Handheld Usage Tips

This section of the manual explains some of the basic tools and commonly used items inherent to the PDA. Information on programs used explicity in our PDA system can be found in their relavant sections of the manual.

A. Start Menu

Most programs you should need can be launched from the start menu. Located in the upper left corner of the screen with a windows logo and the word “Start”. If a program you need is missing you can open the “Programs” section of the menu to locate it. If the program is something you frequently use you can modify the programs on the initial start menu.

1. Open “Start” > Settings > Menus

2. Scroll through the list adding a check to the program you want to add. You can also remove an infrequently used program to make your work faster, simply uncheck the box next to it. Note that the Dell Axim X5 has a limit to the maximum number of items on the Start menu, 10. Anything more will not show up on the menu. When installing new software you may need to remove an icon from the start menu to make room for the new program.

Optional – If you use common programs such as Contacts, Tasks, Notes, etc. you may activate the “New menu” which adds a shortcut to creating new entries in these formats. Click the “New Menu” tab and check the box to turn it on, then select object types you want to be able to create. After exiting this new menu will appear in the lower left corner.

3. When done click “ok” in the upper right corner

B. Switcher Bar

The Switcher bar is similar to the Task Manager in desktop versions of windows. It allows you to switch between active programs, close programs and monitor the power and brightness of your PDA. Note: This program is made by Dell for their own handhelds, if you have another brand of handheld you can download a similar program for free from the web. This program has not been tested nor is it currently supported by the RAP program.

To Activate the Switcher Bar

1. Open Start” > Settings > “System” tab

2. Look for an icon with up and down arrows called “Switcher Bar” and click on it.

3. An icon will appear in the top center of the screen on the windows bar. By clicking in the up/down icon here you can access all open programs. Please note that some programs continue to run in the background after closing unless you use this tool to quit them. When collecting field data it is recommended that you only run the necessary programs to optimize the PDA processor. (ie: Visual CE (a sqaure yellow icon), Oziexplorer(if using moving map display)

4. Pocket PC 2003 also has menu option for power and brightness, Pocket PC 2002 displays separate icons at the top of the screen for these. The options are fairly self explanatory and entirely up to user preferences, refer to the Dell Axim model if you are unsure of what a choice does.

C. Clock

Check the clock on a regular basis, you can often notice an incorrect time while in the database forms. Correct and note time errors ASAP. Correct time on the PDA is critical to the our system.

1. To Change the clock simply click on the clock icon (followed by the date) on the “desktop” aka “today” page, located just under the Start menu.

2. When down correcting the time and date click “ok”.

3. You will be prompted to Save Changes if you have made any. Click “Yes”