Treo 90

[prisjohn2]

I would like to synch the Treo to my laptop using Vista OS. Is this possible? If so, what do I need to do? I realize it's only a 2002 model...

[hal]

prisjohn2, welcome to Brighthand!

Yes, the Treo 90 is an already old device, but I reckon it can count as part of one of the last generations of Palm OS devices. It sports Palm OS v.4.1H. I understand it is not part of (what we now call) the legacy Palm OS devices (with OS v.3 or lower).

Were you still in possession of the OEM software, there would be a Palm Desktop/hotsync management software installation bundled, indicated for your device (and try to make it work, cause it'd be a very old Palm Desktop version). Were that not the case, you can find suitable software at Palm's website, namely Palm Desktop v.6.2., which bundles Palm HotSync Manager and is the software combo indicated for Windows Vista with any non-legacy Palm OS device (or the Palm Centro with any recent Windows version). I kinda recall that the combination Windows Vista/Palm Desktop 6.2/Palm HotSync Manager does not allow the hotsync operation through the USB port (but I could be wrong), attempting a serial port connection is nothing but a waste of time, and an IrDA port hotsync is far from being ideal; then, I'd suggest you attempt it through Bluetooth: make sure your device has the most recent OS upgrades, so that it can handle a Palm Bluetooth SD card, you purchase the latter, and do the hotsync that way.

As a sideline, the Treo 90 is not mentioned too often in these fora. Would you mind sharing with us how does it behave, is it a reliable device, how do you like it, etc.?

Please post back any progress

[prisjohn2]

Thanks for your prompt response. I have the original software and accessories for the Treo 90. It worked fine for years since my PC had and still does have Windows XP. My company decided it for security reasons it would not support employees' personal PDAs, unless you were willing gift it over as company property. I decided to box it up and take home. I continued to use the to do list and address book.

Recently, I decided to try to see if the Treo would work with my laptop with the Windows Vista OS. Of course, it did not. I'm very interested in your recommendation about the Bluetooth. I don't currently own one, but I will consider. I will keep you posted if I decide to move further.

[hal]

Anytime, pal!

prisjohn2, I consider that however old and outdated, if your device suits your needs and interests, you should keep it working. A little USB connected Bluetooth transceptor (adapter, they call it) is actually a cheap accessory, but you may already know that. And it boosts a lot of comms options for your computer. Please, were you interested to go further, review the Palm Desktop v.6.2 features on Palm's website, and there you will know if it supports USB cable or BT hotsync. Either way, even in the case you weren't interested no more in this subject, the USB BT is still a good option.

PDAs orphaned from IT corporate support is a very common scenario. I'm curious: did your company deny to you the chance to use your device along any company-owned computer, or did it deny to you the use of your PDA whatsoever in the company's quarters or affairs? Cause if it's the former, you may use it at work as long as you don't sync to any computer there (and, if it's the latter, it's a very stupid decision, but orders are orders). From the distance, the Treo 90 seems a very capable device. No reason to ditch it, I'd say.

[prisjohn2]

I don't know anything about the Bluetooth transceptor. The fact that it is a cheap accessory means I will definitely give it a try. Since my PDA is so dated, economically it doesn't make sense to invest a lot of $$ to make it work.

My company would allow me to use the PDA, however, I was unable to sync to my computer anymore.

[Hook]

prisjohn2, Vista requires Palm Desktop 6.2.x. To sync a legacy Palm with PD 6.2.x, you also need the free utility called PalmHotSyncSetup -- folow the link and scroll to the bottom of the page. You should then be good to go with USB sync.

[hal]

prisjohn2, Vista requires Palm Desktop 6.2.x. To sync a legacy Palm with PD 6.2.x, you also need the free utility called PalmHotSyncSetup -- folow the link and scroll to the bottom of the page. You should then be good to go with USB sync.

Ah, thanks, Hook. So this is the end of the line. Pal, you need Palm Desktop v.6.2.

[prisjohn2]

Hooks thanks. I downloaded the Palm Desktop 6.2 and went to the PalmHotsyncSetup, from there I couldn't complete the synch. I kept getting a message, Fatal Alert, Fatal Error and underneath those words was reset. I reset it and tried the process several times and it never did work.