Is There Any Way to Import Contacts From Palm OS to iPod Touch?

by Marie Cartwright
Importing non-Apple data to your iPhone takes a few different steps.

Importing non-Apple data to your iPhone takes a few different steps.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images News/Getty Images

If you're a Palm user who has recently been converted to the iPhone, making the switch can take a little getting used to. Adjusting to your new device can be made much easier by importing your existing data from your Palm. In order to import your Palm contacts onto your iPhone, you will need data cables for both devices and some additional software.

Export Your Contacts

To get your contacts off of your Palm device, you'll need to have the Palm Desktop software installed on your computer. Once this software is installed, hook up your device to your computer. Within Palm Desktop's "File" menu is the "Export" option. To create an export file, select "Addresses" for the module and "vCard" for the format. Click "Export" to begin the process.

Import to Address Book (Mac Users)

If you have your Palm device connected to a Mac, you can import your Palm contacts file straight into Address Book. Simply launch the Address Book application, open the "File" menu and select "vCards." Select your newly created file to import your contacts.

Import to Outlook (Windows Users)

Windows users needn't worry about their iPhone being compatible with their computer. The iPhone can sync with Outlook just as well as Address Book. To import your Palm contacts to Outlook, you first have to modify the contacts file in Excel (see the Resource link for detailed instructions). Once the file has been formatted correctly, open the "File" menu within Outlook. Open the "Import and Expert" Wizard to complete the importation.

Sync With iTunes

iTunes can be used as a middleman between your iPhone and either Address Book or Outlook. Once your iPhone is plugged into your computer, launch iTunes. Select your iPhone within the "Devices" menu. By selecting the "Synchronize contacts from" option under the "Contacts" tab, you can choose either Address Book or Outlook as your program source. From here, importing your Palm contacts to your iPhone will only take a minute.

About the Author

Marie Cartwright began writing in 2010. Her work has appeared on various websites. Having worked previously in theater administration and Web design, Cartwright now works from her home in Northern California. She also maintains an events website geared toward the science and technology community. Cartwright studied performing arts at the University of San Francisco.

Photo Credits

  • Joe Raedle/Getty Images News/Getty Images