Meeting #8
April 7th, 1999 | April 10th, 1999 |
Highlights (New Section)
Free-for-all discussion
More on Palm IIIx and V
Qualcomm pdQ-1900 PDA/phone preview
This month, we had 6 members at the Wednesday meeting and 12 members at the Saturday meeting.
Among the applications that were discussed around the table were OmniRemote, an app that changes your Pilot into a TV-stereo remote control. DatePlan, a souped-up calendar application which is an alternative to the popular Datebook. Add-on accessories that were discussed around the table included some GPS applications and other aviation software, plastic snap-on covers for Pilots, StartBar (now called GoBar), an application that clones a Windows-like start screen onto the Palm, and PocketQuicken, a financial applications package for the PalmPilot that links to desktop the Quicken application.
There was some discussion on the Da Vinci organizers, which are a new family of very-low-cost organizers. They come from Royal, which usually waits for a market to be created and then comes in with low-cost versions of the device. It did this with handheld dictonaries, rolodexes, organizers, and now handheld computers.
Sean passed around the newest copies of Tap Magazine and Pen Computing. Tap Magazine featured an article on the Peanut Reader from Peanut Press, which now offers regular publishers’ list books in Palm-readable format at a discount to the regular hardcover price. As an example, "Monica’s Story" sells for US$17.95 in Palm format vs US$24.95 for a hardcover. Pen Computing this month was a bit disappointing as it didn’t have any news on the Palm IIIx or V and instead criticised Palm Computing for being behind the times. This points out how important it is to be up to date!
There was a lot of IR syncing of shareware and freeware at the meeting between various people, showing that this technology was mature in terms of software distribution!
Chris showed off the Palm V again, for members who hadn’t seen it or played with it yet. He also showed two accessories for the device. The Palm V hardcase was a slick case which had similar lines to the Palm V and altogether brought the package up to the size of a Palm III or IIIx. The Palm V pen-stylus had a throttle-like design, in which the pen could be clicked out of a stylus-like case. The pen could fit right into the hardcase. All in all a great package.
Also shown around were Sean and Rob’s new Palm IIIx devices. As noted before, these are souped-up Palm IIIs with a better processor, more on-board memory, and a new LCD screen that is clearer and sharper both under normal conditions and under conditions requiring the new backlight capability. NOTE: Members wanting to sell their Palm devices and upgrade to Palm IIIs or Palm Vs can either contact Sean directly or use the message boards on our website to sell their organizers. There has been a lot of success lately!
There was some discussion about the new "Simply Palm" ads, which show a nude ballet dancer and a Palm V, and the controversy around them. Fortune Magazine has a discussion of the intent of the new ads, which are supposed to convey the organic design of the Palm V and to link it with quality, such as in other ads which show, for example, an upscale motorcycle and a Palm V.
Ernie showed everyone an example of the CanadaPUG Site for AvantGo channel that he downloaded to his Palm. Sean had taken great care to put together the main screen and graphics for the site, to conform with the Palm’s graphical limitations, but the download looked excellent on Ernie’s Palm. Members are invited to take a look and to comment to Sean.
Qvadis, the start-up spawned around the same time as CanadaPUG, was asked about its still-under-construction website and its upcoming offerings. Sam and Russell separately noted that development is still underway, and that they are now in alpha testing the site and two initial applications – a desktop app and a palmtop app. Selected members would be among the first to preview and test the offerings.
Handheld Interfaces service was again impeccable. Instead of members coming to the store, the store came to us – we could thus test and compare accessories before committing to a purchase. Chris brought out tons of samples of cases, pens, organizers, software and other accessories, which were snapped up as fast as he could take them out.
Alan brought along a pre-release prototype of the Qualcomm pdQ-1900 PDA-phone. Overall views were that this looked like a killer device. It looked like a slimmer but fatter version of the Palm, with a flip-down keypad that exposed the full screen. The OS was similar to a Palm III, albeit with a smaller format screen. There was an extra silkscreen menu set on the right hand of the screen which launched sync, mailing and other phone-related apps. A new cradle-charger combination is used with the pdQ, because the rear port was not standard. Finally, using cellphones that other people had brought to the meeting, the pdQ was tested – and it performed admirably. Functions included redialing, launching a call from an address book, logging calls (and missed calls). The pdQ is a CDMA device, and should be available late this year. All in all a beautiful device! Now if only it had a Palm IIIx screen….
PrizesPrizes are one way we encourage active participation at meetings. Why do we have them (besides for fun)?
One of the best things about a Palm User Group is learning about others’ experiences - trading information, tips and tricks, finding about new software, getting a first-hand look at new hardware before buying, how best to obtain service, and so on.
Did you know, for example, that in some cases a cracked screen can be refurbished even though some may tell you that it isn’t covered in your warranty?
Well, that’s the kind of info you can find out at meetings…and that’s the kind of info we would like to hear from you…which is why Canada’s Premier PUG encourages active participation….
| Mobile Account Manager by Mobile Generation Software |
| Kyle’s Quest retail version courtesy of Power Media |
| CplxCal by Evert H. Rozendaal |
| URL+ by Rampart Solutions |
| Euchre by Seahorse Software |
| Sam’s Teach Yourself PalmPilot and PalmIII in 10 minutes courtesy of Michael Steinberg |
| Choice of application from Aramis Communications |
| Euchre by Seahorse Software |
| ClockPRO by Maple |
| Brainforest by Aportis |
| Emerald Hunt retail version courtesy of Power Media |
| 4Corners Solitaire by Seahorse Software |
| The Pod by HRP Sports |
| 4Corners Solitaire by Seahorse Software |
So come on! Share our wealth and share your experiences – drop by and have a chat.
Thanks are due to all sponsors for their support of Canada's Premier PUG! Please visit their websites to see a collection of other impressive products to help you get the most out of your PalmPilot.
Future TopicsThe following topics have been suggested for us to cover in the future:
Please don’t hesitate to suggest any other topics you would like to discuss.
Respectfully,
Sam Peralta, Scribe, Canada's Premier PUG
Sean D. Evans, President, Canada’s Premier PUG