I keep my second brain in my pocket (usually)
Thursday, October 26th, 2006(cross-posted from PalmAddict.typepad.com/palmaddicts)
On any given day you will be hard pressed to find me without my trusty Palm T|X, neatly enshrined in its silver hard shell case. The standard stylus has been replaced with a multi-function stylus (the kind with a pen in the tip) Behind the T|X I’ve taped a small, modified clear plastic badge holder where I keep a stash of my business cards. I’ve modified the case further with a bit of double- sided tape and some black padding to reduce the amount of movement when the case is closed. But that’s just the shell, the real goodness is stored within the mighty Palm T|X itself. With it’s built-in wifi and bluetooth, I rarely find myself without a network connection of some sort. First thing in the morning, I use Versamail to check my imap mail, then fire up Blazer and head over to www.wunderground.com to get the latest weather reports for where I happen to be. Next up is a quick scan with the new Google Maps for Palm to get an idea of local traffic conditions. I use Missing Sync on my Macbook to synchronize my calendar, contacts, todos, etc before I head out for the day.
Here’s a bit of a twist for you: I’ve abandoned the palm memo database in favor of text files. I find that the built in OSX applications (iCal, Addressbook) work great for me with the exception of not being able to handle memos. Instead of trying to maintain my memos within the ancient palm desktop, I keep a directory structure of text files ordered by client or project and use Missing Sync to keep the data on my mac in sync with my T|X. Before the Missing Sync came along I was using Card Export II to mount the SD card and then using rsync to synchronize the directories. It was a three stage process, but it got the job done. (Wait, three? Let’s count: 1) Hotsync to get calender and addressbook changes 2) Connect the palm via Card Express 3) open a shell and run a script to rysnc the directories) With Missing Sync, it all happens with a single action!
By utilizing plain text files (and txtMemo on the Palm) I am able to easily create, edit, or search all of my notes regardless where they might be; on the palm or on the mac (or from an off-site encrypted backup residing on a unix box somewhere!) Since the files are plain text, I get the added benefit of being able to use Mac OS X’ Spotlight utility to search my notes on the macbook! My notes contain everything from shopping lists, client information, copies of shell scripts, and any other little piece of information I think I might need during the week.
My T|X sees a great deal of use for reading as well. For ebooks, I have recently switched from TIBR to MobiPocket Reader. I’ve found that the more robust and feature-full MobiPocket provides a much nicer reading experience. For bible reading, I use PalmBible+, a great opensource bible reader.
TCPMP provides all of my multimedia needs, from mp3 player to watching converted videos. The quality is great and you can’t beat the price! (free)
Overall, my T|X serves as a data repository and the central hub for my digital lifestyle. It functions well in meetings where I don’t want to bring a laptop (lunch meetings and the like) and the superior battery life means that its always there when I need it.