Palm t/x Handheld Getting Started - page 164

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.