Ontario

I have the Axim Advanced and have so far used it for addresses and as a travel alarm.
Hoping to replace my laptop when travelling by doing Pocket Word reports using a folding keyboard for input and collecting "hotmail" via a plug in modem.
Question #1: I have backed up the PPC data on a SD card. How can I access the card to erase the data and how do I access individual files from the SD card?
Question #2: What is the best way to access the internet in order to collect my email (using AOL)? Do CF modems work well with the Axim? How would wireless work for my needs - I'll be travelling all over Canada and the USA and need to send and receive reports via email from hotel rooms. I use a cell phone but don't really need to use it with the Axim unless absolutely necessary.
Question #3: When on the road, how can I print reports and messages received on or entered into the Axim?
Question #4: Other than on this forum, where can I find information on using the Axim for the above stated applications?
Answers to ay or all of the above willbe greatly appreciated!
Thanks for helping.

Ontario

Can anyone help with the above??

smeg36

I can answer some of your questions.

1. To access the SD card, you just open File Explorer, and find your SD card. This will give you access to delete or move files around. Or you can use the explore funtion of Activesync, and a window will appear on your computer allowing you to find your SD card, and change it as needed. Most of the programs on the Axim can open files from the SD card through the application just as you would from the prgram memory.

2. It seems that a modem would be the best possibility for you. I have used the Targus modem, and it works pretty good. I would suggest wifi, but you will be moving around a lot, and may not always have access to it, but a phone line is much eaisier to find.

3. I am not really sure on this one. I know there are portable printers that work with pocket pc's, but I don't know much about them.

4. This is really the best place to find answers for any Axim based question.

cmcFilms

3. From what I understand, printing is a bit shoddy from the axim (or any handheld for that matter). I understand that printing is possible with some 3rd part printers (I don't have links, sorry), but that getting things nicely formatted can be a bear. If you do find a good solution, please be sure to post it here for future users.

hesse

I don't think PPC is ready to replace notebooks yet. There are just too many limitations still. I would still carry both. Then leave your notebook in your hotel room and carry Axim while you are out on the field.

ikehiker

#1. To expand on what smeg36 said, you should have created a My Documents folder on the sd card before you started using it. The software on the Axim will have an easier time finding any relevant documents when they are in such a folder. If you’ve saved files to the card already, the Axim likely created an ‘ignore_my_docs’ file. After adding a My Documents folder, delete this file.

#2. Depending on where you most frequently travel, you may want to get both a CF modem card as smeg36 suggested and a CF WiFi. Wireless networks are becoming ubiquitous in airports, some hotels, and coffee shops. You’ll need one or more account to access many of these systems, but if you are traveling on business, it may be worthwhile.

#3. I have used the free drivers Hewlett Packard has which will work with HP, some Canon and some Epson printers to print emails and it works fine (no formatting problems). I'm less sure about using it for programs like pocket word or excel since these printing from these programs require another program which I'm too cheap to buy since I rarely have need for printing from the Axim. Either go to HP’s site or search this site for the links to their drivers. I think most people use these drivers for connecting to networked printers so the big question is how do you currently print using your laptop? I mean, do you carry a small printer with you or do you find one at your destination? If the former, you’ll probably want to get a printer with an IR port since, as far as I know, there are no printer cables available for the Axim. If the latter, you’ll probably need to work out a networking solution to tie your Axim into the system with the printer.

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-Ike-

binauralhydra

Despite being a newbie first time PDA user I have found the Ax easy to use with a Targus modem. Have even used it in the UK using freeisp.co.uk internet access. As stated above though it hasn't removed the laptop (as I hoped it would). If I have to print, move any large files or present then I take the laptop and use the USB link in most hotel rooms for email. If I'm just taking notes, and checking email then the Ax is all that goes. One day I'm going to use IA presenter or the like to show a ppt but don't trust myself to have the presentation correct before I leave!! What is the best ppt player/editor for the Ax?

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AXIM X50v 624 PXA270 WM2003SE
AXIM X5 400 PXA250 WM2003
Pan 256 SD SanD 128SD Crucial 128 CF
Proporta Al case

Ontario

Thank you all for your help!
I'll take your suggestions and mess around with this thing in hopes of making it do what I want it to do.
Biggest concern is getting and sending email and entering reports that I can later upload to the desktop and save or print.
What can I expect from a Pocket Word report after downloading from the PPC? Will I have to reformat?
I'm desperately trying to avoid travelling with the laptop due to bulk, weight, airport security inconveniences etc., but don't want to arrive home with hours of "homework" because of not doing the reports while away.
Sounds like it might be wishful thinking.

hesse

If your report has a lot of formatting do it... i.e. a lot of tables and stuff... Expect to spend some time reformatting them once downloaded onto your host PC. ActiveSync does a horrible job when coverting MS Word or Excel files between PPC and host PC. You can also try third party solution.