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Mr_Morgan
03-20-2005, 10:28 PM
Hi -

I was considering buying a Palm until, after reading their message boards, I ran away screaming.

So now, I am considering a PocketPC. I know absolutely nothing about them - including how one "writes" information. Is there a Graffitti type program that works on these?

Also - Are they Mac compatible?

Finally - I am a teacher. I would be using this to make lesson plans and such. What type of software is available for PocketPCs? I'm guessing it's completely different from the Palm line of sotware.

Thank you -

surur
03-21-2005, 12:28 AM
Generally everything a Palm can do a pocketpc can do, and usually a lot more. (thats not market speak. Its just a more capable platform).

If you know graffiti already you can use that on your pocketpc. It however also comes bundled with transcriber, which recognises text written in mixed cursive and block etc written right on the screen. if that is a problem you can also use the on-screen keyboard.

Regarding mac compatibility. It can be made to work, but its not the easiest thing in the world. Its not really meant to be used with that OS.

Lastly, most software available on the palm are now available on the pocketpc, and is usually of higher quality. Here's some links from Handango, a pda software store. There may also be freeware available, but that will need some googling.

http://www.handango.com/PlatformSearch.jsp?optionId=1_2_2&jid=647217677F7X2E755963EX67DBBC124E&platformId=2&siteId=1&txtSearch=teacher

http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?productType=2&optionId=1_2_2&jid=647217677F7X2E755963EX67DBBC124E&platformId=2&siteId=1&productId=34456&sectionId=0&catalog=30&txtSearch=lesson+plans&pc=list%5B4%5D_title

http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?productType=2&optionId=1_2_2&jid=647217677F7X2E755963EX67DBBC124E&platformId=2&siteId=1&productId=34440&sectionId=0&catalog=30&txtSearch=lesson+plans&pc=list%5B3%5D_title

http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?productType=2&optionId=1_2_2&jid=647217677F7X2E755963EX67DBBC124E&platformId=2&siteId=1&productId=24467&sectionId=0&catalog=30&txtSearch=lesson+plans&pc=list%5B2%5D_title

Best of luck. Ask some more questions if you need further guidance.

Surur

ADBrown
03-21-2005, 12:32 AM
Hi -

I was considering buying a Palm until, after reading their message boards, I ran away screaming.

It sounds like you've been to PalmInfoCenter.

So now, I am considering a PocketPC. I know absolutely nothing about them - including how one "writes" information. Is there a Graffitti type program that works on these?

There are several options. One is a Grafitti type program that performs in much the same way. Second is Transcriber, a built-in handwriting recognition app. This means that you can use your natural handwriting and it will recognize it and turn it into text. Third is an on-screen keyboard where you can tap the letter you want.

Also - Are they Mac compatible?

Not out of the box. You need to pick up sync software for the Mac such as PocketMac.

Finally - I am a teacher. I would be using this to make lesson plans and such. What type of software is available for PocketPCs? I'm guessing it's completely different from the Palm line of sotware.

Yes and no. Different programs, but the same functions are generally available. There's dictionaries, spreadsheets, planning and graphing software, logbooks, all sorts of things. You might look at PocketGear.com and FreewarePPC.com to get a feel for the software that's available.

JD Silver
03-21-2005, 02:36 AM
Welcome to the Pocket PC world. Here is a link to an article about using Pocket PCs in teaching...

http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/jan05/PPCForTeachers.aspx

I've been using a PPC in the classroom for several years. I use Pocket Informant to schedule my classes, and include a note for each class containing reminders. Marks are handled using Excel spreadsheets, for the PPC I recommend Planmaker rather than Pocket Excel. Pocket Excel is very limnited. I've also created Access databases for grades, attendance etc., then use SprintDB on the PPC to update all data in the classroom. Depending on the device, you may also be able to connect it to a data projector for presentations. I think the the Del x50v might have that capability.

Have Fun!