- I cruise the newgroups and web pages
daily and I often find the same old questions being asked-- here are the
answers to a few common questions:
- www.freewwweb.com
- www.freei.net
- www.freeatlast.com
- www.netzero.net
| Different Palm Models |
So what are the differences between
all the various Palm devices?
PalmPilot, Palm III, Palm IIIx, Palm IIIe, Palm V, Palm Vx, etc. what's with all these Palm models, and how are they different? If you want to know, check out this web site, http://www.gadgetmad.com/palm.shtml for the entire scoop! |
| Using your Pilot and Cell Phone for Internet connection |
Is it possible for me to connect
to my Internet Provider using my Pilot and Cell Phone?
This really depends on what cell phone carrier you use and how much money you have! Check out www.mypilot.com for info on various connection methods.Do I need to use a PalmModem or external modem to use my Pilot and SprintPCS wireless web phone for Internet connection? No, you don't need a modem. SprintPCS actually has a bank of modems on their end of the phone connection which you will use transparently. All you need is the necessary cables and possibly a null modem adapter (see my web page on setup).How am I charged for wireless web access? Is it considered voice minutes? The wireless web data minutes is distinctly different than regular voice minutes. Sprint will charge you 39 cents a minute for wireless web access (e.g., using the wireless web capable phone's minibrowser or the Palm/Laptop device connected to the Internet through an ISP). If you decide to sign up for the Wireless Web plan, then it is 50 data minutes for $9.99 per month (or about 20 cents per minute). In this plan, you are charged 39 cents per minute for each additional minute over the allocated 50 minutes.Do I need a special cable to connect my SprintPCS phone to my Palm device? Yes. Depending on the phone manufacturer, there will be different cable available for serial data connection. If you buy the connectivity kit from Sprint directly, they will usually cost between $99 and $199. If you have a dual-band TouchPoint phone (from Denso) you can buy the necessary connectivity cable for $27 from their web site at http://www.phonessentials.com. You will also need to use your HotSync cradle or HotSync cable.Can I use a modem with my Palm device to avoid paying Wireless Web charges with SprintPCS? 
No, you can't use a modem with your Palm and use your SprintPCS cell phone as a normal land-line phone to avoid wireless web data minute charges. For one thing, modems are designed for analog phone lines which won't work with your digital cell phone. Even if you put your phone in "Analog-mode", the SprintPCS system will detect your call as a "data call" and will charge you wireless web minutes. |
| Palm Modem Questions |
What is the speed of the PalmPilot
Modem?
The standard clip-on modem (runs on 2 AAA-batteries) has a speed of 14.4 kb. The new Palm V modem (2 AAA-batteries) has a speed of 33.3 kb.On What Palm devices can I use the PalmPilot Modem? The standard clip-on PalmPilot modem will connect to all Palm devices (original PalmPilot, PalmPilot Professional, Palm III, and Palm IIIx) except the new Palm V.Can the PalmPilot Modem be used to send/receive faxes? The modem has circuitry to allow for sending and receiving of faxes. All you need is the appropriate software. See www.palmpilotgear.com for possible software.Can I use my cradle or HotSync cable to connect my Pilot with an external modem? Yes, however, you will need to use a null modem adapter. See the modem web page for details. |
| Pilot Repair Issues |
The screen on my pilot is cracked...
what are my options for repair?
The only option is to call Palm Computing and schedule for your Pilot to be repaired (cost ~ $100.00). Palm Computing will usually send you a refurbished unit, after which you send your damaged Pilot to them via Federal Express. The $100.00 charge includes shipping costs. I've heard turn around times ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks. |
| Pilot Application Issues |
Can I change the expense type
in the Pilot's built-in Expense app?
Unfortunately, you cannot add or modify the expense type. The only alternative is to use a 3rd-party expense app like ExpenzPro.Can I synchronize the mail on my PC with my Pilot? Yes, nearly all PIMs will sync the mail between your PC and Pilot. Your Pilot's built-in Mail app can sync all mail, only send mail, filter incoming mail, or sync only unread mail.Can I send mail directly using an external modem and the Pilot's built-in Mail app? Yes, however, you will need to use a freeware app called "ProxiWeb" (formerly TopGun Postman) to send/receive mail from the built-in Mail app. See my Internet Email page for details. |
| Palm Hardware Questions |
Will the older Pilot cradle and/or
HotSync cable work with the new Palm V?
No, they will not work. The connector which attaches to the Palm V is different. The newsgroups mentioned a device called "The Bridge" due out soon which is basically an adapter between the older Palms and newer Palm V connector. |
| Misc Questions |
What is
the best way to find answers for my Pilot questions?
(1) Post your questions on the alt.comp.palmtops.pilot & comp.palmtops.pilot newsgroups.Is it safe to pass my Palm device through the X-Ray machine at the airport?
I've seen this question numerous times on the palm newsgroups... yes, it is safe to pass your Palm through an airport X-Ray machine. I've done it many, many times with no problems, and I haven't heard of anyone else having problems. |
| Dialup Internet Connection |
Can I use
any of the "Free ISPs" for making a PPP dialup connection?
There are numerous Free ISPs available for accessing the Internet. I've test out most of them, and got 4 to work with the Palm device: |
| PQA files for the Palm |
I've noticed files with the .pqa
extension available for download from the Palm.net web site... what are
they?
The PQA files are "Web clipping" apps designed to retrieve specific bits of information from the Internet. These apps are designed to be used on the Palm VII using wireless web access. They were not intended to be used on any other Palm models, however, with the proper Palm library files and a modem you can use them on models other than the Palm VII (see web clipping web page). |