Sync settings

Once you're comfortable with the HotSync process, you'll understand how powerful synchronizing can be. It not only backs up your handheld but also transfers any changes you make on your PC to your handheld, or vice versa. HotSync is also your link to stuff you've downloaded onto your handheld, including software, photos, and MP3s.

Sharing a PC

If multiple people share a PC but have their own handhelds, each owner must create a unique username so that Palm Desktop can keep their info separate.

Find your username: Windows and Mac:Look for your username in the upper-right corner of the screen

During your first sync, you assign a username to your handheld. The same name is associated with your info in Palm Desktop. Several handhelds can sync with the same computer. Find your username on your handheld by going to Home > HotSync . The name appears in the upper-right corner.

Sync better with management tools

Conduits

A conduit is a small program that specifies how (and whether) info is exchanged between your computer and your handheld. Each application has its own conduit. To learn more about conduits, see page 72.

HotSync Manager

HotSync Manager monitors the port your computer uses for synchronizing, launching the appropriate conduits. In Windows, HotSync Manager is part of Palm Desktop software; on Macs, it's a stand-alone application.

Conduit defaults

Leave the conduits on their default settings unless you need to overwrite data or you want to save time by avoiding the sync process for an application you haven't used in a long time. To make a change apply to future syncs, in Windows, check the Set as default box. On a Mac, select the Make Default button.

Usernames

Your username ensures that Palm Desktop can distinguish your information from somebody else's. To change your username, see page 70.

Sync with Windows and Mac

Your handheld is designed to sync easily with Windows-based PCs and Macs running OS 9.1 or higher or Mac OS X 10.1.2 to 10.2.6. Both platforms use programs called conduits to transfer info from computer to handheld and back again. Both also use Palm Desktop, which syncs seamlessly with your handheld. To learn about conduits and Palm Desktop, see page 72.

Windows tips

To sync with Outlook, reinsert the installation CD and click Install Microsoft Outlook Conduits.
You can customize the synchronization between Outlook and your handheld by using Palm Desktop software. Click any Outlook conduit and click Change .

Mac tips

To use OS X's calendar and address books instead of Palm Desktop software, download and install the iSync Palm Conduit from www.apple.com.
Because Palm Desktop has different features than your handheld, the ways in which information is transferred during a sync are not always obvious. For details, see Palm Desktop's Help topic about transferring info to your handheld.

Trouble with the HotSync process?

If you're having trouble synchronizing, see page 82.

Add software

Add applications so you can do more with your handheld. Pick apps you'll use to keep track of business travel, manage your nutrition, or find a great restaurant. Many apps come in a free trial version. Download them from the web and sync them to your handheld.There's no better way to explore what your handheld can do than to check out some of the 20,000 apps available.

Expansion cards

Expansion cards (sold separately) give you more memory to store all kinds of applications and files. For details, see page 138.

Find great software

Check palmOne.com for thousands of cool apps. For more about software, see chapter 14.

Install applications: Windows

Double-click the palmOne Quick Install icon on the desktop. Drag application files into the appropriate window (for either your handheld or an expansion card) or click the Add button and browse for the files. Compressed files you drag to the open Quick Install window are automatically decompressed. Sync to

Uninstalled files

If a file you meant to install remains on the Quick Install list, your handheld or card might be full, or the file might be incompatible. On a Mac, a file that remains in the Install Handheld Files dialog box indicates a similar problem. Compatible files end with .prc, .pdb, or .scr.

Get classic games

Get games designed specifically for your handheld. Classic arcade games like Asteroids and Centipede can be found on the Atari Retro and Sega Classics expansion cards; see page 161.

Download free or cheap apps

Many sites on the web have apps you can download for free or for a nominal cost. Be careful that the app is compatible with Palm OS 5.2. Investigate reviews and ratings to see how well the app works.

Share apps with friends

Many apps, especially freeware and trial versions, can be beamed to other handhelds. From your Home screen, select App > Beam . Be sure it's compatible with your friend's handheld.

Your version number

Tungsten E handhelds use version 5.2 of the Palm OS .

Find new apps

Newly installed applications show up on the Home screen in the All and Unfiled categories.

Go to

For more about expansion cards, see pages 16 and 138.
To shop for software, see page 132.
If a new app freezes your handheld, see page 20.

Install applications: Mac

On a Mac, open Palm Desktop . From the HotSync menu, select Install Handheld Files . Drag the application files to this window or click the Add To List button and browse for the files. Sync to transfer files.