04/12/2002 - So many of you have asked my how to connect a GPS to the Casio that I created a web page to detail this process (for the E-1xx AND E-200 series Casio's). You can check it out by my Casio E-200 page at HERE. Please read this before sending me any questions! I will defer all (basic) questions about Casio/GPS hookup to this web page.
04/12/2002 - A lot of people have asked if I have any of my E-125 accessories left. I do not, I sold them in a package deal along with the E-125.
01/22/2002 - Hey Casio fans. I've officially sold my trusty Casio E-125. I recently bought a PlayStation2 (not really into gaming anymore these days, but after trying this and Grand Theft Auto 3 out, I had to have it... STRESS RELIEF), and had to compensate for it by getting rid of another tech toy. And the first to go is something laying around gathering dust :). I was going to place it up for sale here on the site for you guys, but one of my friends bought it first. I didn't think it'd go so quick. Welp, it's been fun! Of course, I'll still keep this page up, but I won't be posting anything new to it. And also, check on my Casio E-200 page from time to time for more PocketPC related info! Thank you all for visiting this page!
12/19/2001 - Welp, I've officially retired my trusty E-125. Unless something happens to my new E-200 (it breaks, gets stolen, etc...), my E-125 is on eternal vacation :). It deserves it after all the hell I put it through...! I don't think I'm going to sell it, I'd rather have it handy in case I need a hot standby. However, I do have my old SprintPCS TouchPoint 100 and Socket DPC card for this phone that I'm willing to sell for $100. The phone works, but it's in a bruised condition (been dropped MANY MANY MANY times). The combo works, too, but Sprint is only 14.4K, so it's VERY slow. If you're willing to pay this, let me know!
12/03/2001 - I've noticed that on the new Casio E-200 the Media Player is now capable of playing video streamed (even wirelessly!). However, I can't do this with the E-125. The MS page for Media Player 7.1 says that I should be able to do this. In any case, I've read around, and found that only the Windows Media Player Technology Preview 2 can do this. I'm very interested in doing this, but I can no longer find the download on the MS site. Do any of you have this for the E-125??? Can you e-mail it to me??.
12/03/2001 - I've removed the CEGlobe icon from some of these pages. For some reason, it's asking for a login. What's up with THAT? Sorry if this confused anyone! Please note that this site DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY TYPE OF LOGIN! I want you to get info, not to try and remember yet another damned login name and password ;)
11/29/2001 - The wait is over. Check out my new Casio E-200 page!!!
11/28/2001 - The new Casio E-200s are shipping! WOO HOO! I should be receiving mine tomorrow. I CAN'T WAIT! Don't fret, I will be starting a new, separate, page for my E-200 coverage!!!
11/19/2001 - I've got a new e-mail address: joe@joethielen.com!
11/07/2001 - Installed ScreenSnap 4.0 by DeveloperOne today. After using it for a few minutes, I like it. It does it's job... it takes a picture of the screen, basically. Pretty neat for demoing a product via pictures. I was able to download it for free from from www.CEWindows.net. Added it to my Software Page.
11/07/2001 - I'm *ANXIOUSLY* awaiting the arrival of the E-200 :).
10/23/2001 - One aspect of the E-200 I neglicted to mention on 10/4 was that the unit will now support expansion packs, a la iPaq style. Casio is calling them 'sleds'. Cool. So, I was happy about having TWO expansion slots, you can actually have THREE! 1x CF, 1x SD, and 1x PCMCIA (via the expansion sled). I'm also told the PCMCIA sled will have a BATTERY in it, to increase the life of the unit! Killer! I love it already, and I don't even have one!!! I want one bad ;).
10/23/2001 - SIMCITY2000 IS HERE FOR THE POCKETPC! Woo Hoo!! I've loved this game since the original, but don't always have the time for it. I've got SimCity 2000 for the PlayStation, but it's horribly slow (PlayStation, Slow??? Eh?). When I got this baby, loaded, IT'S FAST. It's so fast, that if you have it running in "African Swallow" mode, and you loose a power plant, then your entire city will move out in minutes. Holy crap dude! It seems to be pretty faithful to the PC version, EXCEPT FOR THE $1 MILLION DOLLAR CHEAT CODE. It didn't work. ARG. I want that :). I can't help it, I'm lame... I wanna build a BIG CITY without having to bother to make money *grin*. In any case, you can find SimCity 2000 here! It's $29.95. While many are saying this price is high, I think having this game combined with the pure mobility of the PocketPC (And Casio E-125 in particular) is quite handy :). I've added this to my Casio Software page.
10/23/2001 - I get so busy that at times I forget to keep this page updated. I've been playing CECraft Pinball: Young Paladin for quite some time now. But I forgot to post this to the site! Oops! It's another $29.95 game, but I think it's a lot of fun. And the graphics and sounds are pretty cool, as well. The game has some bugs, but CECraft has already released an update (for FREE!), and may release more, so that's a good thing. I've also added this to my Casio Software page.
