Beaming allows Palm users to easily exchange important information

One of the most useful functions of the Palm device (Palm III models and higher) is the capability to transmit information using the infra-red (IR) port. Using this feature it is possible for Palm users to share all kinds of data, including addresses and telephone numbers, notes from the Memo Pad, application files and almost anything else you keep on your Palm device. Furthermore, with the right software and hardware add-ons, the IR port can also be used to print from the Palm device, hotsync with the Palm desktop software, exchange information with cellular telephones and just for kicks, change the channels on your television.

Using the built-in beaming function of the Palm device, you can transmit applications effortlessly to other Palm owners. Of course not all applications can be transmitted in this way (particularly commercial software), however, most data files, such as databases, are easily beamed. The follow steps outline the process for beaming an application to another Palm user:

Step 1: From the main application screen, tap the button in the Graffiti area to open the drop-down menu.			Step 2: Tap the 'Beam' option in the drop-down menu.			Step 3: This screen shows a list of applications on your Palm device. Those with a lock symbol next to them are secured and cannot be beamed.
Step 4: In this example, we will beam the 'Graffiti' application. Select it by tapping on the application name. With the name highlighted, tap the 'Beam' button.			Step 5: The Palm device will seek out the target which you are trying to beam to. The range of the IR signal is between 3 and 5 inches and must have a direct line of sight.			Step 6: Once the Palm device finds the target, it will commence the beaming process. When beaming is complete, you will be returned to the main application screen.

Experienced users can enable the beaming function directly from the application window by using the command stroke (the bottom left to upper right stroke in the Graffiti area) followed by the letter 'B'. This shortcut will work from other screens such as the Address Book and Calendar.

It is important to remember that the IR feature of the Palm device does have its limitations. The range of the feature is quite short (between 3 and 5 inches) and cannot connect without a direct line of sight. This makes it essential the sending device and receiving device are in close proximity and that the IR ports are aligned to ensure the proper transfer of data.

In addition to applications, the beaming feature of the Palm also allows users to transmit other data such as addresses, appointments and memos. The process for beaming this information is the same as that for applications shown above, with the exception that the starting screen will be the particular address, appointment or memo you are trying to beam. Memos can also be beamed in category groups by initiating the transfer process from the category rather than an individual memo.

	Step 1: From your address, tap the menu button in the Graffiti area to open the drop-down menu.

A handy little feature of the Palm is the ability to create a 'business card' that you can beam to other Palm users. Once created, you can transmit your business card to another Palm device as quickly and easily as you would exchange real business cards, with the added benefit that once on the Palm device, the information automatically makes it to your contact manager - no more lost business cards. To create a business card, just follow the simple steps outlined to the right:

	Step 2: Tap the 'Select Business Card' option in the drop-down menu.

Each device can only have one business card, so be careful not to overwrite your card once you create it. If you do copy over it by accident, just recreate the proper card using the same steps.

Your business card is the easiest piece of information to beam. The handheld device is set up to beam your card simply by holding down the button for 2 seconds. You can also beam your card by tapping 'Beam Business Card' from any of the drop-down menus that appear when you tap the button while in the Address Book section of the Palm.

	Step 3: Tap 'Yes'.

	Step 4: Confirm your business card has been created by the appearance of the rolodex card image in the header bar next to 'Address View'.

For the more adventurous, it is possible to expand beaming ability of your Palm device using a software application called BeamBox. This program makes it possible to transmit certain files that the built-in beaming software does not allow such as hacks, database files and documents (it does not circumvent software copy protection). Currently, the program requires both the sender and recipient to have BeamBox installed, however, this will not be necessary in future versions.

If you want to beam a file to a colleague that does not have BeamBox installed, you can simply beam your colleague BeamBox using the built-in beaming application. (In Applications tap the menu button and select Beam...). AFter you've beamed BeamBox to your colleague, you can beam them the files you want them to have.