If you are looking for a PDA program that syncs with Microsoft Office, you may want to consider the software package that I've been using since July. It is called Documents To Go and is produced by DataViz. This PDA software package allows you to sync your Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook files and messages, with your PDA. I have not been able to look at all features of these programs because I am using a Visor Deluxe, which only displays in grayscale and uses PalmOS 3.0. Some programs use color displays and some add-on features require PalmOS 3.5.
None of the Documents To Go programs are fully functioning versions of their PC counterparts. Documents To Go version 4.0 comes in Standard and Professional editions. The main difference is that the Standard edition only allows you to use the Word and Excel applications.
The system requirements for loading Documents To Go onto your PDA and PC are as follows:
- Palm OS handheld memory of 512K or more.
- Palm Desktop software with HotSync Manager version 2.0 or higher.
- 8 MB hard drive space and 8 MB RAM on your PC.
There are two programs that work with Microsoft Word. The first one, Word To Go, is a functional PDA version of Word. You can create, add to, or edit Word files right on your PDA. The other program, Word Viewer, only allows you to view Word documents on your PDA.
There are also two programs that work with Microsoft Excel, Sheet To Go and Sheet Viewer. They work with Excel files the same way Word To Go and Word Viewer work with Word documents. I've used both programs for reviewing and editing documents while away from my desk. These programs are considerably quicker to access than Word or Excel files from a PC, so I've also used them for storing ready reference files.
Slideshow To Go is a viewer program for Microsoft PowerPoint files. Although no editing of files is possible, there are two advantages that I see to having this program. First, you can review your presentation while away from your computer. Second, you can use your PDA as a notepad while giving your PowerPoint presentation, thus eliminating the need for paper notes or actual note cards.
There is one program that I found to be of little use in this software package. DataViz Mail is the program that syncs with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Outlook Express, and it does exactly the same things as my PDA's preloaded Mail program, thus I find it to be a waste of memory on my PDA. The good news is that any program in Documents To Go can either be deleted from your PDA, or deselected initially when you sync the package to your PDA.
For users of the Documents To Go Professional edition, there are some add-on programs that are available for download. However, only one add-on can be used with PalmOS 3.0, and it installs invisibly into Word To Go. This program, PDF To Go, allows you to view PDF formatted text and tables, but does not display as a standard PDF file. This is still worthwhile since it allows you to transport PDF documents rather than carrying paper printouts.
There are two more add-ons that I have not been able to try because of the PalmOS 3.5 requirement. The first is Pics To Go, which allows you to view GIF, JPEG, Bitmap, and PICT files on your PDA. The second is SmartChart, which allows you to sync, edit and create charts in Sheet To Go, thus creating a fuller functioning PDA version of Excel. Both of these add-ons also display in color.
To try Documents To Go for 30 days, download a free trial copy from the DataViz website. To continue using it after 30 days, you'll have to purchase the program to receive an activation code. The listed retail price for a single user of the Professional edition is $69.95, while the suggested retail price for a single user the Standard edition is $49.95. The program can be ordered online from DataViz, or purchased from many retailers that sell PDA software. The TJU Bookstore may be able to special order this software package for you. For those interested in providing Documents To Go for multiple users, DataViz also offers site licenses.
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