|
Synchronization & Batteries
Synchronization
Synchronization refers to a PDA's ability to share data with
your PC so that the information on your PDA matches what's
on your computer. It's a two-way process that exchanges and
updates information in both machines. You can connect your
PDA to your PC via serial cable or IR (Infra-red) port,
though many devices support both interfaces.
Most palm devices come with a special stand called a cradle
which facilitates synchronization and often recharges the
PDA's batteries. Cradles usually attach to the PC serial
port though some models use USB (Universal Serial Bus).
Handhelds can come with sync cradles or connect directly
through a sync cable to your PC serial port. If your
computer also has an IR port you can ignore the cradle and
beam data directly to and from your PDA. Lastly, there are a
few credit card sized PDAs from Rex that slide into a PC
Card slot.
All PDAs come with some form of synchronization software
that will sync information in the standard applications
bundled with the PDA. Since PDA applications do not run on
desktop systems, PDAs also come with separate desktop
versions of their built-in applications. To synchronize your
data, Palm OS uses a program called HotSync while Windows CE
has ActiveSync.
If you have a favorite PIM (personal information manager),
investigate whether the sync software supports that
application. Alternately, there are a number of commercial
sync programs that support popular applications like
Outlook, Lotus Organizer, Act, GoldMine, Schedule+ and
Eudora. These programs, sometimes known as conduits, reside
on your desktop and interact with the PDA to sync data for
given applications. If you have information in a desktop
application not supported by your PDA, you can often import
the data but the format might be effected.
With the right software and a modem you can also sync a PDA
to your PC remotely. However, you usually have to leave your
computer running which can pose a security risk. Given the
appropriate connection and software, PDAs can access and
synchronize with data stored on a corporate network. Other
programs are available that allow you to sync over the
internet. In this scenario, you keep your information on a
web server as opposed to a desktop PC. Finally, you have the
option of syncing with another PDA to swap info with a
friend using the same OS.
Batteries
Most PDAs come with rechargeable batteries and many also
work with regular alkaline. There are three varieties of
batteries available: Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel-Metal
Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-ion (Li-ion or LiOn). The two
Nickel based batteries are considerably cheaper than Lithium
ones, but Nickel batteries lose their charge much faster
when not in use. A PDA might accept only one or two kinds of
batteries so be sure to find out what kind.
Some PDAs take AAA or AA batteries, others use proprietary
batteries. Although manufacturers give quotes for battery
life don't take them too seriously. A fully charged battery
can operate a PDA anywhere from several hours to a month,
depending on how intensively you use it. Battery life should
be monitored carefully because a power failure can result in
the loss of all the data on the PDA. This is hardly
catastrophic if you've recently synced with your PC.
Proprietary, rechargeable batteries don't need to be
replaced and should last the lifetime of the PDA. Many PDAs
recharge their batteries when they are connected to their
sync or docking cradle. Some PDAs can also operate off AC
power which usually recharges the batteries, but check to
see if the adapter is included.
|