iSync 1.5: How to set up a USB Palm OS device to sync with your computer

Note: This article applies to iSync 1.5 and Mac OS X 10.3.9 and earlier. If you are using iSync 2.x in Mac OS X 10.4 or later, see this article for instructions.

If you have a Palm OS-based device, you can use iSync to synchronize your computer's Address Book contacts and iCal calendar and To Do information with the contacts, calendar, and to do list on your Palm device through USB. Here's how to set this up.

If your Palm device uses Bluetooth, see this article for complete wireless syncing instructions.

Important: To avoid sync issues, you should only sync your Palm OS device with one computer. If you add the device to iSync on more than one computer, the information may not sync correctly.

Setting up your device to sync

To add your Palm OS device to iSync 1.5, follow these steps in this order:

1. Make sure that you have iCal 1.0.1 or later installed. You can download the latest iCal update from here.
2. Download and install Palm Desktop version 4.0 or later on your computer, which includes Palm HotSync software.
   
   Tip: After installing Palm Desktop, it's a good idea to sync your Palm OS device with HotSync at least once before adding your device to iSync. Why? Palm HotSync may need to install important updates and other items on your handheld device. You may also be asked to establish a user account to use with your Palm device, or relate to an existing one, the first time you sync.
   
   
3. Download and install iSync Palm Conduit for Palm HotSync.
4. Open HotSync Manager on your computer (find it in the Palm folder, which is probably in your Applications folder).
5. From the HotSync menu, choose Conduit Settings.
6. In the Conduit Settings window, double-click the iSync Conduit, then select the "Enable iSync for this Palm device" checkbox. This allows iSync to synchronize with your Palm Address Book, Date Book, and To Do information.
7. If you're using a Palm device that's localized for use with Japanese, select the "This is a Japanese Device" checkbox.
   Important: If you have a Japanese Palm OS device but do not select this checkbox, your information may become damaged or unusable.
8. Click OK, then quit HotSync.

The next time you open iSync, your Palm device should appear in the iSync window.

Syncing your device with iSync

To sync your Palm OS device with iSync, press the HotSync button on the Palm cradle, cable, or the device itself. Both HotSync and iSync should open during the synchronization.

Note: You must initiate the sync from the Palm device, or the device will be skipped during the iSync sync.

Tip: Some Sony Clié devices may require Missing Sync, a third-party application by Mark/Space, to work with HotSync. For more information, see the iSync Compatible Devices page.

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