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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
MULTIMEDIA
LEISURE
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
GENERAL POCKET PC RESOURCES
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
Infrared: Infrared refers to a particular frequency of light that can be used to transmit signals between two devices. Because infrared light is weak, the two devices must be in close proximity (theoretically under 2 m but in the real world, closer to 1 foot) with a direct line of sight between their infrared (IrDA) ports. As well, data transfer rates are slow and limited to a maximum of about 115Kbps. Some examples of the uses of IR include beaming contact information between an Axim and another device (e.g., another PDA or cell phone), remote printing from the Axim to an IR-enabled printer, use of a wireless keyboard, running ActiveSync between the Axim and a laptop computer, and remote control of audio/video equipment (requires additional software and possibly hardware). See Controlling audio/video equipment in the Using Your Axim as a Remote Control section for more details.
Wifi: Wifi or “wireless fidelity” is a technology used to wirelessly connect networked devices together. Using the same radio frequencies as cordless phones (2.4 Ghz), wifi allows for communication between networked devices located within a distance of up to 100m. Transmission speeds for wifi can theoretically reach up to 11Mbps for the 802.11b standard or 54Mpbs for the 802.11g standard. Some Axims come with built-in wifi capability so accessing a wireless network is a matter of enabling the wireless feature on your device In devices without built-in wifi, either a CompactFlash or Secure Digital wireless card is required, depending on the particular model. As of writing, all Axims with built-in wifi operate on the 802.11b standard. However, 802.11b speeds are never reached because of hardware limitations .
Wi-fi cards connect to either a wireless router or access point, or to a wireless service either through a wireless LAN network or hotspot. Since wifi allows you to connect devices on the same network together, it can be used for a multitude of purposes. For example, you can use your Axim access the Internet wirelessly, to stream music and videos from your desktop, print remotely from a networked printer, or sync remotely from a networked PC. For excellent explanations of how to use wifi with your Ax, see Ikehiker's Setting Up a Home WiFi Network and Ikehiker's Wireless Frequently Asked Questions. Once you have set up your Axim for a wireless network, consider using a utility such as IP Dashboard or vxUtil to help monitor network connections.
 
Figure 28: Socket WL6004-322 CF wifi card, Socket WL6200-480 SD wifi card
Wifi Hotspots: Hotspots are areas in which access to a public wireless broadband network is made available. Some are free while others require a fee. Hotspots are usually located in heavily-populated areas such as airports, train stations, hotels, and post-secondary educational institutions. A growing number can be found in restaurants and cafes. See Wi-Fi Hotspots Locator, below for links to wi-fi hotspots:
WiFi Hotspots Locator
WiFi Resources
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Bluetooth: Bluetooth is similar to Wifi in that it uses the same radio frequencies, except within a much more limited communication range (10-100m) and speed (800Kbps). Bluetooth essentially serves as a cable replacement, connecting up to eight individual devices together, whereas wifi is capable of joining an entire network. Some Axim models feature built-in BT, but others will require will require a CF or SD Bluetooth adapter to connect with another Bluetooth-enabled device. Once connected, you will be able to perform tasks such as transferring data with your mobile phone, using your mobile phone to access the Internet on your Axim, and sending print jobs to your Bluetooth-enabled printer. For lots of information about using BT and your Axim, consult Ted's Bluetooth Guide for Pocket PC Devices. For a tutorial specific to syncing with BT under WM5, see Syncing via Bluetooth with Windows Mobile 5.0. Geekzone also has many helpful BT resources.
 
Figure 29: Billionton SEM-BTCF BT CF card, Toshiba PA3370U-1BTM Bluetooth SD card
INTRODUCTION | PERSONAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (PIM) AND EMAIL | OFFICE SOLUTIONS | INTERNET AND ONLINE COMMUNICATION | MULTIMEDIA | LEISURE | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION | GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) | GENERAL POCKET PC RESOURCES | ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS |
