We have reached the end of the Palm OS

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:56 pm

http://blogs.zdnet.com/cell-phones/?p=667
http://www.palm.com/us/

I don’t know if this was noticed by many but to me it sure means a big change for geocaching. Granted there will be many systems running around for a next 5-7 years easy but with time parts will become scarce and repairs will cost more than the unit is worth. Additionally, updating and making aps for the palm becomes fruitless since the market will be very limited as time passes. What will geocachers use for reasonable alternative? Granted there are lots of devices out there but from my prospective the palm OS was a default system. What is your take?

If this was already posted in another place, feel free to say so.

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 7:13 pm

So, once ours dies, we should plan on something else that can serve this purpose, huh? As long as it runs GSAK and Cachemate, I'll be happy. I don't love trying to learn new technologies!

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:06 pm

O M G !

I want one! Hmmm..... $$$$ ..... tax refund?

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:48 pm

I am new to the pda. Just bought a z22 a few months ago. It will still work with Geocaching.com right?

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 10:40 pm

huggybear2u wrote:

I am new to the pda. Just bought a z22 a few months ago. It will still work with Geocaching.com right?

Yes but my Palm (Tungsten) doesn't work with he VISTA operating system.

Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 7:24 pm

My wife got me a laptop for Christmas. It has vista on it and I can't get the os to update. Guess I will have to use the old one for that.

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 8:12 am

Mathman wrote:

huggybear2u wrote:

I am new to the pda. Just bought a z22 a few months ago. It will still work with Geocaching.com right?

Yes but my Palm (Tungsten) doesn't work with he VISTA operating system.

That is the crux of the problem. The existing devices will continue to work, but device drivers for new PCs/Operating systems, may not be available.

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 1:28 pm

Where is Justin????

I seem to remember him mentioning that there is a Vista - Palm fix. Maybe in another topic?

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 5:58 pm

I'm here! I will have to do some looking for that info again. As far as I remember, they were going to update the HotSync Software, just not the Quick Install program that we use to upload our .PDB Database files.

I will do some looking again though..

We will just have to switch to PocketPC, or iPhone Caching...

I have used PocketPC for a few years, and I really like it. I don't even have to sync to a computer with my WIFI Enabled device. I can be at any hotspot, log into my yahoo mail account, download the GPX file, and directly import into cachemate... love it, and Mine has a Camera built in, so works great for Earth caches, or Puzzles that require pics!

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 10:25 pm

marc_54140 wrote:

I seem to remember him mentioning that there is a Vista - Palm fix. Maybe in another topic?

Here is a topic that discusses the Palm / Vista issues and a possible fix:

http://www.wi-geocaching.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=7518

The Vista fix to allow HotSyncing appears to work for most people. The other option, copying the CacheMate .PDB file to a memory card if your Palm device has one, will probably continue to work for a long, long time...

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 8:42 am

Jeremy wrote:

marc_54140 wrote:

I seem to remember him mentioning that there is a Vista - Palm fix. Maybe in another topic?

Here is a topic that discusses the Palm / Vista issues and a possible fix:

http://www.wi-geocaching.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=7518

The Vista fix to allow HotSyncing appears to work for most people. The other option, copying the CacheMate .PDB file to a memory card if your Palm device has one, will probably continue to work for a long, long time...

Is there anyplace that has this procedure documented? I just started with the palm and got a 1Gig memory card specifically for this purpose.

I formatted the card on the palm and the card info shows
33.6 MB Used
528.4MB Free of 971.6MB

I have the .PDB file with 100 caches in the /Cachemate folder but when I try to rescan the memory card it will only import about 20 caches.

I am sure it has something to do with the Category. I have not found out how to import all categories to Cachemate or how to set the category when exporting from GSAK.

I looked at the sites recommended from CacheMate but they don't address this.

Thanks,

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 6:12 pm

gkrone:

If you can only load 20 caches even though you have more on the card, it sounds like something went Fubar with your registration. I beleive 20 is the max that you can load on a unregistered progarm for "testing"

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:38 am

K0rpl wrote:

gkrone:

If you can only load 20 caches even though you have more on the card, it sounds like something went Fubar with your registration. I beleive 20 is the max that you can load on a unregistered progarm for "testing"

No, it has to be something with the PC writing the file directly to the SD card.

The card has been formated on the palm and I am able to hotsynch the files and then load them into cachemate. I currently have two databases, one contains 220 caches and the other contains 1600.

If I write the .PDB file to the SD card in the computer and then load the SD card into the Palm it will only load 20 of the caches into the database.

Thanks,

Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 5:53 pm

ah, I see. I guess I didn't read that you were sending it to the SC Card via Hotsync.. Gotya..

I switched over to PocketPC a couple of years ago, so I don't have palmOS Probs anymore.

who knows..

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 10:36 am

I got a new Garmin NUVI free from a Discover Card promotion last summer...that thing works slicker n anything. It downloads your pocket queries and routes from GSAK, shows all the info, decrypts the hints, and shows a few of the most recent logs...then directs you to the cache via map and vocal directions. Although it's mostly for use in the vehicle, it does have a pedestrian mode. I use it to get to the cache area...then use my handheld. The downside is don't let the battery wear down or get it wet. Over Christmas, I saw some being advertised for as little as $100...what a deal:)