How to Use Your iPod Like a PDA

You have your i Pod and you have your PDA. Carrying both every day is a hassle. The good news is that you can use your iPod like a PDA with iPod Calendar Sync.

Many iPod owners do not know that their iPods can do more than just play music, videos, and games. With the iPod Calendar Sync program, you can use your computer to turn your iPod into a PDA and keep track of your appointments with your iPod. This will eliminate the need to carry a calendar or PDA in your purse or briefcase.

You can use either Apple’s iCal or Microsoft’s Outlook calendar programs to update the iPod’s calendar. Once you have the process in place, your iPod’s calendar will automatically update when you sync with your computer to update your music. You can even add your address book to your iPod, putting your contacts in easy reach at all times.

To begin, go to iTunes and choose your iPod from the left-hand menu screen. You will then see an option for Contacts at the top of the screen. This is the option you want to choose. This will bring up a list of all of the address books and calendar programs on the computer that can be synced with the iPod.

Look through this list, and choose the ones that you want to have uploaded automatically to your iPod. Carefully think about the programs you actually use, because there is no need to waste memory space on your iPod uploading calendar updates that you do not actually rely on each day. Once you have chosen your calendars and address books, click “apply.”

This should begin the automatic update process. To check if everything went correctly, disconnect your iPod as you normally do. Then, check for the new information. You can access the calendar or contact folder by going to “extras.” Then choose “contacts or extras” and “calendar.” Verify that your iPod did, in fact, get your updated calendar information.

Whenever you connect your iPod to your computer, this update will occur. Of course, this is only available for iPod models with display screens. If you have an iPod shuffle, you will not be able to upload your calendars into the device. However, if you have a model with an address book, you can eliminate your PDA by converting your iPod into a PDA! And you though the iPod was just for music and videos!