User's Manual

T|X Handheld 155
ESD-susceptible equipment
Even a small amount of ESD can harm circuitry, so when working with electronic devices, take measures to
help protect your electronic devices, including your Palm
®
handheld, from ESD harm. While Palm has built
protections against ESD into its products, ESD unfortunately exists and, unless neutralized, could build up to
levels that could harm your equipment. Any electronic device that contains an external entry point for
plugging in anything from cables to docking stations is susceptible to entry of ESD. Devices that you carry
with you, such as your handheld, build up ESD in a unique way because the static electricity that may have
built up on your body is automatically passed to the device. Then, when the device is connected to another
device such as a docking station, a discharge event can occur.
Precautions against ESD
Make sure to discharge any built-up static electricity from yourself and your electronic devices before
touching an electronic device or connecting one device to another. The recommendation from Palm is that
you take this precaution before connecting your handheld to your computer, placing the handheld in a cradle,
or connecting it to any other device. You can do this in many ways, including the following:
• Ground yourself when you’re holding your mobile device by simultaneously touching a metal surface that
is at earth ground. For example, if your computer has a metal case and is plugged into a standard three-
prong grounded outlet, touching the case should discharge the ESD on your body.
• Increase the relative humidity of your environment.
• Install ESD-specific prevention items, such as grounding mats.