PDAs - For Beginners InforMedia LRTS Plamen Miltenoff [email protected] Available at: .

PDAs - For Beginners

InforMedia

LRTS

Plamen Miltenoff

[email protected]

Available at: http://web.stcloudstate.edu/pmiltenoff/pda/pdaclass.pps

Who’s Using a PDA?

• What kind?

• How long have you had it?

• What do you use it for?

• Would you get the same thing again?

Plan

• Introducing the Technology

• Basic functions & features

• Getting more advanced: software

• Where to find out more

I. Introducing the Technology

• What are these things anyway?– More than an organizer– Almost a computer

• Operating Systems: underneath it all– PalmOS vs Windows (PocketPC)

• Brands & models– Handspring, Sony, Palm, Compaq

Palm Brand (PalmOS)

Other PalmOS Devices:

PocketPCs:

Alternative: Sub-Notebook

Shopping for a PDA

PalmOSPalmOS PocketPCPocketPC

Price Available software & goodies

Easy for PC users to learn

UCSD wireless-compatible now

Outlook compatibility

First, select a platform

Things to consider

• Color: adds to cost, weight

• Memory: minimum 8MB for PalmOS

• Expandability / accessories

• Batteries – AAA adds to weight, cost

• Wireless access: how expensive?

Accessories

• Cases• Keyboards• Modems• Digital cameras• Mobility (car power kits, etc.)• Multimedia: GPS, Voice

recorders• Memory cards

II. Basic Functions: Palm

• Address Book• Datebook

(calendar)• Memo pad• Note pad (new

Palm)

• Expense• Mail• System utilities• Calculator

Basic Applications:

On Computer: Desktop Version

Connecting the PDA

• Cradle to connect to computer

• “Sync” software copies newest information both ways

• Infrared for between-PDA “beaming” (some printers support IR)

• Wireless-equipped models can connect to Internet away from a computer

Demo

• Main Screen

• Address Book

• Date Book

• Memo Pad

• Note Pad

• To-Do List

• System Utilities

Mail on the PDA

• Non-wireless: need to be able to move e-mail to PDA– May need an outside program

depending on how you get your e-mail.

– Get e-mail at Sync– Read, compose replies “off-line”– Post replies at Sync

• Wireless: e-mail can be live

PocketPC

PocketPC: Office Apps

PocketPC: E-Books

III. Getting More Advanced

• Extend your PDA with software

• Literally hundreds of programs available via download sites on the Web– TUCOWS– Handango– Memoware: documents & books

• Many cost money, usually not much

Software Categories• Most important

– Security, especially for clinical users– Document readers for .DOC, .PDB files

• Useful utilities– Second calendar for your personal life– Reference content

• Fun stuff: good for first tries– Games, doodlers, maps, restaurant

guides

• Think about: anti-virus software

Installing Software for PalmOS1. Download (uncompress if needed)

2. Is it a PROGRAM or a DATA FILE?• Many programs: .PRC

3. Use desktop software to mark files for installation

4. Software is installed at next Sync

Or: Transfer software directly via “beam”

The Net on a PDA

• Most PDAs are not well-suited to Web browsing– Small screens– Mediocre connectivity to

Internet

• PocketPC has advantage over PalmOS

PocketPC: Web

Web on PDA: Palm Options• PDAs with wireless modems: live,

but use Web “clipping” to reformat content

• Middleman services: grab content, deliver it at Sync

• Our pick: AvantGo– Register with your computer– Select “channels” or create your own– Read updated content on PDA

AvantGo

Educational PDA Apps

• Palm OS– mVal– TeacherPet– Lesson Planner

• PocketPC– SpareBrains!Student: arrange

student’s data– Coordinator’s Scope: coordinates

teachers schedule

Where to Get More Info

• Vendors, magazines, newspapers

• Colleagues and friends

• Electronics, office supply stores

• Wireless cards: Computer Store

Plamen Miltenoff Information Specialist / Librarian 204-J James W. Miller Center Learning Resources and Technology Services 720 Fourth Avenue South St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498 320-308-3072 [email protected] http://web.stcloudstate.edu/pmiltenoff/faculty/

Available athttp://web.stcloudstate.edu/pmiltenoff/pda/pdaclass.pps