10/12/2001 - AUTO-POWER OFF SOLUTION! OK all, I've figured out how to get the PocketPC to shut off EVEN WITH THE ZCom/D-Link card insertted (this may work with other networking gear, also, that stops the unit from automatically powering off)! You will need the Symbol driver for the Wireless Networker 802.11b CF card (hopefully you can find someone with this driver). Install that driver to your PocketPC. After installation, go to the \Windows directory. Then find the program 'NICTT'. Tap on it to run it. It will apparently do nothing, however it will load a memory-resident driver. Go to the 'Today' screen. In the bottom right-hand corner, you should see a new icon with some red in it (to indicate that the driver cannot find the Symbol card). Tap on that icon to run it. This should start the Symbol utilities (very nice). Go to the 'Options' tab, and enable the auto-poweroff (suspend) feature. Tap on 'Apply' and then perform a soft-reset on your PocketPC. Viola! Your PocketPC will now follow the settings in your 'Power' preferences! KILLER!!! PLEASE NOTE: Even though you may be downloading or uploading something, if it takes longer than your settings, your unit will auto-power off if you don't tap the screen occasionally! However, I'm able to live with this, compared to finding my Casio E-125 dead in the morning because it was on all night long... If you have any problems, e-mail me!!!
10/10/2001 - Hey all ZCom/D-Link 802.11b CF card users. I've got a great tip for you (if you're resourceful enough)!!! I know I hate it when my Casio doesn't automatically shut off after x minutes of inactivity because of the network card in there. However, after taking my ZCom out, installing the Symbol Wireless Networker, telling the Symbol driver to enable suspend, then putting my ZCom card back in, it now works! With my ZCom card in there, my Casio will now suspend properly. This is awesome! And will save TONS of battery life, I'm sure!
10/09/2001 - Another exciting day! I just received not one, but TWO Symbol Networker 802.11b CF cards in the mail today. Too bad they're not for me :). They're for two people I work with (we have 4 Casio E-125's where we work, 3/4 are now wireless!). In any case, I got to check them out and play with them. My first impression: "THIS CARD RULES". It's so much smaller than my ZCom XI800. And it's moer powerful, too! At work we have solid concrete walls, and my XI800 gets good distance, but this Symbol card gets EVEN MORE distance! I love it. It comes many of the same utilites the XI800 comes with, but they're nicer. The signal graph is GREAT (it shows a history, and you can walk around and visually see the weak spots as 'dents' in the graph). It also has a ping utility which is VERY COOL, a lot of options. And the size! It's so small! Also, this is a Type I CF card, which is smaller than the Type II XI800 card. Check out my Accessories Page. I've got three pics there... one of the Networker and two of it next to my XI800 (one from the front, and one from the bottom, so you can the difference between Type I and Type II cards). That's my $0.02! All-in-all, I love it. But these cards aren't mine, so I'll still be using my XI800. No major complaints about the XI800 at this point, it's still working, and what it does it does good. Maybe if I come up on some extra $$$ I'll get a Symbol card :). It's definately a 21st century product! My company got the cards at Insight Direct for $150 each!!! 2-Day shipping was only $10!
10/04/2001 - I know it's been awhile! BUT TODAY IS AN EXCITING DAY! Today is the PocketPC 2002 launch day. It's exciting for me because the CASIO E-200 HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED! Check out PocketPCThoughts for more info! They have a picture of the E-200 here and have a press release w/specs here (it is an MS WORD document, but I was able to read it with StarOffice on Linux). (Both image and document courtesy of Jason Dunn at PocketPCThoughts). Check them out! Here is my take on the E-200... I'll start with what I DON'T like about the unit... first off, they placed the joypad in the middle. As any Nintendo generation boy/girl will tell you, this just does not work for games :). Also, the unit comes with a 206Mhz processor. This is the same speed as the first-generation iPaq. While it's an improvement over the 150Mhz processor, it's not like a revolutionary step or anything. However, I'll credit the XScale problems with the delay... :(. In any case, ths processor is also a StrongARM... NOT A MIPS4000 (like the E-125). This means that all the programs you downloaded for the MIPS won't work anymore. You'll have to get new copies for the StrongARM (most software (if not all) will have a StrongARM port because that's what the iPaq uses, and obviously they've got a larger market share than the E-125 (not saying that's a good thing....)). However, they were forced to do that because MS is forcing a single architecture on all the manufacturers. Oh well. But the good news is that the StrongARM is supposed to be VERY power efficient. We'll see! Now, the display has also changed. They say it's smaller. The E-125 is 3.8 inches diag., the E-200 is 3.5. I don't know if this'll matter, but we'll see. The biggest display difference is it's a different type of LCD display. It's now more like the iPaqs. This is bad and good. It's bad because the E-125 display