- Alarms: You must turn the audible alarms on, because if it doesn't annoy you, you will not remember to check it.
- Make a Habit: It does no good if it beeps when you are 40 miles away. To make a habit of taking it with you, mentally link it to something you always take with you - like your keys. Try saying, "keys/wallet/PDA" as you are getting ready to go. (I know it sounds like Dora the Explorer, but it WILL help you remember.) Then you will have your PDA with you when you need to add something or when you are about to forget something important.
- Dual Reminders: You must learn that writing an appointment on your wall calendar (the visual reminder), although good, does not add it to your PDA (audible reminder).
- Be Selective: Try to reserve it for reminders that are important, like appointments, and paying your power bill. Otherwise it will drive you nuts and you may end up not using it at all. (We have also found that prolonged exposure to overused alarms upsets friends, family and pets.)
Q: What can I use my PDA for?
A: A couple of useful suggestions:
- Checkbook: (See links on our PDA Tips page) You can enter your receipts anywhere. Put a line, check mark, or fold on the receipt to show that it's been entered.
- Use a Keyboard: Consider purchasing a keyboard - they are great if you have a lot to enter (note-taking) or have difficulty entering info with a stylus. (You can also input data with your PC and then syncronize with your PDA.)
- Directions: Keep directions WITH the addresses in your address book. Or, keep some downloaded maps permanently (find Mapololis links on our PDA Tips page) if you think you might need the map again. Or buy a Mapololis NavCard or TripCard (available for some Palm OS devices).
Q: How can I make the battery last longer?
A: The Lithium-ion battery shoud be charged often. There is no need to run it out and then recharge, as with older battery types.
Avoid extreme cold or heat - it can decrease the battery capacity.
Q. "OK. I forked over the money for this "PDA" thing and then I poked it, and I still don't remember any of my appointments. Now what?"
A. That is a very good question. This calls for a bullet list!!
