Palm Treo 800W User Manual page 393

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
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 Treo,
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 Treo to
your computer, placing the Treo 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 Treo, 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.
Conditions That Enhance ESD Occurrences
Conditions that can contribute to the buildup of static electricity in the environment include the
following:
Low relative humidity.
Material type (the type of material gathering the charge; for example, synthetics are more
prone to static buildup than natural fibers like cotton).
Section 8A: Important Safety Information
®
Treo, from ESD harm.
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