VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- Wireless... (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=5024)

What we really need is someone to make a springboard CDPD modem. }

Absolutely. I was very disappointed when I read that the pager being released was only one-way. We at LEAST need a two-way pager!
This way we can access the internet. This is especially important with the upcoming OpenSky initiative. A one-way pager is a waste of time and money.

I agree totally! A one way pager is basically useless to me. Think of the cool things that can possibly be done with 2-way. Basic net browsing, I.M., actually carrying on a conversation with someone...

actually, gsm cellphones which are used throughout asia and europe have this thing called short message service which allows people to send text messages via their cellphones. if you could make a springboard which can access gsm networks (its also available in the u.s.), not only would you have 2-way messaging, but possibly have a fully functional cellphone as well.

I've seen passing references to both 2-way pager modules and wireless modem modules in the works, but no details yet.

GSM has Short Message Service, but it's not (IMHO) very useful for net connectivity. The messages are limited to 160 bytes. And to make a springboard to access the SMS capabilities of GSM, you'd need most (if not all) of the hardware of a GSM phone, so you might as well just use the phone. CDPD is a much better solution, I think...14.4Kbps connectivity.

I was disappointed as well when I found out that the pager springboard coming out is one-way. On the other hand, at least it's nice to have a pager and PDA integrated in a single unit. My main reservation is not know how much the service will cost; Innogear's website discusses only addresses the structure of the billing.

I can't help but wonder if 3Com/Palm will release a radio modem springboard using the same technology as the Palm VII. After all, the infrastructure's already laid down nationwide and new PQAs are developed every day, so they wouldn't have to reinvent the wheel. They wouldn't even have to do much in the way of miniaturization since the Palm VII isn't much larger than the Visor. And since they'll presumably have to drastically slash prices on all of their units (including the VII) to survive the price challenge of the Visor, it stands to reason that repackaging Palm VII technology as a springboard would be a win-win strategy for all parties.

Hmmm, actually, PalmVII might be nice, but I've heard unpleasent things about what it costs to use the network. Something like $25/150KB (note: I haven't seen the pricing myself, this is word of mouth, and might be totally inaccurate...), which is more than I'm willing to pay. I'd really much rather do CDPD... I've heard BellSouth is doing CDPD service for $45/month flat rate.

Sillydragon, do you mean that BellSouth is doing a CPDP modem for the Visor with a $45/mo. flat rate service plan, or is that something for the Palm VII?

Palm just "reduced" the price of its service plans for the VII. Their top-tier plan is $39.95 for 300k/mo., with an additional 700k/mo. thrown in for the first six months if you sign up before January 4. But then you're presumably back to 300k/mo.

It's a step in the right direction, but they should still offer a flat rate plan. With any luck, pressure from the Visor will teach them the error of their ways.

BellSouth (I heard, didna see this myself) is offering CDPD access for any CDPD capable device. They aren't doing anything specific for Palms or Visors. And I'd still rather have CDPD.

They should come out with a two-way radio module like in the RIM 900 pager. I have RIM pager and it is great for sending and receiving email. Like someone mentioned, the infrastructure through bellsouth is already there and the size is small enough to make into a springboard, plus i would love to have that larger screen area!