Data Transfer, How is it done?

[nickmon]

I am just about to get the Axim, my first PDA. Here is a really basic question: How do I get files onto the Axim from my PC. Is this done via the ActiveSync? I mean in particular Word, Photos and MP3. I don't have to use Bluetooth do I?

Also the issue of expansion cards confuses me. Are these involved in transerfing data? Is data transferred from the AXIM to the Cards after being downloaded from the PC via ActiveSync?


I would be grateful for any answers.

[WindWalker]

Originally posted by nickmon
I am just about to get the Axim, my first PDA. Here is a really basic question: How do I get files onto the Axim from my PC. Is this done via the ActiveSync? I mean in particular Word, Photos and MP3. I don't have to use Bluetooth do I?

Also the issue of expansion cards confuses me. Are these involved in transerfing data? Is data transferred from the AXIM to the Cards after being downloaded from the PC via ActiveSync?


I would be grateful for any answers.

There are a couple of ways you can do it.

Once you have installed ActiveSunc and set up your device, you can click on the Explore button on the Activesync window, and this will open up an Explorer-type view of the device. You can double click on any of the folders and drag files in this way. You can also allow Activesync to set up a files folder on your desktop that will sync files back and forth between the Axim and your computer. All you need do is copy or drag files to the folder, and off they go.

Now as far as expansion cards, there is no native way to transfer data to the expansion cards through Activesync other than the previously described methods. There are a number of software solutions, such as Resco Explorer 2003, which adds an option to your PC popup menu called "Send to My Device." Then you choose the destination, whether it is main memory or a card, and send it along. There is also MightySync, which extends the files folder idea to any folder on your PC. You choose the folder(s) to sync, and they sync to the device.

Hope this helps. Feel free to post again or PM if you need clarification!

[JakeRich]

The easiest way to move files from the PC to the Ax is to treat the folders on the Ax just like the folders on the PC and do the copy/paste or drag and drop trick. To do that, you connect the Ax by the cable or cradle, then on the PC open activesync and then Explore. Now you can go back to the PC desktop and File Explorer there will see a "Mobile Device" and you can open it and navigate to any folder on the Ax, even in the SD and CF cards. Now you can cut/paste/move/delete/drag'n'drop anything you want and Activesync will convert when necessary.

Or, if you want changes on one to be reflected in changes on the other, you can use activesync to sync files. They sync just like contacts/calendar/tasks, etc. Any change to either will trigger a sync to the other when the ax syncs. I don't like this way because I had a file in the sync folder on the desktop and deleted it and when the ax connected it deleted from the Ax as well and I lost both copies. Bummer.

[nickmon]

Thanks for your replies, i suppose it will become clearer when I get the Axim.

As regards Bluetooth, just to get it straight in my head; it can be added as a CF Card, but this is not the same as adding memory. I amjust confused by what the Dell Helpline told me. They said I could add the Cf memory for getting Bluetooth Compatibilty; but if all that is is memory, then it is not Bluetooth. Have a look at the 'configure and buy' option for the Axim on the British Dell site (www.dell.co.uk). The CF memory that can be added there is just that, memory and not Bluetooth capability, or am I missing something here?

Nick