Between you guys and some other local friends, I've been heavily tempted to buy a PDA. I've researched and chosen one I like (the Palm Zire 71), but I'm still trying to resolve some questions.
(1) Will I really use it as much as my paper planner? I use the Franklin Covey system now and really find it helpful. Can I chuck the paper, or will I still end up carrying my planner around?
(2) I don't dress up for work most days, so I won't have a jacket pocket to carry a PDA in. They look a little bulky for pants pockets. How does this work for you or your DH?
(3) My planner is large enough that I don't "forget" it when I leave home or office. A PDA...well, I could see myself overlooking it on the desk and leaving without it. Also, it's small enough for someone else to pocket and carry off easily when I'm not looking. Anybody had problems like this?
I too was a Franklin Covey user, and I still am. I have the computer software that will synchronize with my PalmPilot. I can still have the feel of paper on my computer screen, or have the Palm. And I have also begun reading books on my Palm.
My DH is the most forgetful person in the world. But he has made a habit of putting his Palm into a case with a belt clip and carrying it with him that way. He looks like a techie cop....Palm Pilot, cell phone, pager (or two), keys on retractable chain. He is also clumsy and has managed to break the clips repeatedly. So he and I both manage to slip the PalmPilots into the front pocket of our pants fairly comfortably, and my priest used to carry his that was as well. So it is doable. (My DH and I are overweight and my priest is stick thin.) It will remind you to pull it out of your pocket when you sit down if it isn't in just the right position!
Go for it. Once you get the hang of using it and keeping track of it, you'll be glad you bought the thing!
As soon as you get all your contacts into the PDA, you can at least chuck the address book. That alone was half my planner! They make wonderful binders and holders for PDAs now, so that it stays right with your planner. There's even a couple of products out there that will beam your writing on a pad of paper into your Palm. I use Franklin Covey products as well. They have a marvelous Add-in product that works with Microsoft Outlook. You might live in an area that is supported by one of the News providers too. Then you can chuck the local paper and get all your headlines/stock prices/sports scores downloaded into your PDA. What I have found that works best for me is a PDA cover that also holds
3 1/2" x 5" index cards. There are lined ones in both directions. I write on those if I need to get something down in a hurry, or write something to give someone else. Although I am doing better about taking the time to get it into the PDA right then. I have a zippered case which keeps the purse grunge out of it and I really like, but the only caveat is that you can't see the light. When I set an alarm, the PDA comes on, beeps, and the battery light flashes, then it goes into standby to conserve battery power. I miss looking in there (purse) and seeing the light flash.
They make covers that hook onto belt clips if that helps. Palm, especially has nice accessories. You can get zippered covers, or tabbed covers or flip up covers. The Zire looks thin enough, you might get away with a shirt pocket as well.
Well, it's like grabbing the cell phone for me. I do a doublecheck on everything as part of the routine of going out the door. You could set an alarm in the PDA to beep at you when it's time to go? I really haven't heard of anyone who has had one stolen. Now that you mention it, that's interesting.
You're very welcome! Let us know how you come along with it. Elena in Tx
That's neat, Kim! I clicked on "See more products from Sumdex" and there's
52 PDA cases by them! I saw one I liked (the BRIGHT yellow), but of course that one was discontinued or not in stock. lol It's okay, I have a great one right now. It's RED! I got it from Wilson Leather*. If any of you are looking for some elegant leather pad holders and such, most of them end up in their Clearance box. Good deals!
Elena in Tx
Warning, the smell of leather is very strong in that store and might be too much for some.
I have a Dell Axim PDA which uses Pocket PC. I love it! There are m>Between you guys and some other local friends, I've been heavily tempted
Absolutely. No more paper planners for me.=20
I pop mine in my purse but guys can get a handy clip so you can hang it from your trousers or jeans, like a cell phone.
Yes this is a problem. I've known of colleagues who've left their PDA in the taxi. However they've left their cell phones in taxi's as well, it's a matter of learning to hang on to it or keeping it something larger that you carry with you.
