Back To School Accessories

We’re half way through August and that means that we need to start thing about going back to school.   I’ve never enjoyed going back to school growing up as a kid.   Nevertheless, before you head back to class, use this list to make sure that your handheld or smartphone is ready to go  along with you.    

Get a Case

Protect your investment in hardware by getting a case that provides protection from drops.   I like to use hardcases with my Palm handhelds and Treo smartphones.   In the past, I have been using the Palm-branded hardcases; however I’ve recently switched to RhinoSkin cases.   I decided to make the switch when I saw how easily Palm’s Tungsten T5 case fell apart after the second drop from the table to the floor.   Regardless of which manufacture’s case you get, protection from falls will prolong the life of your device.

Expansion Cards

Next, if you are serious about using your Palm for more than an electronic address book, day planner and task organizer, you’ll want to get either a Secure Digital (SD) or Multimedia Card (MMC) expansion card.   For all intents and purposes, both card types look identical (MMC cards are a hair thinner) and work the same (SD cards are a hair faster).   The point is that if you want to store photos, music, Microsoft Office documents, videos, PDF files and more, then you will need to get a card.

Card prices are dropping fast on word that even larger and faster cards are coming.   The largest officially supported card sizes can be found in the Palm Knowledge Library article 34080: Maximum SD expansion card sizes .   Unofficially, the Palm LiveDrive and TX handhelds can use newer 4GB cards.   If you chose to get one of these new high capacity cards, I’d suggest that you hang on to the receipt in case you have trouble using the card.

And while you are at the store, make sure you pick up a USB card reader.   The basic ones run about $20 and allow you to use your new SD or MMC expansion card like a disk drive on your Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux workstations making it easy to copy large files to the card without having to use the relatively slow HotSync process.

Extended Warranty

Another item that I would add to the shopping list is an extended warranty.   Depending on which model of handheld or smartphone, the manufacture’s warranty can be anywhere from 90 to 365 days.   These “out of the box” warranties don’t typically cover damage to the screen if dropped or crushed.   While you are at the store, you might want to ask about their extended warranty and how it will help protect your hardware investment after the Palm warranty expires.

Expanding Input Options

Other popular accessories include extra stylus and an external wireless keyboard.   One of the easiest things to lose, after the manual, is the little pen called a stylus.   There are lots of third-party replacement stylus makers in addition to Palm’s own brand.   When shopping for a set of spare styli, you’ll want to get a replacement pack that also has a built-in ballpoint pen.   They are great for those early morning classes when you can’t seem to find your full sized pen.   Just pull out your Palm and use the stylus.   Just don’t lose the Palm!

If you are going to be a serious note taker, you might also want to invest the $80 - $120 on a wireless keyboard.   I use my Treo to take notes in meetings and the full-size wireless keyboard really makes it all possible.   Combine that with the bundled version of DataViz Documents To Go 8 and you may be able to leave your laptop home and travel light between classes.   The less expensive Infra Red keyboards work well; however, you can also use the more expensive Bluetooth keyboards.   ThinkOutside makes the Palm keyboards and there are a wide variety of supported devices including handhelds and smartphones that run the Palm OS and Windows Mobile operating systems.

Third-party Software

There are too many great applications to list that can be used to keep you organized on your quest for higher knowledge.   Some of my favorites are listed below.

Anyone heading to class this fall needs to download a copy of Due Yesterday.   Due Yesterday and the Due Yesterday desktop application (Mac OS X and Windows) allows you to track information about your assignments, grades, your classes and more.   Best of all, both applications are free!   Both Due Yesterday applications where written by Tom Bulatewicz of No Sleep Software .   While you are at the No Sleep website, you should also download the popular FileZ Palm OS file manager, which is also free.

If you enjoy reading, you’ll want to download a free ebook reader like eReader or Plucker , also free.   If you need to find classic literature texts, then turn to the Project Gutenberg site and download the materials you need.   Project Gutenberg has over 18,000 free ebooks so there should be something for everyone.

The Palm software library is massive and by using sites like PalmGear.com , Handango.com and FreewarePalm.com you are bound to find a software title (freeware, shareware, or commercial) that meets your needs and budget.

Conclusion

Using your Palm handheld or Treo smartphone can really give you an edge when you head back to school.   Hopefully, these suggested accessories and software titles will help improve your experience while using your handheld computer at school.

What other software or accessories do you think belongs on this list?   Let us know in our forums.