As a novice to the world of handheld computers, I have had to bumble along and figure out what my new Palm m100 does and how to get it to talk to my Power Mac G3. Actually, learning how to use the Palm itself was surprisingly easy. See my recent review on "Palm m100: A Disorganized Techno-Idiot's View" for more details about my enjoyable experience with this PDA:

http://dr-steph.epinions.com/cmd-review-568C-423BDA4-39D1805D-prod1

Even though I could use the Palm m100 on its own without any additional support (other than the moral support of my neglected spouse), I wanted to be able to hook it up to my Macintosh computer so I could take advantage of convenient data entering on my keyboard. I've gotten pretty good at the Graffiti writing required by the Palm but it's not the fastest way to record something. One of the main reasons I've switched to writing EVERYTHING on the computer in the past few years is that it is much faster. Why go back to writing by hand if I don't have to?

Another major reason for getting my Palm and Mac talking to one another is so I can back up data recorded directly on the Palm. When the batteries come out or stop working, I have a maximum of one minute (probably less) to get batteries back in the Palm before I lose my data. Having a recent backup of my data makes the threat of this loss less traumatic.

Everything I had read about the Palm m100 suggested that it was "Macintosh ready" (whatever than means). I guess it means that there isn't a conflict between the Palm OS and the Mac OS. It certainly doesn't mean that you can directly hook your Palm up to you Macintosh with the cables that come with the Palm. Here I had my brand new Palm in hand and I was ready to start typing in those pesky addresses. No problem. However, when it came time to transfer these addresses to my Palm, I was out of luck. Lo and behold, the HotSync cable that comes with the Palm does not fit the USB port on my G3.

I rechecked the web store (Outpost.com) where I bought my Palm and, at the bottom of the page, was the sentence "A USB-equipped Macintosh requires the PalmConnect® USB Kit." Opps. Missed this the first time around. I was a bit annoyed that I would have to shell out another $40 (well, $39.95) but I didn't see what other option I had and I didn't know enough about computers to know if other adapters would work. I ordered it.

What Comes With the PalmConnect® USB Kit?

~ USB to serial port adapter: The much awaited adapter is a short cable with a USB plug on one end and a serial port adapter on the other. The entire length of the cable is about 8 inches. I figure that's $5 an inch.

~ USB software for Macintosh and PC computers: The PalmConnect® USB Kit comes with a CD for loading software on to your computer. It includes the Hotsync® Manager that enables the transfer of data between the Palm and the desktop computer. More about this below….

~ Palm Desktop Organizer Software (for the Macintosh): This software includes the applications for organizing addresses, appointments, etc. Be sure to read the "Read Me" file; it could save you some trouble (see below)…

~ Getting Started Guide: This multilingual guide gives some minimal, basic instructions on how to use the PalmConnect® USB Kit.


Now It's Time to Panic….

I started getting nervous and worried after only a few minutes of reading the box that the kit came in and the Getting Started Guide. According to everything I read, this kit was designed to be used with the Palm III, Palm V, and Palm VII. Nothing about the Palm m100. I'd heard rumors that the Palm m100 was incompatible with other Palms in certain ways, like in the use of the HotSync® cradle, for one. But this is the kit that I was told to buy! I hate it when I don't know enough about a product to understand these compatibility issues completely.

The next thing that made me nervous was the description on the back of the box which said "Simply connect the USB adapter to your computer and your HotSync® Cradle…." But I don’t have a HotSync® cradle; I have a HotSync® cable! OK, calm down. There's no reason why it shouldn't work…is there? After a little more scanning I saw a note in the Getting Started Guide that mentioned the HotSync® cable in parentheses as an alternative to the HotSync® cradle, kind of like a poor relation that is mentioned grudgingly as an afterthought. Alright, so at least this part will work, I hope.


What About That Software?

Now I was more confused than panicked. My Palm m100 came with Palm Desktop Organizer Software, too. I had already loaded this and used my software to enter addresses and appointments. Should I install this PalmConnect® USB Kit software, too? In a word…NO!

I put the CD in my drive and opened the "Read Me" file. Although it didn't give an exact version number for the software, it talked about the earlier version of Palm Desktop 2.1. I assumed this must then be version 2.2? I don't know. I did notice that the date on the "Read Me" document was September, 1999. It also mentioned the other three Palm devices listed earlier in this review but did not mention the Palm m100.

I then removed this CD and put in the one that accompanied my Palm m100. This "Read Me" file clearly indicated that the software was version 2.6.1. The file was updated in August, 2000. Now that's more like it. I put the CD aside that came with the PalmConnect® USB Kit and did not install it.

Did The PalmConnect® USB Kit Work?

The true test for me came when I tried to HotSync the data from my Mac to my Palm m100. I plugged in the adapter to my computer (after freeing a USB port by unplugging my scanner - yet another story). I then connected my HotSync cable to the adapter and my Palm, crossed my fingers, and pushed the HotSync button. I was asked to identify myself (the user) the first time but then I just had to wait a few moments (less than a minute) and I got a notice on my Palm screen that the HotSync process was completed.

Sure enough, I went to the address book in my Palm m100 and there they all were in glowing monochromatic glory (the display is much more pleasing on the desktop but what do you expect from a bare bones Palm?). It worked - perfectly. In fact, it's worked every time I've tried it (20+).

Would I Recommend the PalmConnect® USB Kit?

If you have a newer Macintosh with USB ports, I think this is a good option for you. There might be other ones, but I don't know what they are right now. I was intrigued with the review by another writer on this product who suggested that you purchase the USB cradle instead of this kit. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that cradle will work with the Palm m100 - at least not yet. The Palm m100 HotSync® cradle has a serial connector, just like the HotSync® cable, so you'll still need this adapter (or some other) to connect to a USB port. If you have anything to add on this issue, please make a comment so other Mac and Palm m100 readers can be fully informed on this issue.

In summary, I think you should bite the bullet and buy this kit. Just forgo 16 lattes and you should be even financially. And if you are a Palm m100 owner, use the CD that comes with this kit as a coaster…

Thanks for reading! Comments are appreciated. Just try to be gentle…computer technology is not my forte.





Recommended: Yes