PALM PLACE - News and Views

Owners of the popular Pocketop infrared keyboard beware: upgrade your device, and you could find yourself facing $20 USD to download new drivers compatible with your unit.
As the maker of the first widely popular infrared keyboard moves to a new web site, owners of the Pocketop keyboard have suddenly found downloads of new drivers come at a price. Stepping away from the company's previous policy, drivers for numerous devices based on the Palm OS and Pocket PC platforms which were previously available as free downloads now sell for up to $20 USD each.

In an open letter to its customers, Pocketop explains why the company has found it necessary to reconsider its policy of making drivers available for free. Apologizing for delays in processing users' requests for drivers for new devices, Pocketop says the very rapid pace of development in the hand-held market, including portable keyboards, has forced the manufacturer to change its policy on issuing drivers.

Part of the company's letter reads: "Unlike Windows devices, where typically only three or four drivers are sufficient to service every PC on the market, there is a huge and growing variety of hand-held devices. We have now developed in excess of 100 drivers that enable our keyboard to be used with hundreds of different PDA/Pocket PC/and cellphone devices. This trend is escalating with the need to provide drivers for devices using the Symbian operating system. The cost to develop drivers is very high."

Additionally, the company's letter also says it has been brought to its attention that users of portable keyboards purchased from its competitors download and use Pocketop's free drivers, a further incentive for the company to introduce a registration and payment policy for drivers.

Owners of Pocketop keyboards must now register with the manufacturer and pay from $10 to $20 USD for each set of drivers, a price Pocketop said it believes is modest compared with its costs. Lastly, the company also claimed its new policy would aid the company in providing new drivers in a timely fashion to meet customers' needs as new devices enter the market.


-Ron Pendleton WebMaster, Palm Place and Wireless World

SanDisk Wi-Fi SD card pushed back yet again
According to the information published on the official SanDisk web site, the company has put off the release of the highly anticipated Palm OS 5 driver for its Wi-Fi SD card.

The Palm support has already suffered quite a number of delays, and nobody can be sure that this one will be the last. The previous release date was slated for the first quarter of 2004. Now the Palm OS 5 driver is estimated for the second quarter.

SanDisk doesn’t give an explanation for this very delay, however you can read the company’s official statement on the development process of the driver in general and the problems they have to solve in order to make it finally available.

On the other hand, SanDisk may have focused on the latest SyChip’s low power Wi-Fi SD card announced some time ago, and Palm OS 5 driver for the initial version of the card is not in the high priority for the company any more.



-Ron Pendleton WebMaster, Palm Place and Wireless World

MyDoom E-Mail Worm Spreading Quickly
January 26, 2004
A fast-moving Windows worm known as MyDoom on Monday began spreading at a furious rate on the Internet.

MyDoom arrives via e-mail and has a randomized sender's address and subject line. The body of the message varies, but purports to be an error message, such as: "The message cannot be represented in 7-bit ASCII and has been sent as a binary attachment."

The file attachment is often in a ZIP archive format and can have any one of a number of file extensions, including .exe, .pif and .scr. The icon for the attachment looks like the one used for text messages in Windows.

Once the user runs the attached file, the worm copies itself to the machine in the following manner:


c:\Program Files\KaZaA\My Shared Folder\activation_crack.scr

c:\WINDOWS\Desktop\Document.scr

c:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\taskmon.exe
One IT manager said he was now blocking all ZIP attachements to limit the spread of MyDoom.

MyDoom also copies itself to the registry in Windows so that it executes at startup, according to a preliminary analysis by Network Associates Inc.'s McAfee Security unit. The worm also opens Port 3127 and begins listening for instructions from a remote host.

Much of the data in the worm's code is encrypted, anti-virus experts said, making analysis of the worm much more difficult. Some users reported receiving as many as 100 copies of the worm in a 30-minute span on Monday afternoon.

