QuoteNerd Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) List

• What version of Palm OS do I need, in order to use QuoteNerd software?
  Any version of the Palm OS, version 3.5 or later. QuoteNerd works on both color and black and white displays.
  

• What mobile printers can I use with QuoteNerd?
  
  QuoteNerd works with the PalmPrint printer driver (by Stevens Creek Software - purchase separately). This printer driver supports a wide variety of printers including printers from Pentax, HP, Canon and Seiko. These manufactures, and others, provide a number of different mobile printers. Some are battery operated and some require a vehicle power adapter. Some are thermal printers that use special paper (like older FAX machines), but many are Ink Jet style printers similar to regular office printers. PalmPrint supports printers using Infra Red (IrDA), serial and bluetooth communications adapters.

• Which type of printer is better for mobile work - thermal or ink jet?
  
  Each of these printer types has its own Pros and Cons. In general, the thermal printers are more robust and smaller in size which is important if you are using them from your vehicle. They require special paper but they don't run out of ink or get gummed up print heads. On the other hand, the ink jet printers make life easier if you wish to use letterhead paper and they usually print faster than thermal printers. The choice really depends on your business needs.

  Having said that, we have to admit that we are most partial to the Pentax PocketJet 200 thermal printer for construction related businesses that have to contend with harsh environments (hot and cold weather and dust and grime). This printer is very small, battery operated (rechargable) and pretty much maintenance free. We have even created thermal paper letterhead by printing the letterhead on to the thermal paper with our office ink jet printer. The letterhead was not as nice as on plain paper but it wasn't bad either.

• I don't have a PDA. A friend showed me the QuoteNerd application. What should I buy to get set up with the QuoteNerd in my business?
  
  This is a loaded question. The number of Palm OS based handheld models is daunting and each has its own proponents. We are sure to tick someone off, no matter how we respond. However, we have set up some local Tradesmen with a "Contractor's Package" that includes hardware and installed and configured software. Here is what our Contractor's Package consists of:
  
  
  • Palm m515 handheld. The m515 is an an older model but it has 16MB of RAM and a display with good visibility in varying light conditions. We like the form factor of the m500 series and it is an important consideration for us. In our experience, the m515 is dependable in both hot and cold weather conditions. The newer Tungsten and Zire 71 models have an even better display and possibility of more RAM but the form factors vary greatly from the m500 series.
  • Kensington Palm Protector model 62204 or 62200. These aluminum cases only fit the Palm m500 series models. We love these protective cases and readily admit that they are really what drives our choice of the m515 handheld. The case has a special non-slip coating or finish and is hinged at the top making it useful for either right or left hand operation. Very sturdy construction and great protection for the Palm.
  • Pentax PocketJet 200 thermal printer. We prefer this printer for construction related trades. It is low maintenance, battery powered and very compact. We use the IrDA (infra red, like your TV remote control) adapter. Great choice if you really don't require printing on fancy company letterhead.
  • Belkin Vehicle Adapter for Palm m500 series. We use the USB adapter (model F8P3000) that comes with a vehicle power adapter. This is a simple low cost solution that works. Belkin also has a kit (model F8P3001) that provides USB, vehicle power adapter and AC adapter. There are a number of manufacturers making similar adapters.
  • PalmPrint printer driver software by Stevens Creek Software. QuoteNerd requires this driver for printing. PalmPrint is available as an application that supports printing of various standard Palm applications (Address book, Memo pad etc) as well as products designed to work with its built-in print server. You can also use just the cheaper print server version of PalmPrint which is called the SCS Print Server. We prefer the full PalmPrint application because it gives the user more options than just printing from QuoteNerd and it doesn't cost that much more. Once you start using a handheld, you quickly discover the standard applications such as the calendar and address book and with a printer already on hand it is convenient to be able print from these apps as well. When you install PalmPrint or the SCS Print Server on your handheld, be sure to choose the highest quality PalmPrint fonts to be downloaded.
  • The QuoteNerd application - naturally.
  • A PC. We don't supply desktop computers even to local customers. However, you should have access to one to backup your QuoteNerd data. It is extremely easy to do after after installing the desktop software that comes with the handheld. If you don't have an office PC, you can use the kid's PC.

• Will QuoteNerd work with older versions of PalmPrint?
  
  Probably, but we can't guarantee it. We recommend that you upgrade to the latest version of PalmPrint. Stevens Creek Software improves this product continually. The latest versions support Bluetooth (a radio frequency wireless standard) as well as IrDA (infra red) and Serial (cable connected) printers.

• Why is it called a PocketNerd or QuoteNerd? Sounds insulting...
  
  These days the term "Nerd" is often used to refer to someone very academically or technically inclined but lacking in the social graces with little or no sense of style. While you won't often find such a person on the school football team or on a construction site, you will likely find him (her?) in many areas of business that require intense attention to detail, arcane knowledge and a love of facts and figures. Since our products are aimed at handling the tedious "backroom" details involved in running a business, we decided - with tongue firmly placed in cheek - to incorporate the term Nerd into our product names. Insulting? We don't think so.