Open questions
So what happens if you use a Handspring Visor and the rest of your co-workers use Palm handhelds? I've been unable to HotSync both a Palm and a Visor to the same HotSync Manager, either directly or over the network. I suspect this incompatibility extends to the other Palm OS licensees. If you know of a solution, I would love to hear it.

Unfortunately, I don't have a Macintosh at my disposal right now. I was unable to test the configuration and operation to determine whether it's the same on both platforms. I would also be interested in knowing whether you can HotSync from a Macintosh secondary to a Windows primary and vice versa.

Variations on a theme
Palm offers a number of variations on the recipe I've provided. They accommodate synchronizing over a WAN, through modem dial-up over a WAN, and through direct modem dial-up to the primary computer. For modem connections, you can specify on the Palm OS side the applications you want to synchronize.

I've also heard that the Xircom 802.11b Wireless Cradle offers the ability to HotSync directly to your primary computer over a wireless network. One of the promises of the Palm Bluetooth technology recently released to development is the ability to synchronize Palm OS data to other Bluetooth devices like your cell phone. With a Bluetooth access point, I would assume you could HotSync directly with your computer via Bluetooth, as well. I also understand that you can HotSync over your wireless connection with a Palm VII or Palm i705.

Regardless, ubiquitous network access, especially wireless, will only make Network HotSync and LANSync technology more relevant in our personal and professional lives.

Stephen Vance is a Contributing Editor for PalmPower Magazine and PalmPower's Enterprise Edition. His Web site is located at http://www.vance.com. He can be reached at steve@vance.com.