VisorCentral.com - Omnisky vs. Cell Phone springboard

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VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- Omnisky vs. Cell Phone springboard (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=8966)

Posted by jdawg on 10-26-2000 08:44 AM:

Now, after reading all these posts about the Omnisky modem, wouldn't it be cheaper just to get the Cell Phone Springboard (VisorPhone), a basic $10/mo (or comparable - ie. cheap) dial-up internet service, download a shareware web browser and an email client and use that instead of Omnisky's software?

I mean, sure you'd be forfeiting Omnisky's software as well, but it is huge - "Handheld memory: 1.5 Mb RAM minimum" according to http://www.omnisky.com/products/visor_sys_reqs.jhtml
Also, after having owned a Palm VII (and played with an Omnisky on a Vx), I know that sometimes the default software provided on both can't always get you to the sites you need, and force you to go with third party apps anyway.

As for speed, however, I'm not sure how the Cell Phone Springboard solution would stack up to Omnisky's modem. I do know the Cell Phone Springboard can be used as a 14.4 modem - see http://www.handspring.com/products/...one/index.jhtml , but I couldn't find any speed/connection rate info on Omnisky's site.

I have been considering an Omnisky modem, but now, with the new Cell Phone Springboard, it seems more convenient (and cheaper?) to me to go this route (plus you get an actual phone and SMS!). Anyone else have thoughts on this?

Thanks,
-jdawg

Posted by YonksMan on 10-26-2000 09:26 AM:

VisorPhone is looking like the best value

http://www.omnisky.com/products/visor_tech_specs.jhtml

Features
Access the Internet via TCP/IP over the CDPD Network
CDPD Specification v1.1
**19.2 kpbs full duplex
Retractable antenna
3 LEDs show service, incoming email, and power
Springboard compatibility

The VisorPhone is looking more and more attractive as time goes on. With features such as SMS, you can send a message to someone on ICQ.

Main thing that we will have to weigh out is how much time will we spend connected doing data transmissions. With OmniSky, you get unlimited connectivity for $39.95 ... compared to a $39.95 VoiceStream plan, which gives you 600 weekday minutes + 500 weekend minutes.

Posted by ragamuffinn on 10-26-2000 11:05 AM:

quote:
Originally posted by jdawg
Now, after reading all these posts about the Omnisky modem, wouldn't it be cheaper just to get the Cell Phone Springboard (VisorPhone), a basic $10/mo (or comparable - ie. cheap) dial-up internet service, download a shareware web browser and an email client and use that instead of Omnisky's software?

You'd also need to buy a data GSM account, which usually starts at $39.95, and which are not unlimited. And if Omnisky allows one to qualify for both the $200 rebate and the $100 Visor rebate, the modem is basically free (assuming you'd buy the Prism or Platinum anyway). To go with the Visorphone, you'd still have to pay $299 for the phone. Also, with the Omnisky, your access is unlimited and nationwide (where there is service) with no roaming fees.

quote:

Also, after having owned a Palm VII (and played with an Omnisky on a Vx), I know that sometimes the default software provided on both can't always get you to the sites you need, and force you to go with third party apps anyway.

But you can use other than the default software with the Minstrel and Omnisky. And PQA's too, right? Or am I confused about this?

quote:

As for speed, however, I'm not sure how the Cell Phone Springboard solution would stack up to Omnisky's modem.

The Minstrel works at 19.2 kbps.

[Edited by ragamuffinn on 10-26-2000 at 06:09 AM]

Posted by sebis on 10-26-2000 05:01 PM:

With the additional DataStream you get another 1500 minutes with VoiceStream, however I am using my voice minutes for data as well without additional charges. And the SMS is almost free. You can use a SMS -> E-mail gateway like http://excell.to and have an e-mail address as well without using the minutes.

I am going to wait for the VisorPhone, I am already a subscriber with VoiceStream and I don't even need a new plan, i can just stick the SIM card in the VisorPhone and is ready to go.

Sebis

Posted by Marcy Fields on 10-26-2000 05:41 PM:

coverage

Has anyone looked at the coverage area for Omnisky? Not very expansive- unless you're on the East coast. Maybe this will improve- but its pretty disappointing now. I don't know what the GSM coverage nationwide looks like, but I'm going for wireless connectivity with my Sprint PCS phone and account.

Posted by s33k3r on 10-26-2000 08:25 PM:

Omnisky vs. Cell Phone springboard

I have been an omnisky customer since they opened up their service to the public. I had to return my Palm Vx to my old company , but before that I found it to be an invaluable tool. I work as a UNIX admin, so whenever I had a process die or a server go down I could ssh into the server via my omnisky modem and hardly miss any of whatever I was doing. I highly recommend the service. I do think the extra software they provide is crap, but I don't have to use it now do i? My plan is to order the Minstrel S as soon as it is offered by them and carry my v-stream nokia 8290 as a backup access method. With the IRDA enabled phones like the Nokia 8890 and the 8290, no purchase of a modem or gsm connection kit is required. The phone itself acts as your modem and like previous posts stated......in some area you can get unlimited data minutes through v-stream for $30 bucks a month. Which saves a nice little $300 clams or so. Yes, setting your phone and PDA on a stable surface to use IRDA for a modem connection is a bit iffy. You could start out with just the v-stream phone and visor, and if that doesn't make you happy, try omnisky. I can say that the Omnisky service would be much simpler to use. How much more can I babble about this.....jeez......lots of hot air in this Texan.

Posted by s33k3r on 10-26-2000 08:52 PM:

Yada-Yada

I would like to revise my last post. I just checked out YadaYada as a cdpd provider......it sounds pretty good to me. 149 for the modem and 39.95 for service. One thing I left out of my last post is that Omnisky's customer service is not the best.

Posted by JHromadka on 10-26-2000 09:10 PM:

Re: Yada-Yada

quote:
Originally posted by s33k3r
I would like to revise my last post. I just checked out YadaYada as a cdpd provider......it sounds pretty good to me. 149 for the modem and 39.95 for service. One thing I left out of my last post is that Omnisky's customer service is not the best.

Just an FYI, but you should be able to edit and correct your postings by clicking on the "Edit/Delete" icon of your posting (you cannot delete).

__________________
James Hromadka
Old Friend

Posted by california boyhead on 10-26-2000 10:07 PM:

Re: coverage

quote:
Originally posted by Marcy Fields
Has anyone looked at the coverage area for Omnisky? Not very expansive- unless you're on the East coast. Maybe this will improve- but its pretty disappointing now. I don't know what the GSM coverage nationwide looks like, but I'm going for wireless connectivity with my Sprint PCS phone and account.

There is no service available for even Orange County, CA! One would think that their service markets would at least cover metropolitan areas such as the LA Basin, 5 counties or so, not just in Hollywood. For whatever it's worth, in southern California, I've had better luck with Verizon than with any other cell phone provider (especially in the further lying reaches). Like Marcy, I guess cell phones are my only option!

Posted by s33k3r on 10-27-2000 12:33 AM:

Yada-Yada

If you talk to YadaYada they use Verison as a provider. They are like Omnisky except I get the feeling that their Customer service is better. They do have alot of coverage in the Los Angeles Area. 1-800-YADAYADA (800 923-2923)

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