First steps with UX50

[Scott]

I will be getting a UX50 on Friday. I am new to Palm OS (I come from a Newton background). I am curious what some of my first steps should be?

Or, where can I go for a backgroud primer/tutorial on Sony Clies in general or UX50 specifically? Any tips from the experts for making this a smooth transition is appreciated.

Also, if anyone has any experience migrating data from Newton to Palm that would also be welcomed. I have found some pointers on the web, but personalized experiences with the transition would be appreciated as well.

Thanks,
Scott

[Durham]

My first step a month and a half a go was to check out the FAQ under the UX forum -- it'll answer every general question you have that the manual doesn't cover. I just printed the whole thing -- it's really good.

Sorry, I can't help with Newton; the UX was my first PDA.

Have fun!

[Doctor_Roe]

Congrats. And .... You're doing the right thing. The FIRST is to read, read, and then read more! Focus on 2 areas.. Software and then gear.

1. Get used to the Palm OS before you add all the software that many of my fellow forum folks will no doubt tell you of.

2. Get a good case and screen protector.

3. Register with Cliesource so that your questions and comments are taken very seriously. Unregistered users, as they become more comfortable with their respective PDA's will be looked at with question as to why they are not registering.

Best of luck to you! Hope to see more of your comments as you begin to settle with your PDA!

[blackdoc]

http://www.artificiallives.com/tech/ux50/index.php?action=qa&faq=1

[JustaNoob]

Originally posted by Scott
I am new to Palm OS (I come from a Newton background).

Heh. What, have you been frozen in ice since 1994? :)

I used to have a Newton, and I can say that I think that you'll find that the UX is a significant leap forward. You'll be amazed at the integration of wireless features and the media capabilities.

Probably the best thing you can do to prepare to use your UX to full advantage is read the FAQ, and then decide what it is that you're going to be doing with it most. If you're thinking of using it primarily for business, you'll probably need an email application that is more robust than the included one, and you'll probably need a word-processor/excel editor, since the UX doesn't come with one. You can peruse the forums for recomendations, but my setup is Agendus Pro and QuickOffice. Cost me about $60 total for both, I think, but worth it for what I can do now on the road.

EDIT: I use Documents to Go, not quickoffice. I don't know what I was thinking.

Second if you're going to be using it for business you might consider getting a Bluetooth phone and service appropriate for your needs. Or look into getting a WiFi service provider like T-Mobile for your internet needs outside the home or office.

Finally, whether you're using it for business or pleasure, you should probably think about getting a memory stick, probably of at least 256 megs. That'll give you enough room to store a movie or a few TV shows, dozens of documents and ebooks, or a few hours of MP3s. It will also let you create hour-long movies with your UX -- good for conferences or lectures, and you can just do voice memos if you prefer.

Those are just a few suggestions to start with, but I agree with what everyone else has said -- play with it for awhile, figure out what you really want to do with it and then come back and ask some questions (after searching the FAQ or threads) because everyone here is more than willing to help.

...if you register, that is. :)

[Durham]

Hey -- here's a great site for an introduction.

http://www.palmtipsheet.com/issues.html

One of the most recent newletters is on your first two weeks with a Palm. Lots of the olders ones have great info, too.

[Doctor_Roe]

More thoughts....

I just upgraded from, well, too many PDA's to mention, to the UX. Right away I felt that this was a tool instead of a tech toy. Don't get me wrong, I AM a tech junkie! THe profile alone and the solid feel made me think of quality. The fact that it has so much *stuff* with it gave me a sense that I carry with me suc power to get anything done. I have a still and movie camera, email generator, schedule, address book, notepaper, movie viewer (Seinfeld on my MS) newspaper (isilo) not to mention the ability to logon via blluetooth or wifi to anywhere!

Right now I am going downtown to a meeting in a wifi enabled center. I have just loaded up todays news via Isilo as well as this mornings rerun of techtv on my memory stick. A few MP3's go on as well and I'm set. I'll check the stocks in the middle of the meeting as well as get my email and the latest box scores. All that from a *tool* in my coat! Tonight, going to the theater so I loaded up the Yahoo map directions in isilo for my wife to navigate by.

One hint that I will pass on to overcome the negatives that you will hear about the screen size. Change the font for calendar, address, todo and memo to the one on the far right. Makes it bold and a little larger yet because its a narrow font, it allows for the same real estate space.

Enjoy what is definitely cutting edge!

Will I upgrade when the next UX - type comes along? yep. I find that ebay will gladly give me close to what I paid for the UX and so for a few dollars, roll into the next tool-toy.

enjoy, but, please do register!

Doc

[R40]

I like the screen size on my UX50. It turns heads on the train like you wouldnt believe. And with a 1GB Stick (Soon to be a 2GB) you can put pretty much almost anything you want.

[m_mcgover]

Thanks for the feedback and pointers so far. And, now I am registered, so any of you holding back don't have an excuse! ;)

Oh, and Justanoob...no, not frozen in ice since 1994 (2100 was released in 1996) -- but, the HWR on the Newtown still has not really been matched to this point. I am hoping that the UX50 keyboard helps me deal with that...

[Doctor_Roe]

I could not agree more. THe Newton was my favorite. I wish that the form factor was here today with a current PDA OS. Welcome!

More info. I just purchased the extended battery for the UX. Adds a little to the size. I also setup my laptop for BT sync. Much better on battery life. I ordered the Bellagio pouch case as per many recommendations here. Finally, I bought a 512 mspro to round out the config.

[R40]

The extended battery is a great buy, I purchased one as well. Now I can Wi-Fi and watch movies on my UX50 more often between charges.

[JustaNoob]

... I think the one that I had was the Newton 110, which I remember buying for something like $200 from a surplus computer store in 1994, I think. Ah, those were the days, but I don't miss the mono screen, large heavy form factor, or so-called handwriting recognition. :)