-Ron Pendleton WebMaster, Palm Place and Wireless World

EDITORIAL: The GeekZone, well known for their Bluetooth "How To Guide"", has a link to an informative FLASH Video made by Bluetooth SIG, that answers just that question. As more and more devices are released everyday with Bluetooth capabilities, many are still thinking, "Bluetooth, sure, it's so I can wear a headset without a cord". Well Bluetooth is that and Sooooo much more. Take a few minutes, take off that corded headset and check out this flick and informative read!.
The Official Bluetooth Website also has lots of information to put you in the know as well in their "HOW IT WORKS" section. You can also sign up for the Bluetooth newsletter that will keep you abreast of whats new and upcoming in Bluetooth. So take some time out and get to know Bluetooth, it is an amazing technology that looks like it has arrived, and it's here to stay, finally.

Pendleton WebMaster, Palm Place and Wireless World

One thing that has always been an issue is the fact that everytime that a new palmOne device or model line was released, your $300-$500 worth of accessories became worthless or throwins when you sold the old palm. That was to be eliminated with the introduction of the palmOne Universal Connector. Most chargers, cables and cradles connect via the
Palm™ Universal Connector making them usable across many Palm handheld models. Most peripherals made for Palm™ handhelds connect via the Palm™ Universal Connector making them usable across most of the Palm handheld models* shown at right.

*You should check the model compatibility list for each individual accessory to confirm which handheld models are fully compatible. The Palm OS® version and physical form of a specific handheld model may affect compatibility with individual accessories. The following models have the Universal Connector :

• Tungsten™ T Handheld
• Tungsten™ T2 Handheld
• Tungsten™ T3 Handheld
• Tungsten™ C Handheld
• Tungsten™ W Handheld

• Zire™ 71 Handheld

• Palm™ m515 Handheld
• Palm™ m505 Handheld
• Palm™ m500 Handheld

• Palm™ i705 Handheld

• Palm™ m130 Handheld
• Palm™ m125 Handheld

palmOne has released a neat lil addition to any palmOne device that utilizes the Universal connector. ( the m500 series and up ) This lightweight, compact power management solution recharges your handheld when you can't stop working or when you can't be near an electric outlet. Clips onto the back of your handheld without the need to power down or reset; you can hot swap additional Power To Go battery packs for days or weeks of uninterrupted work.
• Recharges handheld 1-2 times, depending on model
• Charge status LED
• Pass-through Universal Connector allows handheld and Power To Go to recharge together in a cradle or travel charger

P10906U - Connects to Palm™ Universal Connector. Model Compatibility
Tungsten™ C, W, T, T2, T3, m500 series, i705, Zire™ 71 Click on the palmOne LOGO above to go to the palmOne store for more deatils and pricing.

PROPORTA LAUNCHES NEW RETRACTABLE SYNCH/CHARGE CABLE FOR USB PORTS
(OR IN MY OPINION< NEXT GREATEST INVENTION TO THE WHEEL!!)

Proporta is proud to announce the launch of the new retractable USB sync and charge cable.


Available for Palm and iPAQ handhelds, it could not be any simpler to charge your handheld whilst on the move. These lightweight cables have a soft-feel finish and are ideal for carrying around in your pocket between USB ports. The cable can be fully extended to any length up to 85 cm, and will contract to just 12 cm in total length.


To see which PDAs this charging option is compatible with please see the below link:
Retractable cables

SPECIAL OFFER FOR WIRELESS WORLD READERS !! GET 10% OFF NOW!!
Get 10% off the purchase of the USB Sunch cable. Use the following code and get not only 10% off the Synch cable, BUT YOUR ENTIRE PROPORTA ORDER!! USE CODE PALMPLAH10

NEW CONTEST STARTS THIS WEEKEND!!! WIN AN ALUMINUM CASE FOR YOUR PALM OR SONY CLIE from PROPORTA, www.proporta.com !!!

