Comments on: News that Got Lost in the Shuffle

During the rush of new OS, hardware, and application announcements during PalmSource last week, some smaller announcements got overlooked. But now that things have calmed down a bit, these can get the attention they deserve.

MochaSoft, the maker of the excellent Mocha W32 PPP, has released Mocha W32 Keyboard which allows users to use a PC keyboard and mouse to enter data into a Palm or Visor that is in the cradle. A copy of the PDA's screen is shown on the Windows PC. It is $10 shareware.

Detailed Comment View (5 Total Comments)

The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. PIC is not responsible for them in any way.
login or register for free in order to post comments.

Mocha Keyboard

Ed @ 12/19/2000 12:51:52 PM #

I wanted to add that I've been using Mocha Keyboard for about a week now and I love it. I use my Palm and a modem to do all my personal e-mailing from the office so it doesn't go through my company's e-mail server. I used to use my Happy Hacking Cradle to type my e-mail but now I simply type it into my IIIx with Mocha Keyboard and send it out with Mocha PPP. This works much faster.

I do have one word of warning. If you are a hard core Palm user, you might be aware of the infamous Palm Cradle Battery Drain. This is the 'feature' where non-rechargeable Palms (like the IIIe, IIIxe, V, etc.) actually have their batteries drained while they are sitting in the cradle, whether the Palm is on or not. Well, there is a hardware fix for this that involves disconnecting the offending wire. If you have done this, Mocha Keyboard and Mocha PPP will not work for you. I found this out the hard way, in an experience I call "How I learned to Solder in One Painful Lesson". Anyway, this means that you have the convenience of entering data into your Palm quickly and easily, at the cost of draining your batteries more quickly.

---
Plenipotentiary
Palm Infocenter

Battery Drain Fix

Ed @ 12/19/2000 1:24:16 PM #

After I submitted this, it occurred to me that the first question someone is going to ask is "How can I find out more about the battery drain fix?!?" The best site I've been able to find is here:

http://www.conklinsystems.com/pilot/drainfix.shtml

I've talked to Terence Conklin, owner of that site, a few times in the last couple of days and he is determined to keep this page as up to date as possible. If you are aware of any issues related to this battery drain problem that aren't covered on his page, please let Mr. Conklin know.

---
Plenipotentiary
Palm Infocenter

[ No Subject ]

bcottun @ 12/19/2000 5:54:06 PM #

I just purchased both Mocha keyboard and ppp. Both work well on my pc and PalmVx. I also received a very timely response to a query I e-mailed to Mocha tech support. 20 bucks well spent.

Battery Drain Fix

Eston Bond @ 12/21/2000 8:26:50 AM #

For another battery drain fix try Syncable Solutions at:
www.syncablesolutions.com

RE: Syncable Solutions' No Drain Adapter

Ed @ 12/24/2000 8:59:26 AM #

After you pointed this out, I went to their Web site and started a conversation with Mark Griswold, who just sent me this email:

I've confirmed that my standard NoDrain adapter does not work with MochaPPP. However, I'm now offering a modified version which will work (I've already tested it)
The new version "NoDrain-M" is $6.95 + $2 S/H

I highly recommend that people who like to keep their non-rechargeable Palms in the cradle get one of these, or something like it. You'll be surprised how much longer your batteries last.

---
Plenipotentiary
Palm Infocenter

< Home | Comment Board

Palm Software on sale