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View Full Version : Palm vs PocketPC (Compete, not compare)


rosdimahdi
04-12-2003, 02:10 AM
Hi all,
I was actually from a PocketPC camp, but I have just bought an NX70V. I found that in terms of entertainment and utilities, this is an indeed a wonderful machine and OS. But, when it comes to work, it's kind of hard for me to grab it. Anyway, I just started using the Clie for about 2 weeks, so, I really need to learn more.
You see, in PocketPC, I just used the PocketExcel and PocketWord to view and edit native Office files, Adobe Acrobat Reader for the PDF Files and MS Reader for ebooks. But in in PalmOS, I'm spoilt for choice, such as DocstoGo, QuickOffice, etc. The problem here is that they don't all read native files. You need to convert to their readable formats, and each format is proprietary, i.e, if you convert to DTG, you can't open with QO, and vice versa. The features of both programs, however, complement each other. And if I use both programs at the same time, I need to sync two separate files on my desktop. So, this is what makes me feel difficult to adapt with the PalmOS.
Same goes with PDF and ebook files. You need to convert depending on which program you use and each format seems to be proprietary.
So, I know that it would be too much to ask for a standard PalmOS file format that can be shared among the programs, but can you all please advise me on how to tackle this problem?

Or is the best way is really to ask Palm to come up with a very standard format for each application in the next PalmOS6.0? That is, there is a standard file format for the spreadsheet, doc, presentation, ebook, pdf, html, etc. and developers will have to use these formats to develop their applications. This way, we don't need to convert anything and complementary programs can be used simultaneously. It will also save space on your Memory Stick as well.

rosdimahdi
04-12-2003, 04:29 AM
Boy, this is getting even worst. I had previously installed PalmReader basic on my Clie. Then I installed the Hacker Crackdown free e-book for the reader, and moved them all to MS using PowerRun.
Then, today I installed the PalmReader Pro. But, ironically, the Palmreader Pro said that my handheld does not have any e-books installed. Did I do anything wrong here? How come the Palmreader Pro cannot find a file that Palmreader can?
This is getting more confusing.

mrbjg4
04-12-2003, 05:27 AM
I am not sure about the e-book problem, but the issue seems to be the abundance of software choices for the palm platform. This is the reason I upgraded my old palm to NX instead of MS platform. Regarding editing documents, and syncing with MS desktop, docs2go is probably the best. It is proprietary format to interface though. I have used quickoffice and didn't care for it. For PDF, try repligo, it is amazing and much better than adobe viewer. For images, try acidimage or splashphoto. There is so much software out there, and much of it is free. Have fun.

mrbjg

n2ifp
04-12-2003, 05:48 AM
I think your problem lies with your use of PowerRun. Moving the app is okay to the MS, but using PowerRun to move books, is a no-no.

You may not need PowerRun, not everything needs PowerRun to run of the memory stick.

Unregistered
04-12-2003, 06:42 AM
"Moving the app is okay to the MS, but using PowerRun to move books, is a no-no."

Why so?

rosdimahdi
04-12-2003, 08:25 AM
n2ifp,
I forgot how I did it, but I guess I installed the e-book right after I installed the Palmreader. Then, when I moved the Palmreader using the PowerRun, I guess the e-book was also moved together.
And then, I saw that there are several files on the e-book in the Palmreader, namely, TheHackerCrackdown.prc, TheHackerCrackdownEx.prc and TheHackerCrackdownKx.prc. My questions:
1. Now, what are those Ex and Kx files for?
2. If I were to move the e-book to a new e-book folder on the MS, so that it can be shared with PalmReader Pro, do I need all the 3 files?
3. Does it really matter what name my folder is on the MS if I were to put e-books inside it?

Appreciate any advice. Thanks.