I just received my new Zire 71 case -- a Covertec model. NAYY. It's really nice -- I got it in red, though it's available in black and brown, too. It came with a belt clip I can add on (even included a little screwdriver to screw in the attachment), though I don't plan to use that part.
Here's the site where I puchased my case. I have a Tungsten C. The case was far less than I paid for my other PDA cases (Coach, Dooney & Bourke) and is beautifully made. All the necessary ports are still accessible with the case on the PDA and I can sync and recharge my PDA with the case on as well. NAYY
Sandy and others: I do not have a PDA, but have peeked at this thread because (HEY!) I might be missing something and we can't have that can we??! ;) Now I have two questions about PDA and quilters.
First, I wonder if it would be worth the investment for someone with a 'light schedule.' Our kidlets are grown and gone. I am not currently working outside the house. I have occasional appointments for Doctor, for MIL Doctor, Guild, a Date with a Friend, etc. I go to Gym or Jazzercise often. So maybe I don't have enough reason to buy PDA. What features, other than a calendar, would be useful?
Second, I have to chuckle to my self about y'all having this discussion on buying new PDA cases. As quilters you could MAKE a case to your specifications!!
If you have time to answer, thanks. PAT > I just received my new Zire 71 case -- a Covertec model. NAYY. It's
Well, in my case, I scan fabric into my PDA photo database and then I can pull it up when needed to match other fabrics to it. I used to carry swatches with me but I ended up losing them. I use the photo database a lot! Then there are my book lists (which ones I have vs. which ones I need), my magazine list that shows what mags I subscribe to so I don't buy them, the address and phone book is my life saver, the calendar is another gem. I sync up to my office and home computers so I have everything the same in all places. Plus, mine connects to the web as well, so you can check weather, movietimes, air line schedules, etc.
As far as making a case, it would be more of a "slipcover" case with my PDA. Too many ports to leave open and there is a plastic insert over the keyboard which I like. Not worth the hassle to make one. I did make my own check book cover though, so I think I am redeemed there! PDAs are not for everyone. Nothing wrong with a paper calendar and a pencil if that is what works for you. Between my job, my hobbies and my web consulting business, the PDA is my tool of choice. Not to mention the games my DH and I play while waiting for the movie to start!
That really depends on you. If your schedule is very manageable, and your "to do" list is short or non-existent, those features won't be a big help.
However, you can get programs for almost anything, and many of them exchange data nicely with your PC. For example, I'd buy one again just for Pocket Quicken -- I can enter all my checks, ATM, credit card transactions there while I'm out and about, and the PDA syncs them up with Quicken when I get home. No more remembering to enter it later (when I have a stack of stuff to enter), and no more nagging DH to remember to bring home receipts!
I guess you'd need to ask yourself when it would be handy to have a computer that's always with you. When you're at the doctor, would it be nice to have your entire medical history? When you're at the fabric store, would it be nice to have an inventory of all your books or threads, or notes on your latest quilting project? Would it be nice to have your entire address book always up to date and in sync with your desktop computer, along with plenty of room for notes about those people? (For example, I have the entire RCTQ directory in there, along with likes and dislikes, instantly ready for squishie sending) How about shopping lists? Lists of books you want to check out at the library "some day"? Ideas for people's birthdays?
They are called ebooks. I have several as well including "Alice in Wonderland"! There are several readers available that you use with the ebooks. Some scroll the lines for you, others allow you to control the scrolling. Nice to have handy when you can't take along a paperback. Ebooks are available for a PC as well. Do a google for ebooks. Many of them are free!
Enough reason? Sufficient reason is "I want it." I'm being sorely tempted myself. Unfortunately (fortunately?) there's no shopping near me and I'm still paranoid about internet buying. The only (other) reason I can come up with is that I write telephone numbers and addresses on scraps of paper--and lose them because I couldn't find my address book. I've tried using the computer but have trouble finding what I created. A PDA, kept always in my purse, might be the answer. If there is an answer.
You can save that stuff. Your PDA comes with desktop software which you synch with your PDA. Then you can print calendars from there and keep a paper copy if you wish to for your files.
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