is BEAUTIFUL. AWESOME color. It's good because it will now be useable outdoors. I, personally, am willing to make this trade-off. There have been times (while GeoCaching, driving, etc..) when the display was just unreadable at crucial times outdoors in sunlight. And it drove me nuts. A beautiful display is useless unless you can see it! So with that, there are pros and cons, but again, I'm willing to trade-off. Now on to the good stuff! More RAM! 64MB now. I'l personally like to see 128MB standard, but 64MB will do for program memory. This is definately a GOOD thing. Also, the E-200 will have 32MB of FLASH-ROM! Cool! This means when the next version of PocketPC comes out, the E-200 will be upgradable. Very good news. However, we'll see if the next version 'spills' over like PocketPC2002 does with the 16MB FlashROM iPaqs... Also, and what I'm personally MOST exicited about, is the dual expansion cards! The E-200 has a built-in CompactFlash (CF) AND SecureDigital (SD) slot! This is GREAT NEWS. The problem I have now is that I keep swapping my ZCom XI800 802.11b CF card and 128MB memory CF card. However, with the E-200, I will be able to keep my 802.11b card in there nearly permanently (except for when I need to use the Camera or cell phone adapter), and I can buy an additional SD memory card. Between the 64MB on-board RAM and a 128MB or 256MB SD card, this will be AWESOME. And they can stay in there without the need to swap! This is *GREAT* news. ALSO, it's reported that the Casio E-200 will be able to use USB devices! Like keyboards, cameras, etc... this is *VERY* cool. I only hope the manufacturers will start developing device drivers for the PocketPC more and more. I'm sure (or, I hope) that PocketPC2002 has a number of drivers built-in (for mice, keyboards, etc...) but we'll see. Phew, did I cover it all? THE PRICE is being reported at $600 with the unit being available sometime in November (or December?). I read that they will start mass producing them in November, so who knows when we'll be able to get them! Any more developments, and I will try and let you know!!!
10/04/2001 - Since I'm updating this page, I should point out that I've been trying out some games. I downloaded Chopper Alley yesterday. While the graphics are AWESOME, I think the gameplay sucks. The thing I *really* don't like about it is that you cannot pitch the aircraft, slant it up or down while moving (I think pitch is the correct term for this). A real helicopter tilts up or down to move forward or backward. In the game, you stay perfectly horizontal, and that drives me nuts. It's very hard to shoot at ground objects. If they fixed that (which is probably VERY hard to do), I'd consider it... but not at this time. Also, yesterday on PocketPCThoughts I saw another game, Street Skater (thanks to PocketPCThoughts for the link). If it's anything like the old 720 for Nintendo, I'd be all over it. However, they don't have a 'TRIAL' download... you have to buy it. I don't want to buy it first, then try it! If anyone has played with this game, can you let me know what it's like? Is it like 720 where you have lots of things to jump around on? Or is it just like the picture, you can only jump over trash cans and stuff? I WANT TO KNOW! :) Last, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST -- SIMCITY! They are porting SimCity 2000 to the PocketPC! Holy crap! That's gonna be awesome! The interview (again thanks to PocketPCThoughts for the link) with the code porter is awesome, also check out the screenshots... THEY'RE AWESOME!!! This game is supposed to be out sometime this month. We'll see!!!
09/06/2001 - Over at www.pocketpcthoughts.com you can find cool article which displays the new PocketPC OS upgrade code-named: Merlin, a.k.a. PocketPC 2002. PLEASE NOTE that PocketPC 2002 is based on Windows CE 3.0, the SAME OS used in the current PocketPCs (including the Casio E-125). It's just an upgrade. I was very skeptical at first, after seeing Jason's visual walk-through, it does definately look like this upgrade is worth something. If you need better network connectivity (I DO! I DO!), then this upgrade looks totally awesome! I have NO IDEA if Casio will be offering an update for the E-125. Most likely, if they do offer it, you'll have to mail your Casio in and have them replace the ROM to get it to work. The Casio E-125 does not have a "Flash-ROM", so you can't just download the upgrade and expect it to work :(. Oh well. I will definately let you know if I can get an answer about this! I will try and e-mail some people to get some info!
09/04/2001 - I'll be at the Networld+Interop next week, 9/11-9/13. Hope to see you there!!! I'll be wearing my ScotteVest (if it's not too hot!), too.
09/04/2001 - I saw a posting about a new "TV/VCR Remote Control" program. They even had a build for the Casio, cool! However, IT DOESN'T WORK. I tried it on several devices. I just couldn't get it to work. SHEESH! This would be a VALUABLE item if someone could get this to work for the Casio!!!
08/28/2001 - I've changed a couple of the links on my Links page. I've changed www.dalecoffing.com to www.pocketpcpassion.com. I've also changed the link of Greg's IPAQ software site to www.ipaqsoft.net. Still a very good site! Some things are iPaq specific, but many of them work on the E-125, too!
08/28/2001 - I've added some links to my Software page.
