Recently in Palm Stuff Category

Although I've had a Palm (Tungsten T2) for quite some time I haven't really been using it actively. However I've found recently that I need something that falls between my mobile phone and my laptop in terms of mobility and power, so it's been dusted off and is coming back into use. By default the Palm comes with software to integrate with Windows and Mac, but there doesn't seem to be any sign of official support for linux. Since I use Ubuntu as my desktop on both my laptop and my non-work pc I needed to find a solution to allow syncing of files etc., While the Ubuntu forums and wiki are usually helpful they weren't overly so on this occasion, as they took quite a convuluted approach to a relatively simple issue (at least in my view) The simplest solution was to install kpilot, which is a KDE replacement for the palm desktop. From what I can see it does an admirable job and is pretty much idiot proof (ie. I got it working in less than 5 minutes). Installation is simple a matter of running: sudo apt-get install kpilot The application should end up under: Applications > Accessories > Kpilot The first time you run it you will be asked to configure it for your Palm, so make sure that it is sitting in its cradle and is connected to your PC. Once you've done the initial setup you may want to tweak your settings a bit. To install software onto your Palm (which is one of the reasons I wanted the software) simply open Kpilot and click on "File Installer" and then "Add file" to add file(s) to be installed. To complete the installation depress the hotsync button on the Palm's cradle. For some reason I always get an error about /dev/tty/USB0 not existing, but the hotsync works perfectly, so I would presume that the error is not important.

What would you consider to be essential tools for your PDA? The standard applications that ship with it leave a lot to be desired. Obvious ones: SSH client: The only one I've found that is anyway usable is PSSH. It works fine, but the default display setting will make you go blind, so change them as soon as you can. Java: You can grab a Palm specific version over at PalmOne. When I first got a copy of it back in December 2003 there was very little information on there, but they seem to have taken some more interest in it recently, and now include links to a number of sites where you can download midlets. Email/Web: I'm still trying to find a usable IMAP client. I tried the Qualcomm suite, but it didn't handle my IMAP folders very well. Palm have an email client, but it's not bundled with the OS or available for free. I'll keep rummaging........

I got a Palm Tungsten T2 a few months ago, which is very handy if I'm on the move. It has bluetooth support, so I can easily pair it with my Nokia and connect over GPRS. One of the more useful things that I could use the Palm for would be SSH access, but trying to type commands on the Palm's builtin "virtual" keyboard is far too frustrating. The solution was to get a portable keyboard: Although it folds up to approximately the same size as the Palm itself this is a full-size keyboard, with all the "bells and whistles". Time to find more apps for my Palm :mrgreen: