Santa wants to bring me a Palm Pilot!

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

Dee

ScubaBoard Supporter
ScubaBoard Supporter
Scuba Instructor
Divemaster
Messages
16,979
Reaction score
10
Location
near Houston, Texas
# of dives
1000 - 2499
I've been using a Sharp Wizard organizer for about 10 years and have really come to depend on it. However, it's a bit large so it frequently gets left at home just when I need it the most!
The Palm Pilots look pretty cool and I'd like to know if any of you use them. I've also seen log book programs for the Pilots. Anyone use that?

I've looked at the different models and I THINK I want the Palm V vx. But it's hard to decide just from looking at websites. I've gone to the local electronics store but haven't had much success. Either the models on display have dead batteries or the teenage wonderbrain working in that department has no clue what these things really are...or both!

Any advice and recommendation will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Dee



 
Dee,
I keep up with PDA's too. The new kid on the block is the Compaq iPAQ. It's a sweet unit, and when you add Sierra Wireless AirCard 300 to it, you can surf the web wireless.
The Compaq is the most powerful, easily expandable PDA out there.

Mario
 
OK Mr.SQ,
I've been reading about putting deco software on the Palm.
Can you tell me what it will and won't do in that regards.

Looking to you for wisdom & knowledge O'great Oracle of the Abyss.

You just never know!
 
Dee,
What Don is referring to is some software written for the palm pilot. Yes you can either log your dives on one or even check out tide info. It's not like you won't be able to do all that and more on a more capable unit though. I haven't research the capabilities of the Compaq unit, but I'm quite sure these feautures will be available, if they aren't already....

The reason I don't use one is because most of my dive computers have excellent dive software, that includes more info than you could possibly manually enter into a PDA.

Until next time,
Mario

 
I've been researching some of the downloads available for the Pilots. I don't even know if I'd use the dive log. I've got not only a regular 3-ring binder log book, I also use IDL internet log, and have a spreadsheet formatted for dive info. Can you say redundant? LOL

I'm just trying to get a feel of how everyone uses their Palm Pilot. I'm sort of leaning toward the Palm Vx at the moment and I'm trying to justify the $400 price tag!

Thanks...I appreciate your input.

Dee
 
I use a palm pilot


I have a palm IIIxe and absolutely love it. The only real difference between the III and the V is the size. They use the exact same operating system. The Palm V also has a built in rechargeable battery, which is nice but not necessary. In my opinion, It's primary selling point is that it is slightly smaller than the Palm III. My Palm IIIxe has 8mb of memory and I have yet to use over 1mb. I am now convinced that the lesser PalmIII, which has only 2mb of memory would have been more than sufficient. At a price tag of $149, it is a considerable difference over the Palm V.

As far as dive log software, I have a shareware dive log that is nice, as a novelty, but somewhat limited. I do use it but I still keep my original 3 ring binder logbook up with all my dives. The primary complaint I have about this software is there is no function or ability to deal with pressure groups or repetative dives. At the very least, I would like to be able to enter this info in my logs. (you can enter it into the general notes, but there is no designated space for pressure groups) In defense of this software, it is still a beta version, and the author is promising many new features in the release version. (including asking for suggestions as to what features people want) I have seen dive planning software out there but most of it is more technical. (mixed gasses... decompression... navy dive tables.... etc...)

The bottom line is, I have a hard time imagining life without my Palm Pilot. It has been a great addition to my orginizational skills. I bought it pramarily as a personal phone book, and have found so many more uses, I feel more than justified in my purchase.

Just my opinion
Frank
 
Thanks everyone for you comments, opinions and ideas. They really helped. I done alot more reading on the Palm Pilots and the things that can be done with them, and I'm sure I will really enjoy one.

Now if the bug to buy more scuba gear doesn't get in the way, Santa can bring me one!
 
Well, you got a lot of responses on your question, so I'm sure one more wont muddy the water any worse. I have used many organization tools over the last 20 years. The only one that lasted more than three years, other than my Palm Pilot, was Franklin Planner. The Palm (Professional version) is on it's 5th year, I think. One of the reasons I love it, is that it fits in a pocket. If I lost it today, I'd buy another tomorrow. I'm cheap, so that says a lot.

I have played with dive planning and logging programs on the Palm but decided that it was only for fun, as I don't plan to have the unit on the boat. The programs made nice conversation pieces and good "fantasy dives" while in boring meetings.

I say get whatever level of Palm Pilot you can afford. Get some dive planning programs for fun but leave it at home when it's time to go play.

Have fun, Phil
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

Back
Top Bottom