I've added the AOL Instant Messenger 2.0 for PocketPCs, FTPView, & XAudio. I've moved
PE FTP to the "Problems" section because it's not actually FREE! (You have
to buy it after a reigstration period). FTPView is free, and it works
just as well, if not better! These are utilities I've been playing with
since I've got my 802.11b wireless adapter!!!
08/20/2001 - I've added the
Casio E-125 FAQ
to my Links page.
08/20/2001 - WOW! Best Buy is now offering $100 off of all PocketPCs this week!!! WOW! The Casio E-125 is only $299! WOW!
08/20/2001 - Wireless [almost] a week later. Welp, it still works, and
it works VERY well. I'm extremely impressed with it! It's a first generation
CF unit, but as far as I can tell, it uses the same 'Prism II' chipset that
the low-end PCMCIA 802.11b cards use (Linksys, D-Link, SMC, etc...). At
home & work I am now able to control my MP3 server, chat via AOL IM, do
e-mail, surf the web, and interface with my Phantom Home Automation System!
WOW! At first I had problems with Internet access, because I use the
SOCKS5
proxy server for Linux. The AOL IM supports this, but Pocket IE does not.
However, the other day I configured the
Apache Web Server to act
as a proxy server, and Viola! It worked. Pocket IE supports HTTP proxying!
Also, at home I was able to configure my Linux machine to automatically dial
into my ISP and initiate an Internet connection. At home I typically only
use my Win98 machine with DirecPC satellite Internet access. However, I
wanted to get this working bad, so dial-up was my only option, as there
aren't any *affordable* Linux DirecPC drivers that I know of right now.
So now I can get on the Internet with my PocketPC from home or work!!
I love it! And at home, I can use my PocketPC to tell the Linux machine
to dial-up. And when I'm done, I can use the PocketPC to tell the Linux
machine to close the connection... it's awesome! I can be anywhere
I get a wireless signal at home, and get on the net! It's way too cool.
Sometime here I'm gonna post my 'XMMS-Control' PHP/web interface
for the XMMS MP3 player for Linux. This is what I'm using to control
my MP3 server here at home and work. I know a lot of you would probably
*love* this functionality :). I know I do!!! I'm gonna give it to ya baby!
08/14/2001 - I am the happiest E-125 user on the planet right now :).
I've got my Zcom XI800 CF 802.11b wireless card installed and working!!!
Arrived pretty quick, too! I ordered on Friday via UPS ground, and it
came today (Casio has a warehouse in Chicago, and I'm in Toledo, not too
far). It's got its pros and cons, but all-in-all, I'm ESTATIC with
my card! And at $149.99, I really can't complain! If you've been waiting,
like me, then I'd recommend this card for you!!! For pictures, check out
my Accessories section.
Pros
FAST! At work I was able to use the AOL Instant Messenger
for PocketPCs and chat on-line in real time! The person I was
chatting with couldn't believe that I was chatting using the Casio.
ActiveSync via the network seems pretty fast, too!
PORTABLE! Take it with you baby! Walk outside and control
your MP3 server :). I can also use my Phantom
Linux software to control the lights in my basement! I can sit in
my pool and control what music is playing! A real plus is the
antenna. With a laptop PCMCIA card, the antenna is a decent size,
but it's flat. Not the best receptor. However, using the Casio
held up straight, the antenna is more effective!
Cons
BATTERY CONSUMPTION. This thing is going to suck some juice,
no way around it. I haven't had time to do a test to see how much
time it shaves off the operating life, but as I use it more, I
certainly will!!!
MAKES CASIO LARGER. Doesn't fit in my E&B case anymore :(. The
antenna sticks out. I'm going to have to hack my case so I can still
use it on my belt-clip, but keep the LCD cover on there... also, the
CF card sticks out 1/8" before the antenna on the top of the Casio.
The large plastic antenna isn't flush with the top of the Casio.
This just bugs me asthetically, but functionally it shouldn't
matter.
TAKES THE PLACE OF MY 128MB CF CARD. Can't keep it in
there anymore :(.
Again, a HUGE thank you to Brad Schael for letting me know about this!!!
08/10/2001 - OK, I've gotten permission to post this message from Brad Schael <bschael@casio.com>:
Joe- was reading your post on your web site and saw your interest in the
802.11b card. We currently have in stock a Zcomax CF 802.11b card. You can
contact Helga Malson at 973-361-5400 to order. Additionally, if battery
life is a concern, we typically recommend our EG 800- standard battery is
rated at 8 hours continuous usage and the large battery will give you up to
13 hours. The 400 Mhz machines should be out next summer- there have been
delays in chip production. Additionally, we do carry a PPC with an internal
802.11b wireless card- it is a little pricey and generally driven toward the
Enterprise market. Casio is committed to expanding wireless capabilities
and you will see new offerings from us beginning in 2002.
Brad
Bradley Schael
Mobile Information Products
Regional Sales Manager
610-530-1558
908-619-2255 mobile
www.casio4business.com
Casio, Inc.
the unexpected extra
Thanks Brad!!! If you've been dying for one of these like me, jump on this! Also, thanks to all of you that have e-mailed me with links & info on the other wireless CF cards coming out, I love ya!
08/10/2001 - MY WAIT IS ALMOST OVER FOR 802.11B BABY! I received an e-mail last night indicating that someone had a Zcomax 802.11b CF 802.11b wireless card IN-STOCK and ready to sell. I'm there baby! I know I've been holding out for the Symbol card, but hey, I gotta have it! We'll see how it works. It should be shipping today, and I'm supposed to have it next Wed 8/15 (hopefully)!!! I'm awaiting confirmation from the author to post the info so you guys can get dibs on it, too :). I will post more when I know more!!!
07/23/2001 - Hey all! Long time no post, eh??? I still use my Casio E-125 TONS! I've received A LOT of e-mail from you guys, thanks for the comments! I haven't used much new software or hardware lately, I've been pretty happy. Prices on memory are sure dropping. I saw an ad the other week for a 256MB CF memory card for like $150! WOW!!! I've still got my 128MB card, though :). I'm REALLY counting the days until a CF 802.11b Wi-Fi networking card is available. I've been playing with Wi-Fi stuff lately at work and at home. I've been using it on my laptop, and I think it's great!!! Now I need a longer-lasting battery so I can really go wireless for more than 30 mins (my battery sucks!). It's great for music and home automation stuff. In any case, I'd LOVE to get the wireless card for my Casio, so I can use it for SOOO many things... Instant Internet Access anywhere I get Wi-Fi coverage (all parts of my house, garage, and pool!!!), home automation, MP3s, etc... I can't wait!!! :). You know, I see a lot of companies out there (NEC, Toshiba, etc..) coming out with new PocketPCs, but they all have the same stats... <210Mhz processor, 32MB of RAM, etc... what the hell is the problem? Why not 128MB of internal RAM, built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi, 400Mhz Crusoe, etc...??? WHERE ARE THEY??? I know Symbol has a device with a built-in 802.11b, but it's more for warehouses and stuff (with bar code scanner, etc...). If these companies want to get ahead, they should BEAT the current products... NOT simply match them!!! Arg! :)
05/24/2001 - I was playing around with some network/Internet utilities yesterday, and found two that are worth mentioning: HtmlEdit and PE FTP Explorer. HtmlEdit is not really a network utility, but it does allow you to edit HTML files... something that the PocketPC lacks. It's nothing more than a text editor, but it does the job! PE FTP Explorer is a great shareware FTP utility! It looks like a file explorer, and allows you to cut-and-paste files between hosts. It takes a little while to get used to, but again, it does the job! I've added both of these programs to my Software page.
05/23/2001 - I've FINALLY got my Landware GoType keyboard & accessory case!!! I ordered this thing at the same time I ordered my GoType keyboard, and it JUST NOW GOT HERE. They've been on back order. In any case, I think it's a really nice case, but it's got ONE MAJOR PROBLEM. It's intended to hold your PDA (Casio, in this case), the Landware GoType keyboard, and some accessories. However, I found that if I place my Casio in there, when I take it out, I get this really freaky, psychedelic, pattern on my Casio LCD. I'm scared to death that eventually this will result in a cracked display or something. I can't figure out why it does this. The front pockets on the case are EXTREMELY sturdy. But they are also EXTREMELY tight. I will not be placing my Casio directly in the case. I probably wouldn't anyway, because I've got my E&B case, which is still holding up nicely. The Landware case is sill extremely nice, because now I've got TWO front pockets to place all my other accessories in!!! Socket Cell phone adapter, extra battery, 32MB CF memory card, Casio CF digital camera, etc... lot's of stuff to haul around! In any case (sic), check out my Accessories page for more info (and pictures) of the Landware GoType keyboard/PDA/accessory case!
05/14/2001 - OK ladies and gentlemen... the race to wireless is on! Last week I read about an AWESOME new CF card -- 802.11b wireless ethernet! It's supposed to "Hit the streets" in August or so. The SMRP is listed at $250, but street price rumors range from $150 to $200. Killer! The CF card is made by Symbol Technologies. You can find the Symbol Press Release HERE. You can find a review here. Looks great! I know that, for me at least, this is like the last link in the 'great chain'. With this I can now be able to do some AWESOME home automation type stuff! It looks like it's getting better!!! OK, now for BLUETOOTH stuff. From what I've read, bluetooth is just bombing out. I haven't read anything POSITIVE about WORKING PRODUCTS lately. However, I have seen TWO companies that seem to think they can market a REAL CF bluetooth card. BrainBoxes (UK) and Taxan/Kaga (Japan). The BrainBox Entry looks like it's a finished product. But I can't seem to find a place to BUY the damned thing. Not that I would buy it at this point. Only when I can see a Casio DEMONSTRATED to work WIRELESSLY with a cell phone (for internet access) and a GPS, will I buy a CF Bluetooth card, cell phone, and GPS :) It's been a long journey, but it looks like we're getting there baby!
05/09/2001 - I've added a link to http://www.geocities.com/pocketpcsite/ to my Links Page. This is a German PocketPC site (Yes, most of the text is in German).
05/09/2001 - It's been a while since I've posted! I've not much to post lately. My Casio is working GREAT for me. I've been in e-mail contact with a few of you lately, and I like it! I like to help people out (if I can!). And I'm glad that you all are enjoying your Casio's!
04/24/2001 - Hey all. Site reader Cliff Wener e-mailed me today regarding his Iomega 340MB CF microdrive. I knew there was a 340MB microdrive, but I had heard it got real hot, and was a battery HOG. However, Cliff says he's been "using it intensively for about a month with no hassels"! He says he bought it for $250 from CompUSA on a special! Wow! Sounds like an awesome accessory to ME :). This is the Iomega model, so maybe they've improved over the original IBM microdrive. In any case, if you're looking for MORE SPACE, and were also worried about heat and battery performance, then check out the Iomega 340MB drive. I know the 1GB is out, but I think right now it's still a bit cost prohibitive... for me, at least :)
04/19/2001 - I've added The Gadgeteer and Jimmy Software to my Links page. Both are well worth places on the page!!! Check them out!
04/18/2001 - Hey all! Jimmy Software has release JSLandscape 2.0! You can now bump up the resolution of your Casio to VGA -- 480x640 (in portrait mode) or 640x480 (in Landscape mode). This is awesome! Now, again, a warning... text is pretty much unreadable at this resolution on such a small screen (and due to the way they make this resolution possible), but for viewing pictures and/or maps (for GPS, etc...) I love it!!!
04/18/2001 - Well this sucks. The other day I got *REAL* excited because I saw this website that is NOW upgrading iPaqs to 64MB. They asked Casio owners (E-125 & EM-500) to send them e-mail so they could gauge interest in doing this for the Casio. I sent them an e-mail. However, when I went to their website this morning, they've got a message stating that due to a technical problem, they currently can't upgrade the E-125 to 64MB :(. I was *really* looking forward to having my E-125 upgraded to 64MB of internal RAM. It'd mean I wouldn't have to religiously keep my 128MB card in there all the time (and therefore make battery life a little longer.. this is VERY important when you're GeoCaching, and you're in a large forest, and need a topographic map, and you're battery goes out :) ). It would also mean I could use my accessory cards more often (i.e. my digital camera and Socket CF adapter for my cell phone connection.. and coming soon! 802.11b wireless!!!). Well, I'm sure we'll get there sometime. Just have to be patient :).
04/11/2001 - As promised a while ago, I've finally gotten around to re-formatting my Casio pages! This main page now contains only the Table Of Contents and Updates sections. The rest of the sections have been segregated into individual pages. This should make for faster loading. I'm not sure what impact on navigation it will have, since that's an individual thing. If you like the new format, please let me know! If you don't, let me know as well!!!
04/09/2001 - Aaron Roth from Arkon Resources send me an e-mail displaying some of their products for PDA's, including universal PDA mounts for automotive use. The pics he sent me displayed an E-125, and looked pretty cool! I have not used their products, but they look great (better than what I'm using--cheapie $10 cell phone holder with plastic tie strips to hold my E-125 ;) ). I like the model that can hold a cell phone AND a PDA (HINT HINT ;-) ). In any case, check 'em out!
03/22/2001 - I've downloaded and started playing with JS Landscape 2.0 Beta. It rules! It can bump up your screens resolution, THROUGH SOFTWARE TECHNIQUES, to 360x480! Holy shit! I love it! Now, it's not for use with ALL software. Newer PocketPC software is designed for that screen, and will only take up a tiny bit of space if you take the resolution all the way up. And I don't recommend it for ANY application for which you need to view text. However, for GPS and graphical applications, it simply kicks ass! Being able to display more of a map on the screen at once is GREAT!!! And it's also very cool for using Pocket Internet Explorer! Definately something to check out!
03/12/2001 - Added Magellan GPS315 GPS Receiver to accessories section.
03/12/2001 - Added Ozi Explorer to the software section.
03/12/2001 - I've been playing all weekend with some new GPS software called Ozi Explorer (it's made in the land of Oz :) ). I love it! It's in color, and does a LOT OF STUFF. There are two parts to the software, the Desktop software, and the CE software (which works AWESOME on my E-125!). The packages are available as shareware, but with very limited functionality. I ended up buying both packages on-line for $100 total. When you register, you do it through a shareware registration service which then notify's the software's author(s). However, Australia is on the other side of the planet, so it may take a day :) (I registered Saturday, and got the reg codes on Sunday morning). Using the desktop software you can import maps from images (like .TIF, .JPG, etc...), and even import maps from scanned images! It's great! With this program, you can use the United States Geological Service's (USGS) FREE topographic maps. Now, these maps are probably 10 or more years old for most areas, but they are still very good maps! And they're free!!! (You can find Ohio USGS maps here. These maps are VERY LARGE (4MB-15MB) .TIF images. Better get that DSL/CableModem/Sat/T1 Internet ready :). Once you have a map saved as an image, you have to calibrate it, so the software knows where to place GPS coordinates on it. This can be tricky. However for the USGS .TIF maps, it's VERY easy. Those maps have lat/lon listed along the edges!!! It's awesome! Now, this software isn't all that easy to use (especially to calibrate and such). You have to be fairly decent with the computer (and Windows), and have some knowledge as to how GPS and Lat/Lon coordinates work. However, if you're adept as such things, then Ozi Explorer rocks! Once you've got maps scanned in (or downloaded), then calibrated, you run a program called 'img2ozi', which creates '.oz2' files for use with your PocketPC. These files are compressed, and have different zoom levels. I'm currently playing with the zoom levels to determine the best views using USGS maps. I'll post my findings here when I'm done. A couple of notes here, though. I could not get Ozi Explorer to find my DeLorme Earthmate GPS. However, it did find my new Magellan GPS315 with NO problems. Also, Ozi Explorer isn't navigation software. You can't use it like DeLorme products which do automatic routing (i.e. if you want to go to 1234 Anywhere Dr., Compton CA. 90210, you have to figure out how to get yourself there). It basically just puts an arrow on a map, and displays your speed, heading, altitude, etc... But it is in color, which is a BIG improvement over Solus Pro, and it does allow you to use your own custom maps, which is a BIG plus! In addition (though I haven't played with this part yet), you can also place waypoints on a map in the CE version. This is very nice compared to Solus, where you have to put all waypoints in using the desktop version, then upload the map to your CE device.
03/09/2001 - Put FTPSVR in my Software section.
03/09/2001 - I've finally been able to get my E-125 to communicate with Linux! I was trying to do it with Infrared, but gave up (I got a few e-mail tips from you guys, thanks! But haven't had time to mess with it... figured it'd be slow anyway). In any case, I got it to work via a serial cable using PPP. Cool! However, the only way to transfer files is to load an FTP server (or client, but I like servers better :) ) on the E-125. Easy enough, check out FTPSVR! Rock! This beautiful little app runs in the background and gives you an FTP server! You can hook up your E-125, establish a PPP connection, and FTP to port 21 on the E-125! Pimpin'! There are a few problems with the FTPSVR program. The biggest is that it won't delete files. This is kind of a problem for me for this application I'm developing. The app creates some files which are transferred via this FTP method, then need to be deleted. It means I have to trust the user to do it for me, and that sucks :). In any case, the system works. For more info on establishing a PPP connection with a Casio E-125 via a serial cable, try this link over at CEWindows.net!
IMPORTANT NOTES: FTPSVR is a daemon program, meaning it runs in the background. So when you tap on it to start, it looks as if it doesn't do anything (meaning it doesn't give you feedback that it's activated). There are two ways to tell if it's working or not. The first is to just turn on your PPP connection, and FTP to the Casio. If it works, then it works :). The other way is to go to your Today screen, and look at the icons in your bottom right hand corner. If you see a computer with two dots (well, that's what it looks like) down there, then that's FTPSVR. Tap on it, and you should see an About screen verifying that it works.
IMPORTANT NOTES 2: If you really wanna have fun, put FTPSVR.EXE in your \Windows\StartUp directory! Then it will ALWAYS be on, even if you hit RESET! (If you wish to stop the program for some reason, you can. Just tap on the icon in the Today screen, and hit Stop)!
02/26/2001 - OK E-125 users, click HERE to get an update from Casio to fix several minor bugs, and make your display faster! Thanks to Dave for pointing this out to me, and testing it out before I would :). I've done it and so far no problems. Nothing erased or fried :).
02/26/2001 - Wanted to let those of you who haven't checked it out yet that there is much more to www.joethielen.com than just this page! If you haven't checked out the rest of www.joethielen.com, please do so!
02/26/2001 - Hey all! Just wanted to drop a quick line of thanks to all of you that have e-mailed me! I love receiving your comments on the site, as well as helping those who need it! I know when I first got my E-125 there were many individuals who were helpful to me as well, and I want to keep that tradition going strong!!! Thanks to all!
02/26/2001 - Found a new hobby this weekend which makes use of my E-125 & GPS adapter - GeoCaching!. I don't remember if I've talked about this before or not, but this weekend the girlfriend and I went out and tried it out. It was pretty fun! In fact, I liked it so much, I've set up a new page on my site devoted to GeoCaching! If you're an outdoor person who is dying to find an, ummm, consumer use for that GPS unit, then check it out :). But if you're like me and spend most of your time in an office or on the couch, then get your ass outdoors and check this out! It's a great way to see some places you probably wouldn't have seen otherwise!!!
