Basic PDA Hardware

Basic hardware features of Palm OS PDAs

Protective Cover

• Some models come with a plastic cover that protects the display screen
• The cover may be easy to lose!

Stylus

• A stylus (pointer) is provided for writing on the Graffiti area
• When not in use, it fits into a slot on the side of the PDA
• The tip of the stylus may unscrew to expose a sharp point for activating the reset button
• On some models, the other end of the stylus may unscrew to provide a tiny screwdriver
• The stylus is easy to lose.  Consider buying spares

Power Button

• Turns the power on and off
• When turned on, the computer displays the last application used
• If not in use, the computer automatically turns off after a preset time

Scroll Buttons

• Two buttons in the center below the Graffiti area
• Scroll the screen display up or down – one page at a time
• Some applications also display a scroll bar

Application Buttons

• Four buttons on either side of the Scroll Buttons
• These activate the Calendar, Address List, To Do, and Memo applications
• They can be re-programmed to activate other desired applications, such as your drug database

Expansion Slot

• Usually located on the top of the device (occasionally on the side)
• Accepts memory expansion cards (Secure Digital (SD), MMC, or Sony Memory Stick)

Reset Button

• Located in a tiny hole on the back or bottom of most models
• Used to reset the computer if it does not operate properly
• To avoid loss of data, read the user's manual before using this feature

Communications Interface

• A connector on the bottom edge of the computer
• Used to connect to a serial or USB synchronization cable or cradle

Infrared Port

• A red area, usually on the top of the device
• Allows the user to communicate with other PDAs

Basic Applications

• Basic Palm OS applications
  Applications pre-installed on Palm OS PDAs

Palm Desktop Software

• Software to install on your desktop or laptop computer
• Used to synchronize and backup information

Manual

• A detailed printed manual is usually available on the installation CD-ROM, or through the Help feature of the Palm desktop