis' website http://www.mapopolis.com . Basic maps are free and enhanced maps, with the ability to do address searchs and create custom landmarks, are $3. they do
take up a lot of memory if you live or work in a large city, so be warned. I put all of my maps on my SM card. This program has VFS support so I can do that seemlessly but until you get a non-flash memory module, this doesn't concern you.
6) gMovie (shareware - $30) - Allows you to watch movies on your palm. Sure, it's not as impressive as on a Prism or a Clie, but you and I can put more of them in our RAM because they don't have to be in color, thus saving space.
7) BugMe! Messenger (shareware - $30) or DiddleBug (freeware) - Both allow you to create handwritten notes and drawings on your Neo as well as set an alarm on them. The difference between them is of course cost and BugMe! Messenger allows you to email those notes to others during a hotsync or using a wireless module or cellphone module.
8) Yaps (freeware) - keeps track of your passwords for the internet and such
9) Launcher III (shareware - $10) - this program is an alternative to the program launcher that comes with your Neo. So instead of getting the built-in launcher when you tap on home (the house in case this is your first Palm OS PDA), you would get this program. This launcher gives you a tab-based interface to deal with categories rather than the menu-based of the built-in launcher. This program allows you to hide programs (but not the built-in programs like Address Book or Datebk +), hide tabs (so you CAN
effectively hide any built-in programs you replace with 3rd-party programs), preform functions on programs like beaming, deleting, or getting information on it just by sliding the icon to the appropriate gadget, and you can keep track of your memory level right on the launcher interface in addition to a battery indicator. Finally it allows you to launch DOC files (an ebook format) right from the launcher.
10) SuperNames (shareware - $20) - A great address replacement
11) Noah Lite (freeware) - Dictionary for your Neo with various sized dictionaries (largest being 4 MB in size). There is also Noah Pro, a shareware version costing 20 dollars that has dictionaries that are better compressed. When you getyour Memplug, you need to get Noah Pro because it allows you to put the dictionary on the card, be it SM or CF.
12) X-Master (freeware) - a Hack Manager. Hacks are small programs that change the way your PDA works like making it faster through Afterburner and the like, or reversing the backlight, or giving you more options on opening applications like McPhling. Use at your own risk as these can sometimes screw up your PDA or some applications. I would wait until you are sure that everything is working fine on your Neo and you are more familiar with it before trying these out. Once you decide to play around with hacks, I would get this manager because it is free and regularly updated.

I also echo some of the great software mentioned here. Avantogo is nice but can be quite large in file size if you have lots of channels, like I did. Also, I would pick up a nice outliner program for taking notes or organizing your class projects. Progect is a great one to try out and its free.

Jason

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Did you just go near a burning hot river of lava or are you just happy to see me?

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 216

A lot of people have mentioned the need for extra batteries. I would recommend you get some NiMH rechargeables and I charger. They should save you some $ in the long run. I use the ICU Power Accessory Kit but there is also a product from eXtend or a set of rechargeables from RadioShack.

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Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 501

Whittling down the list a bit

I'd agree with almost all of the suggestions above, but thought it was a pretty overwhelming flood of suggestions. Thought I might whittle it down to the 3 or 4 I thought most essential:

• NiMH batteries and a recharger. I have a cheap Radio Shack wall charger for $14 that I've used for almost 2 years for my Visor Deluxe -- works great. The suggestion about taking extra batteries is an excellent one.
  
• Backup: would recommend (1) Backup Buddy from Blue Nomad Software, and (2) either the Handspring Backup module, or (better suggestion) a FlashPlus or MemPlug CF/SM card adapter. Additional advantage of FlashPlus and MemPlug is that, with VFS software, you can free up internal memory by storing stuff out on CF/SM cards. (It will probably take you a little while to get to that point, though.)
  
• Good carrying case. Go for sturdiness over style. I have a Rhodiana case with a belt clip, but that's me -- for pocket cases, I'm not sure what to recommend.
  

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Jeff Meyer

"And he died like he lived: with his mouth wide open."

Registered: Aug 2001
Location:
Posts: 383

I don't know why so many people like back-up buddy because you can do the same thing with a standard HotSync. In fact all I had to do to restore my Visor to it previous state was just right click on the HotSync icon in the system tray, then click custom, and set system to Desktop overwrites handheld, along with most everything else and my Visor was restored to the state it was in at my last HotSync. It even saved the info on where I was in a previous game of AtomSmash.

Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 501

Backup Buddy is my Buddy

quote:

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Originally posted by Techie2000
I don't know why so many people like back-up buddy because you can do the same thing with a standard HotSync. In fact all I had to do to restore my Visor to it previous state was just right click on the HotSync icon in the system tray, then click custom, and set system to Desktop overwrites handheld, along with most everything else and my Visor was restored to the state it was in at my last HotSync. It even saved the info on where I was in a previous game of AtomSmash.

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While I'm not 100% sure of this, I'm fairly certain that the standard Hotsync doesn't backup all the things BackupBuddy does. Yes, it backs up applications; but not all application databases and preferences get backed up. (Perhaps someone who knows could confirm this?) I don't know about you, but I'd hate to have to re-enter all by Datebk4 preferences (or even remember them! ) It also lets me choose what things I don't want to backup -- like AvantGo data files.

One thing I am sure of: over the last 1.6 years, BB has saved my ass a score of times. Somebody who earns your trust, you don't throw away.

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Jeff Meyer

"And he died like he lived: with his mouth wide open."

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: NYC
Posts: 287

Re: New PDA Buyer (essential accs.)

quote:

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Originally posted by sprintf
I have been looking over many reviews and specs for visors and have decided on the Neo. I would appreciate recommendations on necessary accessories. I am a high school student, and plan to carry it in my pocket, so I want to make sure it does not get scratched/broken while being bumped into, banged around, etc. From what I've read, a replacement stylus and screen protectors are necessary. I hope to get everything I will need at once, and would be very happy if ya'll could list the essential things such as those.

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It all started way back in February 2000 with a Blue VDX.