lefei
22nd March 2004, 11:02 AM
In my previous review (http://www.spug.net/reviews/rtrgpro.htm)of the TRGpro I mentioned that it was the best B&W Palm OS device. Not only does it maintain the Palm III form factor (making all accessories compatible) but comes with a Compact Flash slot and really nice speaker. With these features, you can carry all your data with you (although you have to move them to RAM or Flash to run 'em, a slight inconvenience for a great feature), and do backups on the go. In fact, my sister, a TRGpro user has never find the need to use the PC all the time she owned it!
The Best is now the Most Powerful
With the release of TRG's AutoCF software on 1st July 2000, TRGpro users can access almost unlimited files. The manual claims that it is limited to 256 files. If so, getting 256 x 5.2mb (the size of Noah's full dictionary), the figure is enormous - over 1,300 mb! However, I cannot seem to get more than 190 files (which is plenty) into the suggested subdirectory, "AutoCF". After draining 4 batteries off the TRGpro in as many days, I am ready to share some tips on how to upgrade without tears!
<CENTER> </CENTER>
Before using the AutoCF program, the TRG website provides easy-to-follow steps to upgrade the Palm OS to 3.5.1, an upgrade that also fixes the DRAM problem. Next, install the two AutoCF files and you are on you way!
The icons that are in your CF will have a special bullet in front, very helpful indeed. All programs will run as usual. There is no noticeable lag in speed. The only restriction (like flash memory) is that it is a read-only deal, so databases that needs updating should be on RAM.
Tips
I experimented with a 64mb CF and a 16mb CF and ended up with the 16mb CF as it is as much memory as I care for anyhow. Also it stands to reason that the bigger the CF, the more work the OS has to do and the slower the speed (not to mention extra battery drain). When setting the configuration, you are well advised to tick both options. The first option is to disable AutoCF on Hotsync. If you don't, it will take ages each time you do, as all the CF will be backed up. It is even more important to disable AutoCF after a reset. Leave this unchecked and you will be cursing and swearing at all the hang-ups on your Palm. Check this, and after a reset, check the enable box on the bottom. Take it from a guy who learnt it the hard way. By the way, it will take a few seconds (or more, depending how large your CF is) for it to load the CF. It does this only once after a reset, so that's no bother. Otherwise speed is the same. Backing up on the CF is superfast - many times faster than flash memory.
With AutoCF installed, I now use less than 3mb of the 8mb on the TRGpro as everything (except data bases) are on the CF. It's nice, but the AutoCF directory is miles long! Although it is easy to search for a file (write the first letter on the screen), I rather like the idea of seeing all my programs and tapping on it.
Well, the solution? Home! Home is my first review for SPUG and it's still my favorite launcher as it is so customable! Notice that I have the main page on big icons and then the games menu on small names list. Home allows you to make as many pages as you want. With it as your default launcher, accessing programs is a breeze.
Who would have imagined that on the tiny Palm, I am carrying 5 versions of Bible, commentaries, devotionals, dictionaries and every thing but the kitchen sink. Life just doesn't get any better than this!
Review by Henry Kong (henrynat@magix.com.sg)
</FONT>7 July, 2000
The Best is now the Most Powerful
With the release of TRG's AutoCF software on 1st July 2000, TRGpro users can access almost unlimited files. The manual claims that it is limited to 256 files. If so, getting 256 x 5.2mb (the size of Noah's full dictionary), the figure is enormous - over 1,300 mb! However, I cannot seem to get more than 190 files (which is plenty) into the suggested subdirectory, "AutoCF". After draining 4 batteries off the TRGpro in as many days, I am ready to share some tips on how to upgrade without tears!
<CENTER> </CENTER>
Before using the AutoCF program, the TRG website provides easy-to-follow steps to upgrade the Palm OS to 3.5.1, an upgrade that also fixes the DRAM problem. Next, install the two AutoCF files and you are on you way!
The icons that are in your CF will have a special bullet in front, very helpful indeed. All programs will run as usual. There is no noticeable lag in speed. The only restriction (like flash memory) is that it is a read-only deal, so databases that needs updating should be on RAM.
Tips
I experimented with a 64mb CF and a 16mb CF and ended up with the 16mb CF as it is as much memory as I care for anyhow. Also it stands to reason that the bigger the CF, the more work the OS has to do and the slower the speed (not to mention extra battery drain). When setting the configuration, you are well advised to tick both options. The first option is to disable AutoCF on Hotsync. If you don't, it will take ages each time you do, as all the CF will be backed up. It is even more important to disable AutoCF after a reset. Leave this unchecked and you will be cursing and swearing at all the hang-ups on your Palm. Check this, and after a reset, check the enable box on the bottom. Take it from a guy who learnt it the hard way. By the way, it will take a few seconds (or more, depending how large your CF is) for it to load the CF. It does this only once after a reset, so that's no bother. Otherwise speed is the same. Backing up on the CF is superfast - many times faster than flash memory.
With AutoCF installed, I now use less than 3mb of the 8mb on the TRGpro as everything (except data bases) are on the CF. It's nice, but the AutoCF directory is miles long! Although it is easy to search for a file (write the first letter on the screen), I rather like the idea of seeing all my programs and tapping on it.
Well, the solution? Home! Home is my first review for SPUG and it's still my favorite launcher as it is so customable! Notice that I have the main page on big icons and then the games menu on small names list. Home allows you to make as many pages as you want. With it as your default launcher, accessing programs is a breeze.
Who would have imagined that on the tiny Palm, I am carrying 5 versions of Bible, commentaries, devotionals, dictionaries and every thing but the kitchen sink. Life just doesn't get any better than this!
Review by Henry Kong (henrynat@magix.com.sg)
</FONT>7 July, 2000