Suggestions for General Use
Keep a decent amount of memory available in the main memory.
- Your Axim includes plenty of memory for fast, efficient functioning--but it isn't all in the main memory. Programs need extra space in the main memory to run. Thus, if you install large additional programs (such as Skype) or programs with large databases (such as GPS maps), install them to the Built-in memory or a memory card instead of the main memory. Use the Windows installer to install programs from your desktop or notebook computer. Note that the installer may first want to install something to your PC--let it. Then it'll verify the connection to your mobile device and ask you if you want to install to the default directory. Click "NO." It'll then pop up a menu asking where you want to install the program to. Choose the Built-in Storage or a memory card. You can install tens of gigabytes of programs and files to your Axim--just don't try to install it all to the main memory.
While neither my customers nor I have yet had a problem with this, over-filling the main memory could cause some programs to run slowly, to misbehave, or to crash.
Before buying a memory card, check to be sure it's compatible with your device.
- I don't just mean to check that it's a format the Axim accepts; sometimes particular memory cards simply don't work with particular devices. For example, I found out (the hard way) that Sandisk 1 GB SD cards don't play well the Palm T3, although other companies' 1 GB cards were fine. In general, the vast majority of cards work well on the Axim, but there are a few out there that don't.. Here's a list some industrious users have compiled, but you should also do an internet search combining the exact name of the card you're looking at and "X50V" to see if anyone online has noted a problem with the combination. Another good strategy is to look for mention of a particulat card on aximsite.com's storage card forum. This is a problem with all devices, not just the Axim, although because of the way they use the cards, data devices like PDAs and SmartPhones are much more demanding on the card/device interface than digital cameras and tend to have more compatibility issues.
Troubleshooting
Problem: In the English OS, input methods suddenly disappear or no longer function properly, requiring a soft reset to restore them.
Cause: Too many input methods competing for a share of system resources
Solution: Disable input methods you don't use
- First, in Pocket Word or EB Pocket, figure out which Input Methods you want to keep and which you can get rid of. Then, use the program Pocket Tweak to shut down the ones you don't need (you can use the same program to start them up again later; they're not lost for good; if that link goes dead,. download from here). Transfer the Pocket Tweak CAB file to your memory card via a card reader or by using your sync software. It doesn't matter where on your device or memory card you put it (as long as you can find it again). Use your Axim's File Explorer program to find the file, tap it with the Stylus, and it will automatically install the program. Then go to Settings, tap the "System" tab, look for Pocket Tweak, and tap that to start the program. Then use the arrows at the bottom to get to the Input Panel menu and deselect the Input Methods you don't use. Then do a soft reset. This seems to fix the problem pretty reliably. My one suggestion is that if you later decide to reactivate some of the methods, DON'T reactivate Transcriber--it conflicts with the Japanese methods and causes more problems.
Problem: Axim won't connect through the cradle; error message says USB hardware or USB driver problem
Cause: Dust bunny or bad physical connection.
Solution: Clean contacts, push Axim firmly onto cradle to seat it better, try USB sync/charge cable instead
- One of the Axims I bought wouldn't connect through the cradle (although it did charge OK). The error message said the USB connection wasn't functioning and I should check drivers, etc. I thought I'd gotten stuck with a brick. I finally found the answer through Google. Some guy had the same problem and traced it to a bent wire in his cradle. So I took a good look at the connections on the Axim and cradle and saw that my problem was even dumber--there was a dust bunny in the Axim's connector. I'd spent a good four hours poking around the instruction book and the internet and panicking, but it turned out to be something that took one small breath and a tenth of a second to fix.
Problem: In English Axim, can't see Japanese as you type it or kanji to choose in some programs not specifically designed for Japanese input (Word, Excel, Notes, etc.)
Cause: ???
Solution: Tap book icon in IME pallet to bring up user dictionary, then immediately close the user dictionary
- Why opening and then closing the user dictionary fixes the problem is a mystery--kudos to the valiant customer who figured out this solution.