Page 131 Advanced HotSync® OperationsIR HotSync operationsYour handheld is equipped with an infrared (IR) port that supportsthe IrCOMM implementation of the standards for infraredcommunication established by the Infrared Data Association (IrDA).This means that not only can you beam data to another Palm OShandheld that’s equipped with an IR port, but you can also beam datato a cell phone and any other device that supports the IrCOMMimplementation of the IrDA standards.Most importantly, you can use the IR port to perform HotSyncoperations; you don’t need your HotSync cradle/cable. This isespecially useful if you travel with an infrared-enabled laptop. Yousimply enable infrared communication on your laptop and handheldand follow the steps in “Performing an IR HotSync operation” laterin this section.Preparing your computer forinfrared communicationBefore you can perform a HotSync operation using the IR port, thecomputer with which you want to synchronize must fulfill theserequirements:n Your computer must support the IrCOMM implementation of theIrDA standards.n Your computer must have an enabled infrared port that’s built intothe computer, or an enabled infrared device attached to thecomputer.Desktop computers are likely to require an infrared device attached toa physical COM port. Laptops are likely to have a built-in IR port, sono external device is necessary. Your computer must also have aninstalled infrared driver.Check your computer’s documentation to learn if the computersupports infrared communication. If your computer is a Macintosh G3or later, or uses Microsoft Windows 98 or later, infraredcommunication is built into the operating system. Some versions ofthe Apple iMac also have built-in infrared communication.The following procedure explains how to find out if your Windows 95computer has an infrared driver installed.
