How to Type & Print Notes From a Palm Pilot

Originally designed primarily as a scheduling aid and address book with limited writing capabilities, Palm Pilot handheld devices are becoming increasingly diverse with a wider range of program options, including greater ability to use the Palm Pilot as a tool for note taking. There are many options available to the Palm user for both the input of typed text into the device and the printing of notes from the device, whether you wish to do everything with your Palm alone, or with the help of other accessories.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Type notes on your Palm using the Palm Pilot typing input. Open the "memos" program and tap the button marked "new." Write notes in the memo field using either the miniature QWERTY keyboard (for Palm TREO and Centro models) or open the on-screen keyboard. This is done by opening the "Edit" menu and selecting "keyboard." When typing on an older Palm, you may need several memo files for all your notes, as each file has a character limit.

2. Get a full sized, fold-out QWERTY keyboard for your Palm to finger type as you would on a computer. These devices are available on the official Palm accessories store; the Universal Wireless Keyboard is compatible with older Palm Pilots while the Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard is compatible with newer Palms (see the website's list of compatible devices for each keyboard).

3. Print notes from your Palm by transferring them to your computer. Install your Palm Desktop software (this is included on the CD that comes with your Palm Pilot), sync your handheld device by connecting your device to your computer with your Hot Sync cable, then clicking the "Hot Sync" icon on your Palm program menu. After syncing, you will be able to print memos from the Palm Desktop program or copy and paste text into your preferred text editor

4. Use printing software to print directly from your Palm Pilot. Independent software sellers, such as Steven Creek Software (see link below), have developed programs that can transmit files to printers directly from your Palm device.

Resources

• Keyboards at palm.com
• Steven's Creek Software - PalmPrint