I am pleased to announce that this weekend starts another of many contests we will be having. PROPORTA (a "E"tailer of excellent PDA accessories) has given Wireless World an Aluminum Case for either a PALM or CLIE to GIVEAWAY this weekend. So, heres what you need to do. Go to PROPORTA's WEBSITE at http://www.proporta.com and (after you have looked around and marveled at what is available and the incredible pricing !!) find the NEW RETRACTIBLE USB SYNCH & CHARGE CABLE. Give us any 2 Features listed for the SYNCH AND CHARGE CABLE ( any PDA Version). I found it in 4 places with relative ease, so it should be a breeze. Then send that along with how/where you heard about this weekends contest to supportstaff@comcast.net. In the SUBJECT line please put CONTEST ENTRY. Then include your full name, shipping address, EMAIL address as well as the model Aluminum case you desire, PALM Model# or SONY CLIE Model#. The contest will run through Monday, Oct. 27st at Midnite. Winner will be contacted by Chloe at PROPORTA and your case will be speedily shipped to your location. ALSO, all entrants will receive a discount code good for a nice discount off your next purchase at Proporta.
So all that's left to say is GET TO IT! And, oh, guess what? Please, limit one entry per email /shipping address. Thank You and Good Luck From PROPORTA and WIRELESS WORLD (Entry information will not be released, sold or used for any form of marketing)

So-called 'ultra-personal computers', or UPCs, which squeeze a full-blown PC into a form factor more reminiscent of a PDA, have been touted as the next big thing for several years. The recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has finally shown that the UPC may at last have become a practical proposition.

The realization of the UPC concept can be attributed to a couple of crucial factors. First, component miniaturization, especially of high-quality VGA displays and hard drives, is now making a desktop-type experience feasible on a small device.

Secondly, the commitment of chip vendor Transmeta to the UPC concept, with the latest generations of its low-power Efficeon and Crusoe designs, provides the necessary horsepower to drive devices based on a 'full' desktop operating system as opposed to the relatively slim-line operating systems used by today's PDAs.

But is there really a market for such devices? To date, none of the vendors pursuing the cause has made much of an impact on the global market. Indeed, some have been stuck in a pre-production phase lasting several years. Can they escape?

PDAs and smart phones have sold the concept of ultra-portability to millions of users worldwide, but not without a few caveats. Synchronization technology might help blur the distinction between document formats on the device and those on the desktop, but the relative lack of sophistication of high-end business applications on PDAs could provide an opportunity for pygmy PCs.

The familiarity of the desktop operating system, or systems, used by UPCs might also prove a boon for corporates, with additional training, development of new applications, security considerations, maintenance and integration issues all largely-covered within existing policies.

Of course, PDAs themselves are not standing still and are developing rapidly in terms of performance and integration with other systems. But the differences between the technologies involved could leave the door open to UPCs, which could prove more flexible than their more slim-line counterparts in many circumstances.

What is really needed is a respected enterprise hardware supplier to back the concept, but many of the most likely candidates are already committed to PDAs. Without it, the UPC looks set to remain at best a niche product.

PalmOne today said it will rid itself of around 100 workers - 12 per cent of its headcount - in a bid to streamline the company following its acquisition of Handspring.

Todd Bradley, the PDA maker's president and CEO, described the decision to embark on this "second phase" of the integration of the two companies as "tough but strategic".

The move centres on a "rebalancing" of the investment split between its PDA and smartphone divisions, and will "enable us to reduce overall spending", said Bradley. That, he hopes, will help the company achieve profitability in fiscal 2005.

The company is currently a month or so into the third quarter of its 2004 fiscal year, so it's giving itself plenty of time to achieve the "growth and profitability" it's after.

The company declined to state what financial impact the redundancies will have, or when it will account for the cost of the restructure, which will leave it with 740 employees

palmOne's
Return to Home Screen using the 5-Way
To return to the "Home" screen, simply press and hold the "select" button in the center of the 5-way navigator. Now you can easily navigate your way back home one-handed.

Older Palm? Want to improve your Graffiti accuracy? Here's some quick and easy steps to writing better Graffiti:

1 .Write at a natural speed.
2. Do not write on a slant.
3. Write large characters.

