2 devices, 1 computer, same hotsync name, but 2 user accounts

[jigwashere]

I've contacted a couple of developers regarding using my purchased software on my TX and my 755p. So far, the response has (mostly) been that the license is for the hotsync id, so as long as both devices have the same hotsync id, I'm good. One developer in particular is curious to see how his product works on the 755p.

The only developer so far who responded that my software license is device-specific is Kinoma. Kinoma Player not only uses my hotsync id, but also the device (or hardware) id. (I haven't asked if they'd be willing to transfer the license, though).

Here's the problem: it's bad, bad, bad to have both my TX and 755p share the same hotsync id on the same computer. Or is there a work-around?

Right now, I have Palm Desktop installed for all users. If I uninstall it and create 2 new (admin) logins -- one called PalmTX and the other called Palm755p -- would that work? I'd install Palm Desktop for each login and make it available only for each login. I would think the hotsync names could be the same, and both devices could continue to hotsync to the same Outlook pst.

Opinions? Suggestions?

EDIT: one obvious risk seems to be if I were to accidentally hotsync one device under the wrong user login. NVBackup to the rescue!

[Hook]

I take it you don't have the option of two computers-- that would save you a LOT of headaches.

[Ed Hardy]

It seems to me that what you're trying to do would cross the line into software piracy.

You've purchased a license to use these applications on a single device. To use them on two devices simultaneously, you should have two licenses.

If you have the developers' permission to do this there's no problem. But to keep within the letter of the law you should be sure and get it for every application you've purchased.

[jigwashere]

It seems to me that what you're trying to do would cross the line into software piracy.

You've purchased a license to use these applications on a single device. To use them on two devices simultaneously, you should have two licenses.

If you have the developers' permission to do this there's no problem. But to keep within the letter of the law you should be sure and get it for every application you've purchased.

Thanks, Ed. I am absolutely NOT pirating software. I thought I was clear in my post that I am contacting the software developers directly to find out if the license allows me to use their product on two devices. The answers I have received are mixed, which is one reason I need to be careful to keep my devices isolated when I hotsync. But some developers have said that I may use their software on my 2 devices as long as the 2 devices have the same hotsync name, and one developer (who is also a member here) is encouraging me to try their application on my 755p so that I can report my results to them.

EDIT: inDev Software and Hampton Software are two developers who clearly state I can move the software from one device to another as long as they have the same hotsync name. When asked about using the software on 2 devices with the same hotsync name, Hampton allows it, but inDev hasn't responded yet.

So, back to my original question: Does my plan to use 2 user logins on my PC accomplish my goal? My PIM data would be consistent on both devices because I would sync with the same Outlook pst, but everything else would be safely isolated to avoid issues with preferences as well as properly manage software licensing.

[Hook]

I'll be interested in what answers you get. I think the problem will end up being that Palm software doesn't create it's folders in the user account like Outlook does, but rather in the Program Files folder. Hence, I don't think Palm makes it possible to have two PDAs with the same hotsync name without creating a mess.

But I'm just guesing, I don't really know the answer.

[Josser]

I think Hook is right, Palm installs to the Program Files directory and has only one branch in the Windows Registry.

Use a different username for your new toy and contact the developers and get new unlock codes for the new username, most will give you one if you pay.

Otherwise you are just a software pirate, no matter how you try to justify it.

[jigwashere]

Otherwise you are just a software pirate, no matter how you try to justify it.

Again with the software piracy? I don't need a lecture about software piracy! Didn't you read my posts? I am clearly contacting the developers for permission to use their software they way I'm describing.

[Dick Tracy]

Two very different kinds of hardware with identical Hotsync name on one computer is just waiting for the morning when you're not fully awake and get stuck in the "start my day over" loop. This is not an IF statement, it is a WHEN.

[Strife89]

Agreed, Dick Tracy.

At an absolute minimum, you should STRONGLY consider renaming one of your Palm's Hotsync IDs. As it is, you're setting yourself up for a Big Crash.

For the developers that want both Palms to have the same Hotsync ID, explain to them your concerns about stability. Hopefully they'll understand.

Get this done before you get any secondary licenses; otherwise, there's a good chance that the app developers will get suspicious that you may be trying to con them. (I'm not saying you are; they just may think that way if you suddenly needed a third license.)

[jigwashere]

I have a solution! I followed the standard upgrade procedures (basically, rename the backup folder) for my 755p, and it now has the same hotsync name as my TX. Whenever I want to hotsync my TX (which will be rare), I'll simply rename the backup folder.

It's a simple solution, and it has very little risk of causing stability issues. In fact, there's less risk of stability issues than testing new software might cause. I have backups of my backup folders. I have backups of my device configurations (NVBackup). I have backups of my PIM data.

The worst case scenario would be that I'd notice some instability and not have a backup handy while on the road. All I'd really have to do is delete the SavedPreferences file using FileZ and perform a soft reset. Afterall, the difference between the TX and the 755p isn't much. I can't think of any application I have on the TX that can't run happily on the 755p.

The real beauty of this solution, from my perspective, is that I can now go back and forth between hotsyncing with Outlook or Palm Desktop with both devices and maintain data integrity.

And once again -- I'm handling the licensing issues directly with the developers.