Palm/Palm Pilot: Updates on Chapura and Sync Exchange/Outlook

Palm/Palm Pilot: Personal Experiences and Tips

Latest tips on ongoing desperate attempts to get Outlook and Exchange and Palm to be nice in their treacherous 3 way synchronization dance.

1. Prior to a Chapura/Palm sync, hit F9 key to force a synchronization between Exchange and Outlook.
2. Set up Chapura to slow sync (sync at multiple machines - even if you don't).
3. Set conflict resolution so Outlook wins (don't duplicate).
4. Backup Outlook data to unsynched folders in case all data gets trashed or duplicated during a sync process.
5. Outlook XP (2002) has a different approach to synchronization, make sure all the chapura folders are included in the All Folder (F9) synchronization group.
6. May be safer to leave Outlook/Exchange connection state at "Automatic" rather than manual!
7. When sync problems occur, after cleaning up Outlook set next sync to overwrite the Palm completely.
8. If Exchange/Outlook sync problems occur, turn off offline use, delete the OST folder (in user/local data ...), turn on offline use again. Get synchronization working from Exchange to Outlook (check sync status for each Outlook folder using the sync tab, # items on server should match # on client) then set Palm sync to overwrite Palm data from Outlook.
9. Keep all clocks synchronized and correct, (really Chapura should set the clock on the Palm). Don't change timezone settings when traveling.

It's just coincidental that Outlook/Exchange seem to play poorly with Palm ... I'm sure ...

HotSpots for 802.11b access in Nashville, TN

HotSpotList.com, a directory of public hot spots for finding Wi-Fi wireless Internet access network nodes

Bean Central West End Ave, Nashville, TN, 37203 Independent
2817 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203-1453
free 802.11b, near Centennial Park, far end of Vandy from the Courtyard Marriott
map

Bongo Java 2007 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN, 37212

Bongo Java Roasting Company 107 S. 11th St., Nashville, TN, 37206 independent

Plus a few more, but these sound interesting.

Windows XP shutdown from Remote Desktop

Microsoft TechNet
You can't (actually you can, but that's another story!) shutdown Windows XP from the GUI when logged in via remote desktop. Here's how to shutdown and restart.

Shutdown
Allows you to shut down or restart a local or remote computer. Used without parameters, shutdown will logoff the current user.

Syntax
shutdown [{-l|-s|-r|-a}] [-f] [-m [\\ComputerName]] [-t xx] [-c 'message'] [-d[u][p]:xx:yy]

Parameters (selected)

-s
Shuts down the local computer.
-r
Reboots after shutdown.
-f
Forces running applications to close.
-t xx
Sets the timer for system shutdown in xx seconds. The default is 20 seconds.
-c 'message'
Specifies a message to be displayed in the Message area of the System Shutdown window. You can use a maximum of 127 characters. You must enclose the message in quotation marks.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.

See also:

Enabling logon via RD in XP

PS. Remote Desktop Client for OS X can't handle the new XP "welcome screen", need to uncheck that from user logon options if you want to be able to connect after a reboot.

More tips on iBook batteries, and Lithium batteries in general

UPDATE 10/5/03: I think OS X 10.2.8 has improved the readout on the battery. Also the first thing I tried (see "First" below) seems to have worked. I only get about 1.5 hours from the battery, but it no longer dies with "30 minutes left". I think the estimate of power remaining is more accurate. The battery is clearly hurting and will need to be replaced ...

---

Six Log: iBook Battery Issues

First, with the machine open and running (running off the battery), leave it until the battery has reached 0%, and it forces itself into sleep.

Now, with the machine in forced sleep, close the lid, and attach the power. Leave for a few hours (make _really_ sure it's fully charged, by leaving it longer than normal).

Open the lid, and off you go!
You'll need to do this 1 or 2 times a month, after you've had the machine for 8 months or so, you'll need to increased that to 3 or 4.
But don't worry - you can continue to use the machine until you have to close the lid and leave it to recharge.
Already, after doing this 3 times, the battery has gone from 1hr 50 minutes after a full recharge, to a grand 3hrs 11 minutes!

I could explain the technical reasons; but bascially the Lithium Ion batteries that Apple uses, are super-advanced. The benefit is the longer life, and greater storage; but the downfall is the neccesity to 'refresh' the battery a few times a month.

---

I think battery problems with the iBook are a mixture of hardware/software problems and inherent issues with Lithium batteries. The iBook is probably about as bad as most computer/battery combinations. See also my earlier posts (one and two)

The above sounds only partly true, I had to follow a similar procedure with a Palm m515 that had a non-responding battery. The fix was somewhat similar, but first I had to drain the m515 LiIon batter, then reset the power management unit, then recharge.

I think what I'll try is:

First
1. Run the system until it powers off (battery 0%).
2. Follow Apple's PMU reset instructions (pull battery, reset button, insert power cord, etc).
3. Charge overnight

Second (if #1 fails)
1. Run the system until it powers off (battery 0%).
2. Follow the OpenFirmware reset directions per other posts.
3. Charge overnight

Third
1. Go to Apple Store with iBook and receipt, see if I can get a return or a credit on a new battery..

Fourth
1. See if my credit card extended warrantee will help!

PS. I did some experimenting with OS 9. Battery handling much better there! The lifespan is reduced, but the meter smoothly declines to 0%. I'm going to try charging it while it runs OS 9 overnight.

Apple Discussions has a pretty active and irate discussion on these issues. It does seem that a lot of iBook batteries go bad at about 18 months age ... same age as mine ...

http://discussions.info.apple.com/WebX?14@158.KFKaakSPf0S.6@.5997b8c7/9

Another ext firewire enclosure -- bus powered.

FireWire 1394a 1394b hardware - FireWire Depot: "2.5' PDS2GO FireWire enclosure"

---

These are catching on. Cheap enclosures for small ide drives, use for backup and moving data between locations. The next step up from a USB "thumb drive".

Nice site for XP tips and repair -- pretty concise

Favsites

Windows XP Backup and Recovery Console

Back Up and Recover Your Information

I'm still fighting with Retrospect and getting increasingly disgusted. Considering using Apple Backup 2.0 to backup the iBook to the LAN, then using XP backup to backup everything, including backup the Apple LAN store offsite every 1-2 weeks.

This article reminds me that I need to install the Recovery Console on XP -- I've done this before for win2k.