====== Getting Started with Palm PDA's in Modern Times ======

===== 1. Choose a device =====
**A. Where to find?**

Shop on ebay or scout your local op-shop. Or post in one of the [[#getting_involved_in_the_community|community groups]] below and people will happily sell you one ready to go.

**B. How to choose? Which Palm is best?**

This depends on what you want to do with the device, and what kind of experience you want to have.
**Connection type**: Devices typically require a cable to connect to a computer. If you buy an older device it will likely have a serial connection, and you should buy a serial-to-USB adapter. If you buy a more recent device (2002-2007) it will likely have a USB connection, which can make things a bit easier.  

Software Version: Many apps will run on a broad range of system versions, commonly OS 3.5 and later. Other apps may require later versions to run, like Palm OS 4, Palm OS 5 or greater. Updates were not available for all devices. OS 5 devices were only 


===== 2. Fixing a dead device =====
Common issues
  * Dead lithium ion battery
    * Finding replacements
  * Leaked AAA batteries
  * Dead supercap
  * Digitiser Drift
    * Glass upgrades
===== 3. Syncing with computer =====

  - Install the latest version of [[https://palmdb.net/palm-desktop-software/|Palm Desktop]] for your Operating System
  - For Windows 10, you will need to install the [[https://palmdb.net/aceeca-usb-drivers/|Acceeca USB drivers]] too.

  * [[https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Palm_OS_Guide/Getting_Started|Linux user tips]]
===== 4. Finding software =====
The best and easiest place to  find Palm OS software is [[https://palmdb.net|PalmDB]]. Volunteers have been collecting old Palm software, and many apps and games can be found on there even when the developers websites have long gone away. 
Looking for a classic Palm OS game to start with? Why not try [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bike_or_Die!|Bike or Die]] (download [[https://palmdb.net/bike-or-die/|here]]), or [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warfare_Incorporated|Warfare Incorporated]] (download [[https://palmdb.net/warfare-incorporated/|here]])!

===== 5. Getting involved in the community =====
We have an active community with a passion for all things Palm OS and PDA's. You can join us in several places:
  * [[https://discord.gg/bxWkhu|PalmDB Discord Live Chat]]
  * [[https://reddit.com/r/palm|Reddit /r/palm]]
  * [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/palmosusers/|Facebook Palm OS Users Group]]