From TNPC issue #4.12...

Accessorizing Your Handheld

by Al Gordon
June 14, 2001

The folks at Belkin--who make cables, converter-connectors, and other such peripherals for practically everything--have expanded their offerings in the world of handhelds with the new "eGo" line of accessories.

The range includes the usual assortment of mobile chargers, styli, screen covers, and leather cases. But Belkin also has added some long-overdue and much-needed equipment for handheld users.
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/412/tr.cgi?al1

Two of these items particularly stand out.

Readers of this space will know that I regard a PDA Serial-USB adapter as a must. The "fried Palm" phenomenon was documented in The Naked PC last year (TNPC #3.01 and #3.09). In certain circumstances when you place your device on its sync cradle, static electricity can jump from the Palm to your serial port, damaging one or both.

The simple solution is to forego the sync cradle and connect your Palm to your computer via a serial/USB adapter. To get such an adapter you can give Palm more of your money and buy their Palm USB unit:
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/412/tr.cgi?al2

Or you can take my advice and buy Belkin's serial adapter, which also will support other serial devices:
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/412/tr.cgi?al3

Installation is straightforward: connect the serial plug to the adapter, then plug the USB end into your PC. The standard Windows New Device Wizard runs, and you insert the supplied CD-ROM to install the drivers. Thereafter, Windows treats the USB adapter as if it were another serial port on your PC.

Note that you do not get USB connection speeds; either adapter only provides serial transfer rates. But USB is designed to hot swap, which you can't do with serial. And USB is better able to handle static discharges and protect your handheld and PC.

Another "why hasn't this been here all along?" piece is Belkin's F8V7P000 PDA recharger kit for Palm III and VIIs:
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/412/tr.cgi?al4

It has been really silly that rechargeable batteries are not even an option for those model Palms. (They are included on the V and M500 series.) Until recent price slashes, both the VII models were pricey products, and the higher-end IIIs were as expensive as Vs. Yes, Palms are famous for low battery consumption, but having to buy disposable AAAs seems dumb.

The Belkin package not only provides rechargeable cells, but also includes a car adapter. So you can recharge from a cigarette lighter (now called a "power plug" in politically correct cars) or from a wall outlet.

With the Belkin kit, your Palm III and VII will have the features that should have come standard to begin with.

You can reach Al Gordon at:
mailto:al@TheNakedPC.com

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