This wonderful software is actually brought to you by the same people who wrote Tornado, and a whole load of IR games (such as IRChess, IRChecker, IRHangman, etc). If you own a Palm III or a Visor Deluxe that runs on anything less than OS 3.3, you should know that it is totally impossible to perform HotSync via IR (until now). Since IR is already built into your Palm, you might as well use it to HotSync (that means no more cables and cradles). Do note that the Palm V series and the Palm IIIc, as well as the newer Palm handhelds, do not require IRLink 1.5 as they already support HotSync via IR.

Once you start IRLink, you will see that it is divided into two main parts. The top shows the different type of IR connection you may perform with your Palm. The bottom are shortcut icons which you may use to start-up your normal HotSync operation via Modem, Direct Serial Connection, and through your Network.

As you can see from the screen capture above, there are three methods of IR connection you may perform using IRLink. The first one, IrDA 1.0, is the standard protocol that allows you to perform HotSync via IR with your notebook/computer (there are a few files that are necessary before IRLink can work. These files will be discussed later in the review). The second option, HP SIR, uses raw data to be transferred via your IR port. Use this option only if the IrDA option does not work for you.

As I mentioned earlier, you are required to install a few files before IRLink will work on your Palm. You will need Palm's IR Enhanced Update that consists of 4 files. Please read the README file for more information regarding the IR Enhanced Update.

Also included is a great feature (though still in beta) that most of you may look forward to. IRLink comes with AutoSync that actually allows you to HotSync your Palm automatically at a specific time everyday. This option is great for those of you who sometimes forget to HotSync your Palm. With this AutoSync feature, you will never miss updates of your favorite AvantGo site.

On a personal note, most of the Visor users that I know (including myself) still can't get IRLink to HotSync. Hopefully this problem will be rectified in the next version of IRLink. For the time being, all Visor users will have to stick with their cradles or HotSync cable to perform their daily HotSync activity.