Back to Basics

[jbarr]

I just posted an article on my JimsTips.com site at...

http://jimstips.com/palmos_pda_tips/pdas_back_to_the_basics

...that details how I am getting back to basics by moving "down" to a Palm Z22.

Being a long-time PalmOS PDA user, at first glance, I thought that the Z22 would be a real step backwards, but after loading it with only my "essentials", and after putting it through its paces, I think this is an excellent PDA that should not be overlooked, even by power users.

-Jim

[Joel]

Great article Jim! I almost got a Z22 during my vacation and I now regret I didn't after reading your article. However, I'm getting another TH55/E because for me at this point, the "basics" is owning the best PDA there is/was: the TH55/E.

I'll put your article in the front page :)

[Joel]

From Jim's Tips: "A recent article on Palm247.com discussed moving to the Palm Z22 as a method of simplifying things got me thinking about just how I use my PDA. I have been reading David Allan's book "Getting Things Done" (GTD), and it has prompted some serious pondering about the fact that so many things in my life are simply way too complicated. I'm trying to make "simplicity" my new mantra, and one area of complexity that I have noticed is my use of my Palm PDA." [details (http://www.1src.com/?m=show&id=1517)]

[ebernie]

Hmm... there's no reason why *any* PDA can't be treated like a 'simple' PDA. Palms are simple (and it works!) out of the box.

The only thing that is 'complex' is the person using the PDA :). I've got tons of stuff loaded on my T5 but to do real GTD stuff, I relay solely on Agendus (the PIM should work fine too). So isnn't my T5 'simple' as well?

[ucfgrad93]

Great article! Since I got my first PDA, a Palm Vx in 2001, its main use has always been PIM. Like the author, I used to use Datebk 5, but since Palm introduced its enhanced PIMs with the T|3, I have stopped using it and just using the included applications.

I don't and never have used all of the bells and whistles of my PDA. The most technical I got was I had a wireless GPS for my T|3, however, it was buggy if you didn't shut it down just right and it would lock up my device whenever I went to use it again.

The only thing I would disagree about would be the choice of device. Personally, I would have chosen a T|E2. Small form factor, better screen, more memory, and a SD slot.

[hgoldner]

There is a Yahoo group specifically dedicated to the use of Palm PDA's in the context of David Allen's "Getting Things Done" methodology. The list is very active, and many of the discussions are intriguing.

I heartily recommend it.

You can find it at: http://groups.yahoo.com

The group name is "GtD_Palm"

As for me, my T|3 is as 'simple' as I choose to get --- since use of the T|3 usually obviates the need to complicate my life with a laptop, too.

Harold

[smoothjordan]

I completely agree with the article, the point of a PDA is to make life simple, not induce it with needless features. I never surf the internet on my pda. Why? Because I'm always near a computer when I do surf. I don't play games on it (I have a PSP and soon to be getting a DS Lite), I don't listen to music on it (I have a stereo system in the car and a mp3 player if I would like to listen to music) I just use documents to go (Not really necessary, I just dont' feel like writing sometimes) and the basic pim. Camera? No way! I'll use my cell phone's camera before I use the TH's. It's a good pda, but I would much rather go back to my SJ-20, the greatest handheld I have owned (next to the T|E) :) Good article!

[jbarr]

Thank you all for the feedback!

While I do agree with several of you questioning my choice of the Z22 (ie: chosing a different, more powerful devince might be better) don't forget that my goal was to simplify. For me, the Z22 forces me to do it. Right now, I really need the Z22's imposed limitations to help discipline me into adopting more simple habits.

In time, I will likely migrate to something more powerful and feature-rich, and when I do, I'll write about it. But for now, I'm going to run with the Z22 and see if it will serve my needs.

[shieldvideo]

Thank you all for the feedback!

While I do agree with several of you questioning my choice of the Z22 (ie: chosing a different, more powerful devince might be better) don't forget that my goal was to simplify. For me, the Z22 forces me to do it. Right now, I really need the Z22's imposed limitations to help discipline me into adopting more simple habits.

In time, I will likely migrate to something more powerful and feature-rich, and when I do, I'll write about it. But for now, I'm going to run with the Z22 and see if it will serve my needs.
I can't agree less. That is, sure I use the basic apps' database, but what some ppl call 'simple' I call stupified.
Datebk5 is a much better way to integrate my pim, calendar, todos, and memos. Plus, I like a more slick look and feel.

But between those "life" items, I like being able to do a few more things. I DO listen to music... And play it back through the sound system at my church [praise music during setup times]; I play sudoku and solfree; I read my bible and ebooks, I'm always playing with new apps and I d/l wirelessly rather then go in the other room just to sync; I play videos too; The other day, my sister in law took some photos of us with her canon digital. it just happens to take CF cards, so I inserted her CF into my NX60 and transferred the photos to one of my 256 MB MSs; I use a timesheet app to track my hours. [GTD!] Happydays tracks birthdays; An enhanced calc [easy calc] serves my advanced math needs; I test remotes with IRmonitor; I use BIGCLOCK for games with the kids. MyCar tracks my car maintenance; I use vindigo to keep the latest movies and weather handy; I use tonegen and soundtester to test sound systems; I type meeting notes with TeXT and messageease; record voise memos; plus I track my diabetes, diet, blood pressure, weight, and much more with UTS. Not to mention that I almost NEVER have to look at the plain PALMOS screens. To me GTD is all about how much I really DO get done with this little device. That's why I'm getting a backup.

You want SIMPLE? BASIC? EASY TO LEARN? Try paper, for me it's all about performance. I "GET MORE DONE" and save the evidence with my 'li'l helper.' It practically never leaves my side, and when it does, I go looking for it.

CLIE' If you love something NEVER LET IT OUT OF YOUR SIGHT!!! LOL

[dewaine]

I was a palm power user, went to Pocket PC, quit it about a year ago. I got tired of having a brick hanging off my belt. Even had a Sprint ppc6600, with all the high end features. Internet everywhere, bluetooth headphones, all the crap. Just too much to keep up with. Sold it all.... converted to Mac.....

But have missed ebooks more than anything else. Picked up a Z22 today, worked with my Mac's right out of the box, and have already been reading on it. Fits in my pocket, cheap, matches my iMac and iPod (shallow I know, but it's nice that it does) and does all I need it to do. After one day I am very satisfied with my purchase. The one and only thing I wish it had is a SD card slot. Other than that it is perfect.

[antoinepierre]

if you like GTD, have a look at cyberpoche or cyberpocket.

[LupeValenz]

I too have gone back to the basics....sort of. I use my UX as MOSTLY an organizer because the battery can't handle much as it does. Wifi sucks up battery, lookin at pics eats it up *seeing two images eats up 60% battery* and videos I don't want to bother lol. So yeah I use it mostly for my organizer/journal. Music still works good so I am happy with that hehe.