Vanity: What can one do with a Palm Pilot?

me | 1/17/02 | me and you

[Kermit]

This is a pure unadultered vanity. If you're not into computers or Palm Pilots, skip this thread. You've been given fair warning.

I won a sales contest at work and can choose from three prizes, one of which is the Palm Pilot M505. In the past, I've shyed away from Palm Pilots, not seeing a practical use for them in my lifestyle.

Now, that I can get one for free, I'm re-thinking it, since the other two prizes I either have or I'm not interested in.

How do you use your Palm Pilot? What are the most valuable things you do with yours? Do you need accessories? If so, which? What are the pitfalls or problems with the Palm Pilot?

[Kermit]

I asked a friend this morning and he says he uses his for scheduling and keeping lots of address and contact info on his customers. I was thinking about keeping expense info also and car cost info.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Welcome!

[hole_n_one]

See #11

What's going on?...........I thought the manual and all subsequent hand books put out by the agency were considered as being highly classified.

[Kermit]

Thanks for the tips. What do you use ThinkDB for?

[absalom01]

Well, either you love 'em or you hate 'em I guess. Myself, I couldn't manage without it. (Though as soon as the Ericsson R480 phone/pim is available in the US, I might switch.)

Killer aps for moi: calendar and contact sync. with ACT! officewide database. I've got the network version of ACT! set up for the office, and generally, first thing in the AM will sync. my palm with the office schedule. Thus, I'll know where all of my layabout employees are supposed to be, and my own crazy schedule is clear to all as well. This is massively cool.

The contact sync. is more useful than it sounds, since the contact list tends to be a rather dynamic database in times like these.

e-mail: This is probably the most important app. With the Palm VII (which I use), this is integrated. With the model you reference, you'll need your cell phone, but nonetheless, staying in touch via e-mail beats voicemail and messaging by a mile.

[Utah Girl]

I love my PalmPilot. I chucked my Franklin Covey dayplanner. It can keep all of my contact stuff on it, calendar for me. Plus there are a whole bunch of cool applications for it. I downloaded the Bible to it, very handy for reference or reading. Plus you can play games on it (Tetris) at very boring meetings.

[Kermit]

I've seen combo Phone/Palm Pilot devices in the magazines. Seems to be the logical evolution.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

"Things like "Big Blue, up a quarter... Need a few million more shares..."

Wouldn't you want a few million more shares only if it went DOWN a quarter? You won't impress many babes that way. At least not the intelligent ones. Oh what the hell am I saying!? That's the whole point. Right?

[twocents]

I have downloaded books to mine. It's very handy to have something to read without carrying a book. Lots of books in the public domain are available for free download. I

• grocery lists
• phone numbers
• bejeweled

[Kermit]

Sounds very useful to you. I don't have to coordinate schedules with anyone else or keep track of anyone. Basically a solo act.

[Lev]

I have 505, use it for contacts, reminders, todo lists. You can download A WHOLE LOT of applications (freeware, shareware, commercial). Regards.

[Excuse_Me]

Put it on top of that pile of papers on your desk. Now the top ones won't blow all over the place when someone walks by!

[Kermit]

Got any links to those websites? I certainly could use that program.

[Fzob]

I recently got a palm pilot M-105. Not real fancy but I fell in love with it. For people with busy schedules it's the best thing since sliced bread. Learn how to use the graffiti function, editing shoertcuts, and get a good database program. It is the most hassle free way to keep track of just about anything.

[Gamecock]

I always wanted a laptop, but I never bought one because they are not truly portable. Sure you can carry it to work, but you can't walk around with it.

I take notes in meetings, sync to MS Outlook to track my calender, to do list, use it for work related references.

I thought it was a toy until I saw one in action. I know of 10 people I work with that have bought one in the last year when they saw mine in action. (PS: for those who are thinking of buying one, check out the Visor Brand, much more expandable)

[jgrubbs]

I love my Palm. I use the To Do list, the Calendar, and the Games, I even have a copy of the US Constitution on it.

[LibKill]

Sounds very useful to you. I don't have to coordinate schedules with anyone else or keep track of anyone. Basically a solo act.

Take it and sell it on E-Bay.

But if you try it out first you may wind up keeping it.

solo act.

That will make you go blind! :)

[Fzob]

Plus you can play games on it (Tetris) at very boring meetings.

I saw some software that allows two palm users to chat via infrared. Now that could make a meeting interesting.