Pda
School is getting frustrating, I hate writing things in planners because I never look at them, I think a Pocket PC or a Palm would be nice as they're a bit more digital.
Now then, I have a MBP and I'm not sure which PDA's are compatible with what...I'd like one with a built in keyboard...any suggestions?
Now then, I have a MBP and I'm not sure which PDA's are compatible with what...I'd like one with a built in keyboard...any suggestions?
Comments
Take your MBP to class (or everywhere) and use stickies/iCal/TextEdit/what not and you'll be fine.
I got a PDA once... after like two weeks I never looked at it either.
Take your MBP to class (or everywhere) and use stickies/iCal/TextEdit/what not and you'll be fine.
Agreed ... I have a Palm Tungsten E2 set up with the iSync conduit and bluetooth and everything. I never look at it. I think because when I jot assignments down, I just do it on something closest to me. I used to be disciplined enough to actually use the thing, but it really just sits on my desk collecting dust. You're better off using the MBP as your PDA.
School is getting frustrating, I hate writing things in planners because I never look at them, I think a Pocket PC or a Palm would be nice as they're a bit more digital.
Now then, I have a MBP and I'm not sure which PDA's are compatible with what...I'd like one with a built in keyboard...any suggestions?
Keyboard, hmm? Well, those are hard to come by.
Do you have a cell phone? If so, look at upgrading to a Palm Treo. You'll have a cell phone and PDA with keyboard in a single device that you keep with you everywhere.
For syncing, you'll want to invest in some extra software. The Missing Sync will cover all your data syncing needs, as Palm has stopped developing sync software for MacOS. And, whether you get a PalmOS or Windows Mobile version of the Treo, they offer a version of Missing Sync that will work.
For what its worth, note-taking is a skill that you can develop with practice. I would encourage you to try some different techniques such as concept-mapping for taking notes during a lecture.
If all you are going to use it for is keeping track of assignments, paper is a lot cheaper.
Im considering getting the new blackberry pearl.....
I got a PDA once... after like two weeks I never looked at it either.
Take your MBP to class (or everywhere) and use stickies/iCal/TextEdit/what not and you'll be fine.
I've got to second this. I bought a T|X last year hoping it would help me stay organised, turns out it did the exact opposite. It took me too long to type out assignments, and even if I could get them down fast, I never looked at the thing. Now it is just collecting dust.
This year I am using my school-supplied agenda, and it is working out fine. It's a lot bigger, so it grabs my attention when I go through my knapsack.
Noah
I used to carry around a PDA a few years back (I'm a very busy college student). At first I used it frequently (I guess because of the hype), but after a month or so, it just became a chore to take it out and jot down stuff here and there. I eventually realized that most of the memos and calendar inputs just became extensive and gimmicky and that all this could be done MUCH faster and conveniently on paper. After a few years, it turns out I was correct.
I know we can get swayed by that cool, micro tech factor and what not, but it's ultimately a big responsibility and obligation to keep something like a pda around when you have other more efficient methods out there. Just cuz technology is creating advancements for already existing tools and methods, it doesn't always mean that it's that much more helpful to our humanity. In some ways or another, it actually ends up hindering us.
Anyways, that's my two cents. Good luck either way.
I have a Sony Clie that is fantastic and I cannot imagine teaching without it. It is great for writing short entries, planning, recording meetings, recording student interviews (I am in language teaching so this is a big one), taking snapshots of the class, playing the occasional game, scheduling my life. Using TheMissinghSync I can connect everything to my Mac and Zap! I'm ready to go. The Clie had a nice thumb pad which worked great after very little practice. My Clie has a case where I can keep extra MemorySticks for the recordings, grade keeping and so on in addition to a concise encyclopedia and a full dictionary.
If you really need the pwoer and convenience, a PDA can be great. However, first make sure you can have the PDA in class. My school (in Japan) forbids studnets t have anything other than electronic dictionaries, so the PDA option is out. Second, think about the pluses and minuses: cost, usage and notetaking ability, true need (will paper do the trick?).
It might be more worth your while to have a different means of organizing your life and take notes in a way that you can easily transfer them to your mac later. Reviewing and typing in your notes in the evening would be a great way of reviewing the material you learned that day (the first review should come the same day).
Try to learn how to mind-map and then use something like ConceptDraw Mindmap on your MBP. It really is a superior way of taking notes (less time, greater retention, freer student with no nagging parents). CD MP also has linking abilities between mind-maps, which is very useful.
http://www.conceptdraw.com/en/
School is getting frustrating, I hate writing things in planners because I never look at them, I think a Pocket PC or a Palm would be nice as they're a bit more digital.
Orionetheus,
I absolutely love my Treo 650 by Palm, best and most versatile phone I've ever owned. I've loaded tons of programs on it and it's extremely Mac compatible. I also have a 4gb card in it where I store my music and use it as an MP3 player via "pTunes". Only 2gb is accessable, yet can be hacked and brought to the full 4gb. I can also shoot video and pics of course, along with uploading and watching vids too. It's easy to sync and backup via "Missing Sync". This not a "dust collector" at all. The more I add to it the more valuable it becomes. Very easy to use, a bit on the bulky side, but more than worth it. It's also Bluetooth compatible and can connect to the web (extra cost of course) along with getting your email.
Other useful programs are FileZ, SplashID, AudioGateway and Documents To Go. Tons of others available along with ringtones, games, etc.
Also, lot's of support over at Mytreo.net and TreoCentral.com.
Btw, I'm not a Dr. or Realtor, just a regular schmoe that wanted a phone that's fully Mac compatible, will do what I want it to do and be dependable. I also got in on a great Verizon offer that helped out quite a bit, otherwise it's a bit pricy.
On the other hand have you considered a digital recorder to help take your notes. I used one all through school. When listening to my lectures later it helped a great deal by drilling the key points into my thick skull. This along with paper and pencil got me incredible grades. And here's a tip: when you take notes now and then jot down the number, next to a particular note, that the indexer is at, so that when listening later you can get right to those key points. I promise that this will help a great deal too.
Tony