Palm Computing for Dummies [Paperback]

Bill Dyszel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764505815 | ISBN-13: 978-0764505812 | Publication Date: August 25, 1999 | Edition: 1

Discovering the power of Palm computing is one of the most liberating experiences in the world of computers.  You may not believe that you can become so wrapped up in a little block of plastic, but once you figure out how to use this tiny hand held device, your life will never be the same. Whether you’re interested in using it to create, save, and read important documents or just to organize your contact list in a compact, digital form, you’ll appreciate the handy and portable way that Palm computing allows you to access all types of information.

If you want to start using a Palm device, but don’t have the time or knowledge to do so, Palm Computing For Dummies is for you. This easy-to-understand guide can help you if

• You plan on buying a Palm organizer and want to know what it can and can’t do
• You already own a Palm organizer and want to get the most out of it
• You want to give the right Palm organizer  as a  gift

You’ll find out how to operate a variety of Palm models – from the Palm III and Palm IIIx to the Palm V and Palm VII – alone or  with a desktop or laptop computer. Palm Computing For Dummies also covers the following topics and more:

• How to “write” information into your Palm using the stylus
• Setting your personal preferences
• Mastering the built-in organizer functions
• Time saving shortcuts and options
• Using essential Palm functions ,such as writing memos to yourself , filling in your contact list ,and setting your schedule
• Determining the easiest way to move data back and forth from your organizer to your desktop or laptop
• Discovering the wide worlds of Beaming, HotSyncing, and Palm Mailing

The book’s bonus CD-ROM – which is sure to boost the power of your Palm – is stacked with useful software ,ranging from financial tools to fun and games. The simplicity and flexibility of Palm computing has enabled millions of people to gather and disseminate information on the go. If you want to find out how to choose the right Palm, pick applications to run on it, and purchase the correct accessories, Palm Computing For Dummies is the right book for you.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Palm series of personal digital assistants from 3Com has achieved remarkable popularity. Whether you're interested in using the extensive collection of Palm software that's available on the Internet or just want to organize your contact list in a compact, digital way, you'll appreciate the introduction Palm Computing for Dummies provides. This book brings the complete novice up to speed on the PalmOS, the standard applications, some popular add-in programs, and Palm-based communications technologies. Mostly, it focuses on standard PalmOS features that apply to all models, but the author does pay special attention to the Palm VII's wireless connectivity and the telephony interface that the PalmModem provides.

Bill Dyszel knows his readers have questions, and he does a good job of answering many of them as explicitly as possible, often with sequential steps. He also includes plenty of screen shots and diagrams that show the stylus strokes you'll need to use in various situations. There's a CD-ROM full of Palm software too. While Palm Computing for Dummies provides good introductory coverage of the Palm computers, you may want to check out PalmPilot: The Ultimate Guide for another take on the subject as well as a larger Palm software archive on CD-ROM. --David Wall

From the Back Cover

Free Palm Computing software on CD-ROM

Covers the Palm III, Palm IIIx, Palm V and Palm VII

Your handy guide to the world of Palm Computing Take your Palm to the max! In this savvy guide, Palm expert Bill Dyszel hands you friendly advice on everything from choosing the right model to selecting the best custom software. It's the one guide you need to get more from your Palm Connected Organizer! all this on the bonus CD-ROM A trial version of TimeReporter, AreaCoder, and Satellite Forms 3.0 Shareware versions of AportisDoc Mobile Edition 2.1 and Actioneer for the Palm Computing Platform 2.0 For details and system requirements, see the CD-ROM appendix

Discover how to: Master the built-in organizer functions Exchange data with your PC or Mac E-mail and surf the Web — wirelessly Enhance your Palm with specialized software Upgrade your current Palm

Get smart! www.dummies.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 382 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (August 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764505815
• ISBN-13: 978-0764505812
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,274,675 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bill Dyszel, the author of 18 books including Microsoft Outlook for Dummies and PalmPilot for Dummies, is also a regular contributor to national publications such as PC Magazine.

Bill is also an accomplished entertainer. He sang with the New York City Opera for 14 years and appeared frequently on the New York stage as well many television programs. He has over 40 short films to his credit and he is the most prolific contributor to the 48-Hour Film Project, an international filmmaking competition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not much bang for the buck, December 16, 1999

By 

James Lor "James Lor" (Montreal, CANADA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Palm Computing for Dummies (Paperback)

There isn't much you can learn from the book that you can't figure out after playing with the user-friendly Palm for a morning. If you've never used a computer before, you might find this useful, otherwise, leave this one on the shelf.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lifesaver, August 16, 2000

By 

Florence Isaacs (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Palm Computing for Dummies (Paperback)

I'm not a computer geek and I don't want to be one. This book tells me exactly what I need to know to do what I need to do. If you want a practical guide to the Palm Pilot, this is the book for you.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great For Beginners, August 30, 2001

By 

M. Moffatt (Auckland, New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Palm Computing for Dummies (Paperback)

I recently bought my own Palm and while the included manual seemed to cover all the bases I thought I'd have a look at a few other books. I found that this book had many hints and tips that weren't included in the official manual (ie how to make the Graffiti system recognise my handwritting a bit better!)
Also covered nicely are some of the thousands of third-party hardware and software products available, with the included CD-ROM having demo and trial versions.
If you've been using your Palm device quite happily for a couple of months then you may not find much that's new in this book, but if you're a new-comer to the Palm world then give this book a look.