Free Overnight Shipping on the Tungsten T3 Handheld! Plus other exclusive deals available only on the Official Palm Store

-Ron Pendleton WebMaster, Palm Place and Wireless World

HARDWARE:SETUP: INITIAL BATTERY CHARGING ON NEW PALMS
I had originally written this on another site and it slipped my mind getting it on here. In short I was adressing all of us Boys and Girls getting our new Palms and other Electronic gear , ripping the boxes open and just playing away. Well I am sure others are still getting some new after holiday sales palms so I thought I would throw it on here as well. So here we go: Well I am sure we got some adults with some new palmOne product and 2 things come to mind. The phrase "Manual! We don'need no stinking manuals!!" and "Real men don't read owner's manuals!!" Ok, some things you just can't change. But if there was ever one thing of importance with today's battery powered personal electronics, it is the first initial battery charge. It can effect the battery performance and overall life of your battery from this moment forward So, I went to palmOne and got the initial battery charge times on the current product line. Please folks, the maximum time is 3 hours, you waited all year, what's another 3 hours? Also, the majority of the times were preceeded by "At least x hours" so a little extra will not hurt anything.
So let's take another look at that new baby, and let us place it on the charger now for:
Tungsten E=3 Hours
Tungsten C=2 Hours
Tungsten W=2 Hours
Tungsten T3=2 Hours
Tungsten T2=2 Hours
Tungsten T =2 Hours
ZIRE 71=2 Hours
ZIRE 21=3 Hours
ZIRE= 3 Hours

For those of you who may prefer some simple instructions or even short video to getting started CLICK HERE and select the model that applies to you. The palmOne support and setup guides are excellent.
-Ron Pendleton WebMaster, Palm Place and Wireless World

EDITORIAL: BLUETOOTH, Still Plugging Away At It!!
The more I use Bluetooth, the more I like it. The more I use Bluetooth, the more I see potential uses. And finally, the more I use Bluetooth, the more articles I read that it is a struggling technology that is not being accepted by the consumer. So LISTEN UP PEOPLE!! If you all cause me to lose Bluetooth, and slow down the advancement of more neater and cooler Bluetooth ideas, IM GONNA BE MAD (milder word, I prefer starts with a "P" and rhymes with KISSED). I just don not get it. It is very easy and simple to setup (Yes there can be a snag or two like with anything) All in all, it does what it is supposed to do, and that is basically eliminate wires, (That is a good idea, is it not?) and help us communicate between our different devices and keep them synchronised. (The basics, yes I know it does more) So what is the problem? OK, mini rant is over, here is the intro to an article that started me off today.

Bluetooth: At a Crossroads?
Fierce Wireless
Bluetooth is at a crossroads: the technology is appearing on more devices than ever, but it has failed to excite consumer interest. At this week's Bluetooth Americas conference in San Jose, Bluetooth insiders debated the future of the technology. Some claim that given its penetration on mobile devices, Bluetooth could take off in the next year. The Bluetooth SIG plans a number of branding and marketing exercises in 2004 designed to raise the technology's awareness among consumers. Critics, however, remain skeptical citing Bluetooth's continued inability to live up to its promise. Many analysts think Bluetooth's time has passed. Competition from WiFi and emerging rival standards such as Ultrawideband and ZigBee will, they claim, spell the end of the standard. END

Ok, now back to me. Some of the issues related to adoption of Bluetooth is cost, of course. An interesting bit of conversation follows: Analysts studies have shown that consumers will pay significant premiums to eliminate clutter, especially on the desktop. But to truly take off, Bluetooth headsets have to become a smaller percentage of that overall cost, said Michael Sharer, OEM sales manager at Fellowes Manufacturing Co. of Itasca, Ill., wandering the show floor in search of contacts. "As companies put more technology into phones, it will drive the price up," Sharer said. "But paying $100 for a headset is not going to be something people who buy these cheap, refurbished phones are going to do. It's like saying, OK, you're going to buy a $400 PC as well as a $400 Klipsch speaker system? That's as much as the PC. That doesn't happen."

That, makes good sense. The industry has to realize that while these phones and our beloved Palms come bundled with Bluetooth capability, the average person who spent $400 for a Tungsten X, (Generic Palm with BT I just made up, don't wanna be quoted tomorrow that I have announced the release of the new PALM X at $400 LOL) is not going to turn around and spend another $100 ( one quarter of the purchase price) just to lose the wire going from their PDA to the headset. (Except maybe Sammy)
So in closing, I guess I have talked myself into blaming the industry as well as the consumer for hindering the growth of a very cool and benefical technology. If any one cares to join in, maybe you could drop a line or two into your PALM stories that you all are sending in, and give us a quick Bluetooth opinion. I for one, would like to hear it.
-Ron Pendleton WebMaster, Palm Place and Wireless World