What can I do with my Dell Axim

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What Can I Do With My Axim?
(Second Edition, last revised, March, 2006)
By: Gigi Hsueh (Gigi), Moderator

INTRODUCTION

PERSONAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (PIM) AND EMAIL

OFFICE SOLUTIONS

INTERNET AND ONLINE COMMUNICATION

Pocket Internet Explorer (PIE)
Links to Mobile-Optimized Sites
Enhancing Pocket Internet Explorer
Alternative Browsers
Other Browsing Solutions
Offline Browsing
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) Readers
Podcasting
Instant Messaging and Other Communication Options
Going Online With Your Axim

MULTIMEDIA

LEISURE

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)

GENERAL POCKET PC RESOURCES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

Straight out of the box, your Axim is equipped to be your personal information manager, your portable office, as well as your entertainment center. With additional third party software and hardware, these functions can easily be expanded, and new functions added. This article provides a brief look at the potential uses of the Axim. Although I have written it specifically with Axims in mind since I know them best, much of the information is applicable to any Pocket PC running the Windows Mobile Operating System. This tutorial is really a work in progress as with each day comes the introduction of new applications and hardware. However, I hope that by reading this article you will be informed and inspired to do more with your Axim (or other Pocket PC)....And if you should happen to have any corrections or additions, please contact me so that I can make the necessary changes. Thanks and enjoy!

Note on software links: The software I have included in the links are either those that have been discussed on Aximsite and other user forums, or those that have been recommended by reputable Pocket PC sources (e.g., Pocket PC Magazine). Some may not be compatible with particular operating systems (e.g., WM5) or hardware configurations (e.g., VGA devices). Before trying new software, please confirm compatibility and system requirements and be sure to make a backup! Also, don't forget to check out the Aximsite Reviews for opinions.

PERSONAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (PIM) AND EMAIL

Outlook: Pocket Outlook comes preinstalled on your Axim and can be used for calendar, tasks, notes and email functions. All items from these categories can easily be synchronized with Outlook on your PC using ActiveSync. ( ActiveSync 3.8 is the most stable version for pre-WM5 devices; WM5 devices must use ActiveSync 4.x.) For syncing contact, calendar and task information with other clients, try mNotes (for Lotus Notes only), Intellisync or XTNDConnect PC. Mac users can try Missing Sync for Pocket PC or PocketMac. Virtual PC for Mac is another option and works, as exptected, by creating a virtual PC on your Mac.

If you need to sync your Axim with a Palm device, the easiest way is to use an application which will allow the Palm device to sync with Outlook, and then to sync your Axim with Outlook. PocketMirror and Beyond Contacts will do this job but PocketMirror will not sync email. Peacemaker is another useful application that can transfer contacts, tasks and appointments between almost any PDA (Palm devices included) or desktop/notebook PC enabled with Infrared (IR).

Some additional software that may be useful include Outlook Duplicates Remover and LBE Toolbox for Microsoft Outlook; these are applications that remove duplicate Outlook entries created during the syncing process. To add holidays to your calendar, enable the option by going to Calendar Options under Tools - Options on your desktop Outlook. Calendar Updates is an application that will allow you to add holidays as well as sports team schedules to your desktop Outlook. These will be transferred to your Axim during syncing.

Email: As with all mobile versions, the email client in Pocket Outlook has limited functionality compared to the desktop version. Pocket Outlook can be configured to access multiple POP3 or IMAP4 email accounts, but ActiveSync will sync only one of these accounts. In addition, Pocket Outlook will only sync email with Outlook for PC, unless third-party applications such as SyncExpress (to sync with Outlook Express) or the other applications listed above (i.e., mNotes [Lotus Notes only)], Intellisync, XTNDConnect PC) are used. To help sort out the various types of email services available, take a look at Picking the Right Email Strategy for Your Windows Mobile Device.

For alternative email clients with more features, consider FlexMail, QMAIL (QMAIL English) or ProfiMail. For spam filtering, Pocket SpamFilter might be helpful. Regardless of email client, nPOP is a useful utility that shows only headers of email from server so that you can select what you want to download.

Another option for POP3 email access is to use an Internet-based email client such as Mail2Pda. This free service allows you to check POP3 mail directly through the Internet as opposed to going through Pocket Outlook. Gopher King, by subscription, is a similar service except it also allows access to webmail accounts (e.g., Hotmail, Yahoo) and offers a variety of other web services such as access to newsgroups, stock quotes and maps. In addition, Gopher King provides the use with 15 MB of storage space. For even more communication options, riteMail allows you to send hand-written or hand-drawn email. Both applications are available for desktop or Pocket PCs.

