Finally Broke Down, got the Treo 650

[Gregstarr1]

Well, thanks to the board, I finally broke down and got the 650 from Cingular. Its been a week now and I must say, I am impressed with the unit. Apart from 2 dropped calls it has performed flawlessly. I am amazed at the amout of problems others have reported. Now I do have several frustrations and maybe I can ask the board for some help. Here goes:

I upgraded from a former palm device so synching my info was relatively painless, however, there were some programs that migrated over, that I believe I do not necessarily need which caused my 650 to have less than 2 megs of free space!!! I quickly went out and bought a 512m SD card.

#1 Is there a list of required programs that I can view so that I can audit from and remove unneeded programs or parts thereof?

#2 Is there a memory management system or program that would assist in taking advantage of the SD Card?

#3 I am an MSN member and I cannot believe for one second that yesterday, I would have spent 4 hours on the phone just to get someone who actually knows what a smartphone is let alone a palm treo 650....! In that regard, I have been unable to set up my email unless I sink via cable, I cannot get my emails from msn or hotmail...? The best is; Palm cust serv was closed and Cingular told me to contact MSN and MSN said to contact Cingular! What is a newbie to do, but turn to this board...

#4 Which device accessories should I get right away to maximize my Treo experience? headset? Case? Software?

I have been a lurker for sometime which is why I want to thank you all in advance for your help because it has been my experience that the members here are quite resourceful and giving...

Gregstarr1

[chris]

Well, thanks to the board, I finally broke down and got the 650 from Cingular.

Congratulations on your new Treo 650. I'll try and help with your questions.

#1 Is there a list of required programs that I can view so that I can audit from and remove unneeded programs or parts thereof?

I haven't tried to remove "core" files from the Treo, but I'm guessing you woudn't be able to remove say Calendar or Blazer. Do you have any files on your Treo rather than apps. I'd suggest moving photos/mp3's/documents to the Treo.

#2 Is there a memory management system or program that would assist in taking advantage of the SD Card?

You should be able to take advantage of the SD Card..as is. Now, if you run App's they won't be as "snappy" as running of the Palm. I've read numerous folks running app's from the SD card. Try moving one of your apps to an SD card and try it. It can't hurt.

cannot get my emails from msn or hotmail...?

I don't use either, but it can be done. Let me offer that up to other members of the forum to assist. I'll do some fishing and see if I can find the answer.

Which device accessories should I get right away to maximize my Treo experience? headset? Case? Software?

Definitely get yourself a Bluetooth Headset. There is nothing quite like the wireless experience. Since you're with Cingular, you will not be able to insure your Treo. That's just one more reason to get a solid case for your Treo. There are so many cases -- that's it's more of a personal decision more than anything. I personally like the Vaja cases and use the Sony Ericsson HBH-660. Here's a link to my review of the HBH-660. There have been lots of folks who recommend the Cardo Scala. Post threads in the Bluetooth and Cases forums if you'd like feedback on any products.

No need to run out and get software for your Treo 650 just yet. I'd work on weeding out your initial group of apps and seeing what your needs are..

Some good apps that I can recommend are:
Butler
VeriChat
PocketTunes
SnapperMail
Takephone

all of the SplashData apps are good as well, but you probably already have a few of those.

Good luck and feel free to stop by often. Don't forget to sign up for the EverythingTreo e-news.:D
-Chris

[Gregstarr1]

Chris:

Thanx for the help, but when I am asking about installed apps, I mean specifically a problem that I am noticing such as my previous Palm E which had DateBk 5 and DateMate.

Now these full programs are not listed in the menu, however, when I look up info parts of the file is there... Now my question is: Do I really need this partial program or can I get rid of it? Or Is there someplace that i can go to to obtain a listing of software that came with it and then determine what might be duplicate or unneeded files. Maybe PalmOne can answer this?

I did some copying from phone to the SD Card and got it down to 5.5 free space, but I do not think it is supposed to have such little room left.

I transferred Avantgo to the SD card but now it is not working :eek: Anyone have experience with this program as I have already had to forego Vindigo which did not seem to work on the card or resident on the phone?

Could there be such limitations?

Thanx :confused:

[Antoine of MMM]

Please bear with this explaination as I am trying not to be too technical, but will have to in part:

PalmOS programs are one part program (prc or palm resource file) and one part database (pdb or palm database). Both of these pieces work in concert to give you what you see/interact/save on your PalmOS PDA.

Some programs are able to work with the database portion (pdb) on your SD card. For example, Bible+ reads bibles located in the /Palm/Launcher and /Palm/Programs/Bible+ directories. Some programs are even able to do both the program and database pieces on the card. But there is usually a stub left in internal memory so that it loads a touch faster.

Contrary to your PC/Mac setup, whether a program likes being run from a card or not is dependant on the program and not the operating system (PalmOS). PalmOS was originally not designed to be used the way the Treo nicely does things. Its abilities are basically a collection of hacks/extensions that have been grafted on. Managing files happens to be a big one of those areas that hasnt been skillfully addressed.

Hope that you are still with me

A way to get around this limitation is to use a type of program called a "launcher." Launchers are basically the look and feel of the interface side of the palmOS, with some neat features. Launchers not only make your device pretty to look at, but can provide teh functionality with files and memory cards that you are wishing to do. A popular launcher that would do exactly what you are looking to do is called ZLauncher (there are others, but less complex such as Facer, Silver Screen, LauncherX, Initatite, and WinLauncher).

ZLauncher, for example, can move a program to you memory card, but leave a shortcut of it in the internal memory so that it works. Some programs work better than others in this way, but its possible. Again however, its best to consult the developer of the program that you are looking to move to the card and ask them how they would recommend you put the program on your card. Sometimes, this information is contained in the readme.txt contained in the zip file that you get when you download it. Other times there are manuals or forums to help you out.

[I'll stop for now, as it was kind of a lot there for ya, hope it helps some ]