02/22/2001 - Well, this page is getting pretty bloated here, and I recognize that. I will be changing the format of the site here pretty soon! I will do my best to keep the site loading as quick as possible, so it won't be full of flashiness, but I will break it down into individual sections (i.e. hardware gets its own page, software it's own page, etc... you know how it works :) ). Look for a change soon!
02/22/2001 - I've got a keyboard for my Casio E-125 now! It's called the GoType keyboard, and I think it's pretty cool. It's got a few quirks, (have to enable it with a software driver everytime you dock the Casio in it, etc...) but it's definately worth it when you've have to type more than just simple one-line text messages! Check out the new entry in my Accessories Section!
02/19/2001 - I've been playing with Microsoft Embedded Visual Basic 3.0 this past few days. I think it's pretty cool, considering that it's free (it's a 300mb download, click on the link... you can also order it for like $7.50US on CD-ROM)! I'm not one to usually like Microsoft products (especially with my Linux/Free Software background), but I am kind of getting into it. I'm not sure it's going to work for my current project (which involves user created dynamic forms), but it can do a lot of things!
02/13/2001 - Back from vacation with some pics! I took a ton of pics with my Casio digicam for my E-125. I like it a LOT! In any case, I picked 5 pics, and placed them on my Picture Archive page. They're under the Montego Bay section. Check 'em out!
02/02/2001 - Hey all, I will be on vacation from 02/04/2001 until 02/11/2001. Unless I'm able to find Internet access while I'm down there, this may be my last update for a week or so. I'm taking my E-125 with me, and will post a bunch of pictures & a review of how I used it when I get back!!!
01/25/2001 - Also got my spare battery yesterday. Now I shouldn't have to worry about juice!
01/25/2001 - Have added sample pics to the Casio Digital Camera section, as well as my thoughts on it (mostly positive :) ).
01/24/2001 - I got my Casio JK-710DC Digital Camera CF adapter! Yes! I have added it to my hardware section, and will add some sample images as soon as I get a chance!!!
01/22/2001 - Holy crap! Check THIS out!!! It's a CF to PCMCIA adapter! This possibilities for this thing are ENDLESS... I certainly wouldn't mind mounting a 40GB hard drive in my car and hooking it up through a PCMCIA interface into my E-125! Wow!!! Saw this on Dale Coffing's PPC Site.
01/20/2001 - Modified the links list to make it (hopefully) easier to read.
01/20/2001 - Added a link to Greg's Freeware Software List. TONS & TONS of software!!!
01/20/2001 - Added a link to www.cewindows.net.
01/20/2001 - Added links to Daniel Jackson's QTris & Squirmy games in software section.
01/19/2001 - I just ordered my Casio JK-710DC Digital Camera from Casio.com for $199! Will be here Tuesday!!! Get yours now!
01/19/2001 - Ordered a spare battery for my Casio E-125.
01/12/2001 - Added a link to PocketPC123.
01/11/2001 - The CEGlobe link isn't working, I know. I've sent e-mail, but have gotten no reply yet...
01/11/2001 - Check out Pocket Goods, they make some pretty cool looking rugged cases for Pocket PCs (Casio included)! They even have one with a clear plastic window which is waterproof to 100'!
01/11/2001 - Added a link to Pocket PC Minds in the links section.
01/03/2001 - Added a link to CEGlobe's Top Ten Windows CE Websites via their graphic at the bottom of this page! Let's see how I rank *grin* :).
12/27/2000 - Moved DOOM4CE from my 'problem software' list to my 'working software' list!!!
12/27/2000 - Today is very busy indeed! Jimmy Software has released Doom4CE for the Pocket PC! I've downloaded it and verified that it works beautifully on my Casio E-125! Great work guys!!!
12/27/2000 - Added a link to the Casio Cassiopeia Tech Help Page... it's got real good info, and helped me with my IrDA/USB problems!!!
12/27/2000 - An active morning for me :). I've been able to finally get my Casio to talk to my laptop via Infrared! This is great because now I don't have to lug around the USB cradle in my laptop case (which has ENOUGH CRAP in it :) ). Also, I recommend to ALL CASIO E-125 users to upgrade to the latest version of MS ActiveSync 3.1. Make sure you're using build 9587 or later! I was using an earlier version, and was having problems!
12/22/2000 - Signed up for PDA insurance from www.pdaslostorstolen.com! For $13 up-front (for software), $5/month, and a $35 deductible, you can insure that PDA for up to $1000! This includes leaving it somewhere, accidential breakage (including the LCD), and theft/fire, etc... pretty neat! And you can sign up on-line, too... I did!
12/15/2000 - Added Cortona VRML viewer to software list
12/15/2000 - Added 555Timer calculator to software list
12/14/2000 - I learned from a Casio user that DeLorme is no longer going to support WinCE devices! Please E-Mail DeLorme and tell them to continue supporting the WinCE platform! They can't listen if you don't speak!
12/14/2000 - Added picture of 128MB CF card
12/14/2000 - Added E&B Case to accessory list
12/14/2000 - Added this update list!!!