Webmail and other Email options: Pocket Outlook does not include access to HTTP servers so third party-applications or workarounds are required to access email from webmail accounts Perhaps the easiest way to access webmail would simply be to go into their respective mobile-optimized websites to login. However, accessing webmail through the Internet may not allow access to all mail functions (e.g., opening attachments, viewing as HTML, etc.). Some sites also require a particular browser version (e.g., Internet Explorer 6.0) so tweaks may be necessary to "trick" the site. The following describes specific solutions for accessing the more popular webmail services and includes a direct URL to access the service via a Pocket PC Internet browser:

Hotmail (URL: MSN Mobile): WM5 features the ability to configure a Hotmail account easily into the Messaging application. However, pre-WM5 systems will still require workarounds or third-party applications. If you wish to access your Hotmail account from Outlook, Outlook 2002 and above has Hotmail access built-in and can easily be configured to add your account details (POP3: pop3hot.com, SMTP: mx1.hotmail.com). Email can then be synced to your Axim. Unfortunately, Hotmail access through Outlook has been limited to those who previously had it configured as such and has been disabled with newer accounts. If that is the case, MSN® Hotmail® Plus will allow you to subscribe to this service. Alternatively, you can try Hotmail Popper on your desktop PC and then sync with your Pocket Outlook. Pocket MSN, Pocket Hotmail or HTTPMail Provider will also help you access Hotmail on your Pocket PC.
Yahoo (URL: WAP Yahoo): To access Yahoo mail through Outlook, you can either subscribe to Yahoo! Mail Plus or try YPOPs!, an application that emulates POP3 server, allowing email client such as Outlook, Netscape, Eudora, etc. to download mail from Yahoo accounts.
AOL (URL: http://aolmail.aol.com): AOL® 2.0.55 for Pocket PC 2003 (for WM2003 only) or AOL® 2.0 for Pocket PC 2002 (for PPC2002 only) provides integrated access to AOL mail, Instant Messaging and other handy features (stock quotes, news, etc.). (For more information, take a look at AOL Mobile.) (Note that the software for AIM on its own is a free download; please see Instant Messaging for more details.). Unfortunately, these applications are not free and as of writing, there is not a version compatible with WM2003SE or above. To configure AOL mail directly to Outlook, follow the instructions as outlined in Use Outlook With AOL.
Gmail (URL: http://www.gmail.com, http://gmail.google.com or http://pocket.gmailwireless.com/ http://gmail.wiggster.com/): Gmail can be accessed through the standard URL or through special pda-optimized link; if you are having problems using the Internet to check your Gmail, try undoing any Pocket Internet Explorer hacks you may have applied. To access Gmail through Pocket Outlook, make sure you have POP3 access enabled on your Gmail account, then follow the Gmail Tutorial Setup For PPC.

To access MSN, Hotmail, AOL and Yahoo mail all at once, you can also use IzyMail or Onemail, which allow syncing of all these accounts directly into your Axim.

Figure 1: FlexMail

Other PIM Options: The built-in Calendar application allows basic calendar functions with minimal customization options. Those requiring a more full-featured calendar application should consider Pocket Informant or Agenda Fusion. These two applications expand on Pocket Outlook’s Calendar capabilities and have comparable features. The decision to go with one over the other is usually subjective. Cheaper calendar alternatives include SuperCalendar and Ulti-Planner. For students, popular calendar applications include The Dog Ate It, 4.0Student and CoursePro.

Figure 2: Pocket Informant, The Dog Ate It

PIM Plugins: In addition to stand-alone calendars, there are also utilities that allow you to view and access PIM information directly from your Today Screen. Examples of popular plugins include PocketBreeze, Spb Diary, ContactBreeze, Calendar Plus, SnoopSoft Dashboard and PIToday (specifically designed for Pocket Informant but can work with other PIMs). Calendar+, tAgenda and TaskPlus are freeware alternatives. For weather information, consider Spb Weather, WeatherPanel, PocketWeather or Journal Bar.

Figure 3: PocketBreeze, Spb Weather

Other Time Management Solutions: For further help with time management, there are numerous programs that can help increase productivity:

Notes: BugMe and Resco Stickies are applications that provide written reminders on your screen, while PhatPad, PhatNotes, CreativeNotes, NotesToday (Today plugin), CalNote (with combination calculator), TOMBO, PpcPad and apMemo are alternative Notes applications. For help with structuring your ideas, try Pocket Mindmap.
Lists: For help when making lists, try ListPro, ADB Idea Library, HandyList, SuperList and TreNotes . My Shopping List and HandyShopper are helpful tools when shopping and Achieve-IT! provides some assistance with goal-setting.
Journaling: Journaling allows you to jot down notes and comments on a regular basis. If you already own Pocket Informant or Agenda Fusion, you can use the built-in journal function. For alternatives, consider Journal Pro or Memo Vault (Handango English link ).
Alarms: Stop Time, WolfClock and pTravelAlarm offer good alarm functions and Dockware allows you to use your Axim as a clock.

Figure 4: PhatPad, StopTime

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