How to Convert a Palm Calendar to an iPhone

You will not lose your Palm's calendar information when switching from a Palm device to an iPhone. Both the Palm Desktop software, used to manage the Palm's data, and Apple's iTunes software, used for the iPhone, share compatibility with Microsoft Outlook 2003 and 2007. Convert the Palm calendar to the Outlook format and use iTunes' automated syncing process to immediately convert and transfer the data onto the iPhone.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP/Vista/7
• iTunes 8.0+
• Palm Desktop
• HotSync application
• Microsoft Outlook 2003 or 2007
• iPhone USB cable

Instructions

1. Open iTunes. If you don't have iTunes, download it from Apple's website.

2. Connect your iPhone to your computer using its USB cable. It will now appear as an icon on the left side of iTunes. Click the iPhone's icon. Make sure the check box next to “Automatically sync when this iPhone is connected” is checked. Disconnect the iPhone.

3. Click "Start" in the lower-left corner of Windows. Choose "All Programs," move your mouse over "Palm," select "PIM conduit sync" and click "Sync with Outlook." A dialog window will appear asking if you want to sync with Outlook. Press "Yes."

4. Double-click the "HotSync" icon in your Windows taskbar, found in the lower right corner of Windows. Choose "Custom."

5. Double-click "Calendar." Choose "Synchronize the files." Press "OK."

6. Sync your Palm device with your computer. This process varies by Palm model; consult your user guide if you are unsure of how to complete this process. Upon completion, your Palm calendar from your device will now appear within Microsoft Outlook.

7. Plug your iPhone back into your computer using its included USB syncing cable. It will automatically sync with Outlook and transfer what was originally your Palm calendar into its iPhone Calendar application.

Tips & Warnings

• Microsoft Outlook is the default desktop calendar application for all iPhone users running Windows. If you're on a Mac, the conversion process is much simpler. Launch Palm Desktop for Mac. Click "Calendar." Press "File" in the top menu bar and select "Export." The calendar will be exported as a vCal file. Open the Mac's iCal calendar program. Click "File" and choose "Import." Import the vCal file. Your Palm calendar will now display in iCal. The next time you sync your iPhone, it will automatically download the new calendar onto the device.

• If you are continuing to use the Palm device, make sure you sync the Palm to Microsoft Outlook after making a change. Then, sync your iPhone to keep the iPhone updated with changes made on the Palm calendar. To avoid such complications, it's best to choose only one mobile device on which you want to manage your dates.

References

• Apple: iPhone User's Guide
• "iPhone: The Missing Manual"; David Pogue; 2009