Many people own 3Com's Palm Division's premier product, the "Palm" personal organizer. Most like to store tons of data about contacts, appointments, and scheduling in their Palm, but what good is that data if you can't have the same, synchronized data in your PowerBook or desktop computer? We asked readers for pointers on "HotSyncing" their Palm with their Mac on Friday. Here are some of the helpful responses we got:
Reader Sean Lim writes in first about how he got his Palm and 'Bronze' PowerBook to sync up wirelessly using both devices' IrDA capability:
I read about Richard's problem and decided to tell him my
setup. I currently have a Palm III and a 'Bronze' PowerBook 400Mhz.
As I have always been syncing my Palm III with my Toshiba Notebook
through IrDA, I do not want to give up the wireless option when I
bought the PB400. After weeks of searching, I finally found some
extensions that will allow me to use the PB IrDA to sync with my Palm
III. Here are the steps to take to enable IrDA syncing:
The files (IrDA Tool, IrDALib, IrLanScannerPPC, SerialShimLib)
attached will enable you to perform Ir-HotSync® operations with a
IrDA-equipped Macintosh, such as the Powerbook series and the first
revision of the iMac. Before you can perform an IR-HotSync operation,
you will need to complete the following steps:
First, remove the files from the Extensions folder that bear the same
names to the files that was mentioned above. Save these files in case
you need to reinstall them later. Drag and drop the four files into
your Extensions folder and restart your Macintosh.
Next, you will need to install four .prc files onto your Palm
Computing platform handheld. This can be done by dragging the four
.prc files into the "Install" window of HotSync Manager and
performing a HotSync® operation. You will need a cradle to complete
this step. After installing the files on your Palm Computing
platform handheld, perform a "soft-reset" by momentarily inserting a
pin or paper clip into the "reset" hole on the back of your handheld.
Now that you have the necessary software installed, you will need to
configure both sides. On the Macintosh, launch HotSync Manager and
while viewing the HotSync Software Setup window, click on the Serial
Port Settings tab. If you've installed the System Folder extensions
properly, you should now see "Infrared Port" as a new option in the
"Port" pulldown menu. Select this setting. On the Palm Computing
platform handheld side, tap on the Prefs icon and select the
"Serial/IR" menu pulldown. Tap on Serial via "Infrared". Now, return
to the Applications and tap on the HotSync application.
Finally, point your handheld at the IrDA port on the Macintosh and
tap "Local Sync" and presto! Please refer to the IrComm Read Me for
more details.
I hope this helps. This configuration have works fine for me.
Wireless is the way to go:) Can't wait for the Airport thingy to come
out:)
Next, for conventional Syncing through wires, using Keyspan's ADB-->USB adapter and the Palm cradle, reader Wayne Packard offers his experience:
I saw your request on PB Zone for info related to using a Palm with a
"bronze keyboard" PB. I've been using my Palm V with my Lombard 400 for
several months (I ordered the 400 as soon as it was announced) with no
problems.
I was using MacPac before on my Wallstreet 300 and when I copied the rest
of my stuff over, I copied the Palm software too. It works fine, there was
no reason to reinstall.
Of course, the Lombard has no serial ports, so I purchased a KeySpan USB
to serial adapter. Since I intended to use this adapter exclusively with the
Palm, I bought one with a DB9 connector instead of the standard Apple mini
DIN connector. You can plug the standard Palm cradle directly into the
KeySpan. You won't need the little gray cable that comes with the MacPac.
Installing the KeySpan software is a breeze. After it's installed, there is
a new port option in the HotSync manager, just choose it and you're all
set... almost.
When I first tried to HotSync, the HotSync manager crashed. After a
while of digging around, I discovered that Palm has a "USB fix" patch on
their site. I grabbed the patch, installed it, and I've been HotSyncing a
couple of times a day with no problems since then.
So, to recap, you'll need:
USB to Serial adapter (the KeySpan works great, others probably will work
too.)
Latest version of the MacPac software.
USB patch for the Palm software from 3Com.
I haven't tried any other models of Palm, but I'm reasonably certain
they'll all work.
I also have Virtual PC, but I've never tried to HotSync (or do anything
with the USB ports) under it. If I remember correctly, the next version of
VPC which is due out RSN is supposed to have better USB support, so if it
doesn't work now, it'll probably work then.
So we hope all the digital travelers out there are more enlightened in all the ways to keep both your PowerBook and Palm up to date.
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