Using the Trial Version of TapPad

The TapPad 30-day Trial includes the TapPad driver and a graphics file that you will need to print and apply to your Palm device. The file is provided in standard PICT/SimpleText format for Mac users, and TIFF format for PC users.

The image represented by both files is identical and should print at the correct size for any Palm device, specifically 462x249 pixels at 300dpi, or about 1.54 x .83 inches (391 x 211 mm), including the border.

Although TapPad works fine on ALL Palm OS devices and compatibles, the size of the overlay is slightly large for the Palm V/Vx. This will be addressed shortly. In the meantime, you CAN use the supplied template to test the trial version. If you purchase the full version, you'll receive the III-series templates immediately, and the V-series templates when they become available, at no extra charge.

When you purchase TapPad, you'll receive a special serial number that will remove the trial limitations, along with a set of 6 long-lasting and easily removable official TapPad overlays by mail. TapPad is available for purchase now for only $19.95 (including the overlays) from our website at <TapPad.com>.


Printing the Sample Overlay (Mac users)

If you have a desktop printer on your desktop, you can simply drag and drop the "Overlay.PICT" file onto your desktop printer and it should print at the correct size. Alternatively you can double click the file and it should open in SimpleText and you can print from there.


Printing the Sample Overlay (PC users)

Load the "Overlay.TIFF" image into a graphics or paint program such as PhotoShop, make sure the image is set to print at 300dpi, and print the image. If your paint program does not support or recognize the resolution of the file, you should scale the image to print at the size stated above. Depending on your paint program and printer configuration, you may need to adjust the scaling and print several times to get the desired size. The file is a standard PC-format TIFF file which should be recognized by almost any PC graphics program, however some early or inexpensive programs may not be set up to handle different resolution (dpi) graphics, so you will need to scale the image in these programs either through your printer driver or within the program itself.


Installing the Sample Overlay

Once you have the sample overlay printed, trim to the indicated marks and apply to your Palm over the Graffiti area. We recommend using a removable adhesive tape rather than standard clear tape as it is much easier to remove and will not leave a residue.

Do NOT use a double sided tape or standard address label material unless it is specifically designed and labelled as removable/repositionable. Using a standard tape or label can cause damage to your screen when you try to remove it if you are not careful.

Remember you are applying the sample overlay for test purposes only - it does not need to be securely attached to your screen!

PLEASE do NOT use any adhesive or tape not mentioned above! Using a permanent adhesive or tape could damage your fragile Palm screen! Any damages incurred through the use of TapPad or the template are the sole responsibility of the user. The software and sample overlay are provided for trial purposes only and are provided "as-is". No warranty or guarantee should be assumed or implied.


Installing the TapPad Driver

The TapPad driver is provided as a HackMaster "Hack". Use requires you acquire and install HackMaster by DaggerWare <http://www.daggerware.com/> if by the small chance you do not already have it installed. HackMaster itself is shareware, and should be registered separately with DaggerWare (it's only $5) at <http://www2.viaweb.com/pilotgearsw/daggerware.html>.

HackMaster is simply an extension manager that lets you install "hacks" or extensions on your Palm that enhance its functionality.

To install the TapPad Driver in HackMaster, simply install it on your Palm as you would any other file through a HotSync (refer to your Palm manual if you do not know how to do this), go to HackMaster, and enable the "TapPad driver".

You then must calibrate the overlay to your device so the driver knows exactly where the buttons are on the overlay. Tap the "+" icon next to the TapPad driver listed in HackMaster, and then tap the "Cal" button. You will be taken through a simple two-step (or rather two-tap) process that will precisely calibrate your overlay to your device.

That's it! All functions of TapPad will now be available for use for 30 days. The trial will disable itself after 30 days, and you must purchase TapPad from our website to re-enable it and receive the "official" TapPad overlays.

For info on time expired, simply tap the "TapPad" button on the bottom center of the overlay at any time. This will bring up a form indicating the time left on the trial, and how to purchase the full version. For information on some of the special features of TapPad, tap the 'i' button in the upper left corner of the form.

I hope you enjoy the trial, and will consider making it a permanent addition to your Palm!


John Brochu, Developer
Visit us on the web at <http://TapPad.com>
Email: support@tappad.com
