Palm has issued two important software updates for users of its handhelds and smartphones. The first brings its products in line with recent changes to Daylight Saving Time (SDT), while the second enables users to sync their devices with Outlook 2007 running on Windows XP or Windows Vista.

From 2007 onward DST will start three weeks earlier (2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March, the 11th this year) and end one week later (2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in November, the 4th this year) than in the past. Previously, it began the first Sunday in April and ended on the last Sunday in October.

Enacted by Congress and signed into law by the President in 2005, the purpose of this provision of the Energy Policy Act is to reduce energy consumption.

As with previously reported on patches from Microsoft and Research In Motion, the Palm patch instructs the company's products to alter the time correctly on the proper dates. So when you look at an appointment set before DST goes into effect, for example, it will reflect the correct time rather than being an hour off.

The Palm DST software update is available for both its Palm OS and Windows Mobile devices. And it should be installed on even the recently released Treo 750 and 680.

Click here for the Palm OS DST software update, which covers most of Palm's PDAs and smartphones, and here if you own one of Palm's Microsoft-based products. The latter includes the Treo 750, 700w and 700w. Both pages offer detailed instructions on how to install the update, as well as other technical information.

Outlook 2007 Software Update
This patch enables HotSync operations with Outlook 2007's Calendar, Contacts, Tasks and Notes, as well as optional non-wireless e-mail sync. It is for any Palm OS device from the company: from the original 1996 Palm Pilot through the Treo 680.

Do not install it if you use one of Palm's Windows Mobile Treos.

Click here for the patch, instructions on how to install it, and additional information on who shouldn't use it.

Keep in mind, if you own a computer that runs Windows Vista, you should first make sure your synchronization software (HotSync, the Palm Desktop) supports the new desktop platform. This page lists known incompatibilities between Palm's software and Windows Vista, in addition to other info users of Palm's PDAs and smartphone will want to know.