The Tungsten PDA

One of the most interesting, and that over time becomes fundamental is the possibility of connecting to the internet from our Palm. Depending on the device, we must use a technology or another. The Treo for example, to be both PDA and phone, can use the data connection to us from our operator, whether GSM, GPRS, UMTS or any other data transmission technologies available today. The advantage of this connection is that, where there is coverage, there will be internet access. The problem is price, since connection fees are still prohibitive.

The Palm connectivity available wifi enable us, on the other hand, whenever we are in the coverage range of a wifi network (in our house, at a hotspot, etc.), immediately connect to the internet. In this scenario, the cost and depends on who you provide access to that network. Setup is simple, as far we know the network key, if you use encryption WEP.

But there is a third way to connect our internet Palm, and it is through bluetooth. To do this we need a computer with internet connection, such as a PC, which also has Bluetooth connectivity. For the PC, just buy a USB Bluetooth adapter, which has a very low cost. There are even laptops that already have the integrated Bluetooth serial. The bluetooth connection is rather slower than wifi, and covers less. But if our Palm already has bluetooth, it costs us nothing to use it to navigate without having to sit in front of the PC (bluetooth allows much more, but that's another post).

Navigating through bluetooth

What follows is going to explain the process of configuring the connection between a PC with Windows XP, with a
bluetooth USB adapter and a Tungsten E2. Some initial considerations, to avoid problems:

• If we connect to the internet through a router, it is important that before installing anything, we verify that the IP address of the router is not 192.168.0.1. If so the switch to a different one.
• On the other hand, if you're using a Tungsten T, it is important PalmTungstenTUpdate_enUS.prc have installed the file, which is an update that Palm released in due course, and can be downloaded from its website.
• It is recommended that you disable any firewall you have installed, to avoid problems. When everything works and we can activate it again. And the same applies to Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) and / or Windows Home Networking.

Once we have done these checks, we can begin the process:

• The first point to note is that the default drivers that come with Windows XP are very basic and do not represent what we want. We need the specific drivers of our adapter. In my case it's a SMC-BT10 and the drivers are the BlueSolei. If your adapter is another, surely the drivers are different. It is important to download the latest drivers from the adapter manufacturer's Web. For example, in my case with the CD that came in could not connect to internet (version 1.4), but with the latest (version 1.6) is.
• Puncture in bluetooth adapter into a USB port to keep books in your PC. Windows will suggest some drivers, but cancel the installation. Then install the drivers described earlier. We will need to restart your computer for the installation is complete.
• For our Palm can be detected by the PC, we have to activate the bluetooth in it (in Preferences), and change the Detect to another, so that our PC's can find.
• Once you have restarted your PC, bluetooth icon appears white and blue next to the clock in the system tray. We double click, and add our Palm like device coupled to the PC. Looked for an option to search for Bluetooth devices or something similar. When you see the Palm, we pair the device with your PC, and follow the steps that tell us, how to enter the password you want (but you must use the same on PC and Palm). Here depending on the drivers we use, the process will be something different.

We have all the necessary software installed. Now we have to configure everything. First part of the PC:

• We open in the Windows Control Panel, Network Connections folder. Always appears internet connection and a new set of bluetooth drivers. Right-click the connection forever, and choose from the menu that drops down, the Properties option. Now opening a window in her going to the tab called Advanced, check the Allow other network users to connect through the Internet connection of this equipment and in the dropdown list below, choose the interface network created bluetooth drivers. Click OK, and it's shared Internet connection from the PC with the bluetooth devices.
• In my case now I had to go to the bluetooth driver settings (double click on the blue iconitos was created beside the windows clock) and select the LAN access service. In your case, this will depend on the drivers bluetooth setup, it's a matter of some research.

• One important thing: do not confuse LAN (which is our network that connects to the Internet), PAN (another type of network you are not using here), because they are entirely different things. Finally, a way to verify that the bluetooth connection is properly configured, is to go to its properties, and check that the IP address is 192.168.0.1, and subnet mask 255.255.255.0.

Configuring the Bluetooth Network Connection

Now configure the connection on the Palm:

• Let the program and enter Network Preferences. In service we give the name you want (for example, "PC for BT). In connection deploy the connections list and choose Edit .... Create a new network that will connect to local Bluetooth. Also choose your device to use: click on the button and detect nearby Bluetooth devices. You should catch our PC, and select it.


Configuring the connection type


Detecting my PC (Mutsumi)

• We accept all these changes and return to the network preferences. ... Click the Details button. Here we can choose between letting the DNS server address and IP address of the Palm in Automatic, or give them specific values (192.168.0.1 primary DNS, secondary target, and IP 192.168.0.5. I have to leave these parameters to operate in automatic, but other connections to the Internet, surely you have to give these values. Each must prove what you work.


Setting "Automatic"


Configuration "manual"

• Finally, some computers may need to define a login script. Click on Script ... and leave as shown in the image. To my E2 was not necessary, but for older models may.

Login script

And it is finally all set. Now click on connect and everything should be fine. If not, we must try to change some parameters. In the original page of the procedure are described solutions to problems caused by routers, firewalls, etc.. These are the steps I followed my Tungsten E2 to connect to internet via bluetooth, but can be different for other Palm, but not much. If it insists on not working, we can choose the simpre Softic PPP, although payment, automates the entire process. But following this guide, I found that just using the USB bluetooth adapter drivers, you can connect the Palm to the internet without problems. So patience, courage, and the bull.

Deals in other equipment ...

By: Mark Gonzalez Troyes in Palm Tips
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Tagged: bluetooth, internet, palm, palmos, pda

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