Dead palm pilot

[pegkerr]

My palm pilot died. Argh. I have the information backed up, mostly. Rob's going to check with the tech guys at the store to see if it's salvageable, but I think I'll have to get a new one. One thing I'm considering: should I get one with a mini keyboard and Windows capability, that does Word, so I can write on it during lunch and then download it when I get home? Would that be worth the extra money, because it would allow me to work during lunch, anywhere I like, or to whip out when I'm seized by inspiration at a coffeeshop--or more hassle than it's worth? (I do have a laptop, but I'm not into lugging it back and forth to work every day, much less keeping it secure.)

I need to decide whether I would effectively use the technology that way.

Comments

[eeyorerin]

My new department head has one of those setups, and she uses it for taking notes in meetings and doing work anywhere she goes. I don't know if I would use it as much, but when I replace my Pilot I'm definitely considering it.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

For quick note taking and memo writing, I have never found a tiny computer--Psion, Palm Pilot, Treo--to be easier than pen and paper. You already carry notebooks that allow you to work during lunch or whenever you are seized by inspiration. What's wrong with that low-tech solution

B

[shellefly.livejournal.com]

I agree.
Purse-sized notebook (or in my case, notebook-sized purse) is the way to go for ideas, inspirations ... stuff that isn't your address book or your grocery list. :)

[kate_nepveu]

These the unfoldable, plug-in kind of keyboard? I used to see classmates taking notes on them without difficulty. I believe they can be found used fairly cheap.

[heinous_bitca.livejournal.com]

I got a keyboard for my Palm IIIc from my husband a few Christmases ago. I used it quite a lot for a few months. Even used it to take a travelogue when we went on vacation.

But then I got a laptop, and I used that more. I still carry around the Palm and the keyboard in my purse, but I don't use it as much as I used to.

However it is VERY much more portable than a laptop. And you can also get programs like Documents-to-Go, as you mentioned, to transfer files between Palm and computer. I have used the Palm for some notes for my novel in the past.

But it's all in habits.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

I agree that it's all in habits. I have Documents to Go, and haven't gotten into the habit of moving things to my Palm. I have had a Palm keyboard for years, and I have never gotten into the habit of using it. I can't even reliabily remember to check my "To Do" list on my Palm.

B

[cakmpls.livejournal.com]

I can't even reliabily remember to check my "To Do" list on my Palm.

Oh, thank goodness. I thought it was my middle-aged memory (again!), but you're much younger than I.

[magentamn.livejournal.com]

I've stopped putting things on my "To Do" list, and instead, put them as an appointment, with an alarm. If necessary, I keep hitting "30 minutes", or change it to beep later in the day.

I've also found recurring appointments useful for things like remembering which day recycling has to go out - it's an appointment for every other Tuesday at 7pm (our pickup is every Wednesday)If the recycling hasn't gone out by 7, we deal with it then.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

I find that I regularly use the calendar and the address book. I keep some information as Memos, but I regularly forget that they're there. I have never managed to use the To Do list.

I do use a program called Gulliver, which keeps track of travel plans. I do use the Zagat restaurant listings--something like 30 cities. And I like the Mille Bornes game.

B

[cakmpls.livejournal.com]

Maybe we should start a mailing list (unless someone already has, which actually seems likely) for the aid of middle-aged memories!

[sraun]

I had a keyboard for my Visor back when I had a Visor. It was nice - but one thing they don't warn you about is that your really need a solid, at least mostly level, surface to use one. I took notes for Minicon General Committee Meetings using the pair for a year - I rather liked it.

In the long run, I only used the keyboard when I specifically planned to - I didn't do a lot of data input into the PDA, and the keyboard was sufficiently bulky that it was something of a pain to carry around. So, I'm not any more. But I could see it working for what you want to do, especially if you just want to dump words in with no editing.

[ex-greythist387.livejournal.com]

Depends on habits, echoed from upthread; and mileage varies a lot.

There is a way to split the keyboard difference to a certain extent: the Palm Tungsten line may cost more than you want to spend on a PDA, but it / they have a little built-in keyboard suitable for thumbs. I've written several pages of diss on my Tungsten C and taken more notes on it than really seems reasonable in retrospect. Though typing on the tiny keyboard is substantially slower than manipulating pen/paper, one doesn't lose pieces or get them out of order, and I ride public transit most days, during which legible handwriting to capture fleeting thoughts is impossible.

I got the Tungsten C despite high cost because I figured I would never remember to drag along the unfoldable keyboard one needs for most other Palm PDAs.

[satakieli.livejournal.com]

It's been said, but I'd like to reiterate that the standard mini-keyboards are evil. Inefficient to type on to say the least. Fingers cramping up and all that. If inspiration strikes, pen and paper is much more likely to be practical and comfortable.