Stephen Canale offers Agent News readers a new question and answer column. Find answers to your technology questions, and if you have a question, write him an e-mail.

Q: Which Palm do you recommend for Real Estate agents?

Answer: As long as what you buy runs the Palm Operating System (OS), then the model is really just based on consumer preferences.

I like the m515 for its size and the high quality of the color display - plus it's also the unit supported by Supra's E-key system.

Each handheld brand (Palm, Handspring, Sony, HandERA, Kyocera & Samsung) has its own unique features, so don't feel that there's a right or wrong choice. However, if your board or MLS does use the Supra E-key, then the Palm m515 is the best choice for now.

Q: I've looked at the Kodak DX 3215, but am afraid the low resolution of 1.3 Mega pixels isn't big enough for my uses.

Answer: I don't think that you should discount this camera simply because it has only 1.3 MP capabilities.

This is more than adequate for printing up to 5" x 7" - which is more than enough for the typical real estate highlight sheet or postcard.

Keep in mind that for any computer display (Internet, email or multimedia-presentation) you wouldn't even want or need to use the full 1.3 MP as on-screen display simply doesn't require the resolution that printing does.

If you want higher resolution model for larger size printing, presumably for personal purposes, then looking for a camera in the $400 price range might make sense. However, for business use, the DX 3215 is an excellent (and very affordable) unit.

Q: What are the main advantages with going with a pay service like efax.com as opposed to getting a modem and fax software and faxing for free?

Answer: When you use your modem to receive faxes, you have to leave your computer in one place, and pay for a separate phone line that's plugged in all of the time. This alone typically costs much more than using Internet-faxing services.

With an Internet-based fax service, such as efax.com, you can send and receive from anywhere that you can get on the Internet, and you do not need your computer connected to the same phone line, all of the time. Any incoming faxes will wait for you indefinitely, and will simply be delivered the next time you check your email.

Q: When you change email programs, how do you set up the new software so you can use your existing email account?

Setting up a new email program simply requires that you know a few pieces of information.

1. Email account Username
2. Account password
3. Sending server address
4. Receiving server address

All of these are assigned by, and available from, your existing ISP or email provider.

Assuming that your computer already has email software installed then you can simply look up these variables from the program you currently use - except for the password, which is typically hidden for obvious reasons.

Further, the Sending and Receiving servers are sometimes one and the same, though not always. They are more specifically referred to as SMTP and POP servers, respectively.

So, whether you look into your existing software for these settings, or contact your ISP/email provider, changing email software shouldn't take you more than a minute or two and is really quite easy.

In addition to instructing GRI programs for a number of state associations, Stephen Canale has spoken at hundreds of conventions and seminars in 42 states over the last several years; covering a variety of subjects relating to real estate, sales and technology. For information on seminars, software or Canale's Tips & Tricks newsletter, visit: http://www.canale.com

Send your technology questions to Q&A@canale.com.

Published: December 16, 2002

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