Synchronisation

Both PDAs and Smartphones are designed to communicate with your computer to pick up relevant new information like diary arrangements, contacts and data files. In the same way information stored on the device can be transferred to the computer so that they complement each other. The computer is therefore a useful back up of valuable information on the portable device in case of loss or battery failure.

PDAs synchronise with a computer using special software called ActiveSynch for Pocket PCs and HotSynch for Palm devices. Phones have similar synchronisation software e.g Nokia PC Suite is the software for Nokia smartphones. Sometimes synchronisation does not work as well as you'd expect.

5 Tips for the beginner

1. Always load the synchronisation software onto the computer before attaching the docking cradle and device to the computer.
2. A folder will be created on your Desktop. This is the folder where you can 'drop' your files in readiness for the next synchronisation.
3. If more than one device is to be synchronised to a desktop computer you may wish to connect as a 'guest'. A guest device only has a temporary connection with a desktop computer. This can be useful if you only wish to load software, upload/download documents but not synchronise with calendar and messages in Outlook fully. Once the guest device is disconnected from the desktop computer, settings for the guest device, such as back up and conversion settings, are deleted.
4. You might experience some interference with Virus Protection software, Firewalls and Proxy settings. If you are using Windows XP and have installed Service Pack 2, you should upgrade ActiveSync to version 3.7.1 or later. If you still think your protection software is preventing synchronisation go to their relevant websites nd consult the FAQ section.
5. If the devices don't connect properly, then try re-booting the PDA, re-starting the phone and then try re-booting the PC.

Transferring data

Transferring data can be time-consuming especially if there is one or two docking cradles. If this activity is carried out in class then many valuable minutes will be taken up however a tutor might not have access to the computer with docking cradle and synchronisation software in order to prepare the devices beforehand.

Pocket PC FAQ offer serious troubleshooting advice on firewall protection and synchronisation issues

Unresolved Items can appear for a number of reasons. Try the following:

1. Unresolved Items can appear when changes have been made to the PDA and the PC without a synchronisation taking place in between, and this can be resolved by removing and replacing the PDA from the cradle and re-attempting the synchronisation.
2. Another cause can be when memory is low, in which case close or delete some applications on the device.

 

 

Quicklinks

Technical Tips

• Synchronisation

• Internet Connection

• Bluetooth

• Keyboards

• Projection

• PDAs

• Smartphones

• Digital audio players

• Software

• Podcasts

Other sections

In Practice

Examples and ideas showing practical ways to use the different devices in the classroom and out and about

Choose the Right Device

What to look for when buying the devices, reviews and suggestions

FAQs for Organisations

Issues and questions that organisations experience

Making it Accessible

Ways to use the technology accessibly

The Future

The changing world of handheld devices

Glossary

An a-z glossary of mobile technology terms