Backup solutions

AxiMonkey · 06-03-03, 07:55 AM

Hi all,

I ran a search on backup solutions and got opinions that ran the entire range of possibilities. I thought I'd put out a general question to try to consolidate them.

Is the backup solution that comes with the Ax adequate? What would the benefit be in buying a 3rd party solution? What do you use personally?

Thanks,
Monkey

snathanb · 06-03-03, 09:01 AM

Monkey,
I think we have the exact same setup (256 SD, Linksys WCF12).
Here's what I do... I use the built in backup app to backup to the SD card. Once a week, I backup my SD card on my PC.

Tip of the day... go buy a Lexar JumpDrive Trio. It is a portable USB hard drive that uses your SD card, instead of having the media built in. You can get them at Walmart for 19.99. It is USB 2.0 compliant, and you can backup the entire SD card in about 30 seconds.

AxiMonkey · 06-03-03, 09:28 AM

Jumpdrive Trio is pretty sweet! I've got a Sandisk Cruzer right now but it's only USB 1.1. It'd be nice to go to USB 2's speeds.

So, you use the default backup method? I'm starting to wonder what the point of the 3rd party apps is. It would seem that backing up to a card--assuming the provided solution gets *everything* and then storing that backup to a hard disk is the easiest way to go. I ran a backup that way yesterday and it only came out to about 26 megs....hence my concern over it getting everything.

I'm starting to wonder what the point of the 3rd party apps is...............

Raynne413 · 06-03-03, 12:04 PM

I use Pocket Backup Plus for a few reasons. I allows you to have a self extracting file, so you don't have to reinstall the program. This program also includes two other programs: Pocket Mon and Space Detective. Space Detective tells you how much room you have left memory wise, and also includes a file explorer type program. PocketMon monitors your battery (quite well, too), memory, and allows you to change the backlight brightness.

enob · 06-03-03, 12:12 PM

I just use the activesync backup and it always worked fine for me.

AxiMonkey · 06-03-03, 01:13 PM

Thanks to all for the responses.

06-03-03, 03:05 PM

ActiveSync backup works fine for me.

Raynne413 · 06-03-03, 03:10 PM

I also use the Active Sync backup, but wanted a backup program I could use when I was not in close proximity with my desktop computer, such as when I am traveling.

shdytxmn · 06-03-03, 07:42 PM

ActiveSync backup has gotten me through A02 and A03 and saved my bacon on a disasterous application install.

AxiMonkey · 06-03-03, 07:47 PM

definitely sounds like AS backup is the way to go then. Looks like I'll be happy with what I've got on here (for once!!) :-)

ed2day · 06-06-03, 04:03 PM

I got PocketBackup because the included backup failed me (and others) and I did not enjoy reinstalling everything again. ActiveSync backups are sloooooow. Other advantages of PocketBackup:
1) You can automate backups, i.e. at 3 am in the morning
2) You can specify exactly what to backup, and you can do partial restores such as a single file.

AxiMonkey · 06-06-03, 04:46 PM

I'll definitely take a look. Thanks!!

Grenna · 06-07-03, 01:33 PM

I want to put my vote in for Pocket Backup too. I find it to be a great program. It's much more reliable than active sync backup.

toast · 06-07-03, 01:48 PM

My wife's Axim 5 experienced complete data loss presumably due to complete battery drain. We were gone 7 days, and it was used for no more than a couple minutes, but it was also not charged. I was surprised that one could lose EVERYTHING, and I'd like to get some SIMPLE solutions on battery back-up and more importantly data back-up. I've read on other threads that the back-up battery is the CR-2032. Is replacing that battery easy (I'm totally new to the Axim so adjust for ignorance)? Secondly, what is the SIMPLEST way to back-up addresses, calendar items, etc? In other words, on my PC, I back-up stuff on a floppy disc or CD-R. Presumably there's a similarly easy method of doing this on the Axim without installing new software, etc? Thanks for any help. Please e-mail me: toast@austin.rr.com

Raynne413 · 06-07-03, 02:45 PM

The Backup battery is extremely easy to replace, and you can find the battery in most stores.
You can use the Data Backup on the Axim to backup and you will not have to install any new programs. The problem, though, is that this program is iffy. Sometimes it will restore, and sometimes it will not. If you use it, make sure you perform a soft-reset before you run the backup. This will prevent some software conflicts.