I'm having a problem with activesync (connecting via USB)...

[fujiyama]

Anyone have a pocket pc? I got one recently. It's an older model but I wanted a cheap GPS system. It works for that.

The weird thing is though I just can't get it to work with USB. I can connect via infrared and serial (yuck!), but the USB just won't work.

The cradle has a connection for both. I've tried connecting an off brand cable as well (belkin) and I had the same problem. It just won't connect via USB (I keep getting the "unknow device" error).

Any ideas? I tested a different pocket pc and it synced fine via USB. That's why it's so weird.

[KitchenWitch]

1. Geez, I have the opposite problem with my Clie

Palm OS

I can connect via USB, but not via IR!

Sorry, I am not helpful...just blathering on!

[fujiyama]

2. No problem

what program does the clie use for syncing? Sony's use the Palm OS right? I doubt the program for syncing could be any more frustrating than activesync (kind of a hit or miss software - either works nicely or doesn't work at all). I'm kind of new to this PDA thing. It's kind of cool (GPS is very cool and tried some games and movies as well) and I can sync but serial is sloooooow.

BTW, try going to your bios and see if you have to enable the IR port. That's what I had to do with a laptop. It worked great after that.

[KitchenWitch]

4. It uses HotSync which is packaged with the OS

Yes, Sony used the Palm OS. HotSync works very well...I have no complaints.

I never thought about the bios being the problem....thank you for that!

:D

[SoCalDem]

3. I'd love to help you both, but

I don't have a clue what either of you is talking about :P

[fujiyama]

5. Thanks for the offer though

Pocket PCs are just PDAs (personal digital assistants) with a Microsoft operating system. Many can connect to a Global Positioning Satellite (those things which tell ya where you are based on a satellite), play movies, songs, and read eBooks. It's a cool little toy and I'm into gadgets (though I can't afford newer ones - I go for older models on eBay).

A USB is a univesal serial bus. Many new devices connect through it (like mice, digital cameras, scanners, printers, etc). Serial is an old connecting which just plain sucks (though I suppose I shouldn't diss it too much cuz it works) and IR is infrared (the same thing TV remotes use).

[pnorman]

6. No great expertise here but

you might consider uninstalling and reinstalling the ActiveSync. It may be a corrupted USB driver. Check the MS webpage and see if there is any discussion of Sync problems. While you're there, check for a later version to download.

I had a few earlier Pocket PCs, and it seems that intermittent synch problems were par for those damn Bill Gates imitations. I've gone through a succession of Palm OS devices (Sony 615C, Sony 665, and now Sony TH-55). They all worked like a charm. The VERY few times I had difficulties, were cured by simply rebooting.

I've never bothered using the IR connection, and generally have the IR shut off to conserve power. That may be the problem with the other CLIE owner.

pnorman