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bohdanz · Jan 24, 2001, 05:13 PM

I'm a week-young Palm user. Find the syncing such a major pain. It's like one times out of ten I'll succeed. Have to unplug and plug, restart, unstart, maddening.

I'm a Powerbook G3 user with a new Palm IIIxe unit.

Also, is it possible to use the Ir to sync -- and to print?
Easily or always a pain.

I'd REALLY appreciate help and advice.

scaught · Jan 24, 2001, 05:41 PM

i dont use the IR to sync, but i think all you have to do is set the utility/program on your palm called "hotsync" to I/R sync, then point yr palm at the appropriate IR ports and go. someone else may be able to expand on this if im mislead, but i dont think its too difficult. you may want to check your connection speed from cradle to powerbook, if its set too fast that could be giving you your errors. there should be a setting that says something like "as fast as possible" or something like that, use that one.

MickS · Jan 25, 2001, 11:16 AM

IR sync to a PowerBook does work though it is *much* slower than a cradle sync. You also cannot do upgrades and such across the IR connection. Okay if you are on the road but it's better to use a cradle/cable if possible.

In order to try and solve your problem the model of PowerBook, connections (USB/Serial etc) and MacOS/PalmOS versions will probably help.

Scott_H · Jan 25, 2001, 05:56 PM

Be sure you have the most up to date Palm Desktop and Mac OS.

olePigeon · Feb 4, 2001, 01:48 AM

Get a Newton.

bohdanz · Feb 4, 2001, 10:34 AM

On the post of 'get a Newton.'

trust me... I've started thinking of that.
I even saw a Newton 2000 almost new out of the box for around $600.

But given the economics, I think waiting the next six months for the new Palm units is the wiser move. I must admit what a zillion folks have said, Apple was stupid to kill the Newton. Jobs admits his errors with the CD R/W, he should fess up that he erred with Newton too!

MichaelJPR · Feb 5, 2001, 05:33 AM

I'm going crazy with this too. My palm IIIe often ignores my iMac SE. Today, it took 4 tries, restarting each time.

Does anyone know a workaround at least?

Scotttheking · Feb 7, 2001, 09:10 AM

I've got a Palm IIIc, and it syncs every time.
I'm running OS9.0.4, the latest Palm OS, and using the latest desktop and sync software.

It is slow, but much of that is my slow internet connection.

My Palm can print directly to an IR printer.
I use the Palm Print print driver.
Works well, costs quite a bit.

Yuri1419 · Feb 7, 2001, 08:29 PM

Don't get a Newton, get a Handspring. It's USB native and mac-friendly. I've been trying to help a friend get her Palm VII and iMac 350 to play nice with each other, and they're just pure evil. I'm happy to get my M100 and 7500 to synch at 19,200. My one recent success was a IIIx reliably IR synching with a Pismo.

It cracks me up that I can hit about any server on the internet at a speed WAAAYYYY faster than my Palm can synch to Entourage. That just ain't right.

ginoledesma · Feb 9, 2001, 12:35 PM

Native USB-syncing is a dream. The Handspring Visor's USB connection is LIGHTYEARS better than the serial connection syncing of Palm models. Why can't Palm just make theirs USB native and offer the serial cable converter for a few bucks WITH the system?

Brazuca · Feb 12, 2001, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by ginoledesma:
Why can't Palm just make theirs USB native and offer the serial cable converter for a few bucks WITH the system?

Well...what next? Entourage actually working Synching with PDA's? Systems that don't crash? puh-leeze...that is too simple for any company to do....