Problems with G3 PowerMacs and others
Some Macintosh owners have run into some problems running their Desktop software because of the particular hardware model of their Macs. As time and the Macintosh has marched on, the software has been struggling to keep up with the more major changes in the Mac OS family. You may find that your newer Mac is having problems resolving the generation gap with the PalmPilot software. There are a few things you can do, however, to keep relations happy.

If you have one of those nifty new G3 Power Macintosh machines, you are probably the object of your friends' envy (including mine). They're really cool, but they aren't without their problems, either, as some of my friends tell me.

These problems include trying to perform a HotSync synchronization with your PalmPilot device. You might get a message that says something to the effect of, "The connection between your PalmPilot and the Desktop was lost," or, "The connection between your PalmPilot and the Desktop could not be established." G3 owners are not the only Mac users who might see these errors. If you have a Mac OS computer that uses the "Tanzania" type of motherboard, you are bound to get one of these errors as well. How do you know if you have one of these types of boards? Your manual and your computer's manufacturer probably won't make any reference to it, so don't bother checking those sources. You may have to do a little bit of research and ask other Mac enthusiasts. The following list identifies some of the Mac OS models that make use of this board design:

• Apple Computer: Performa 5400/6400, Power Macintosh 4400, PowerBook 3400, and G3 models

• APS: MPower (all models)

• Motorola: StarMax 3000/4000

• Power Computing: PowerBase 180/280

• UMAX: most models

This is not a definitive list, but if you don't see your machine listed here and you are having this sort of problem, it doesn't hurt to try the procedure below.

There is a simple workaround to this problem. First, go to the Apple menu and select HotSync from the Control Panels menu. Your HotSync control panel will appear, as shown in Figure A.

FIGURE A


Turn the HotSync Manager off, then fire it up right when you start your HotSync operation. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Find the section labeled HotSync Status. If your HotSync Manager is running, turn it off by clicking the Stop button. Now, place your PalmPilot device in your cradle and turn it on. Select the HotSync application, then select Local Sync. Your PalmPilot device will give you the typical HotSync status screen, starting with the message, "Connecting with the Desktop." With your HotSync control panel still open on your Mac, click the Start button to fire up the HotSync Manager. The HotSync process should now go smoothly. [We know this isn't a completely satisfactory solution. PalmPower will be watching this area closely. Visit the "PalmPower News Center" regularly for the latest news. --DG]