VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- Alternatives to Sixpac (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=5366)

I need a Sixpac device by July, Are there any alternatives to this device. I really dont want to purchase the handspring 33.6 modem. If innogear gets this one released soon. Its going to be a winner. Dont wait too long innogear....

I was just thinking about the same thing. I am tired of dragging my laptop into the field and waiting 5 minutes for it to boot up just to receive my email. This makes me feel like I did with my Amiga 3000. The developers just didn't have the resources to get the product to market quickly. When they do, they turn out to be great. It's the wait that sucks.

One alternative is the EFIG Diagnostics Module springboard (efig.com). It has a RS232 port that I connect to either a USR 56K modem or to my Sprint PCS cellphone. I can get my email from anywhere. I dial into my ISP using eudora mail for palm. I even get my corporate (lotus notes) email by forwarding it to my ISP email account. Works great. I stopped bringing my laptop when I travel.

But...

For $149, unless you're into the diagostics part of the product, it would be best to wait, eh? The Sixpac is supposed to be less than $200, and even if it was $200, you'd be paying $50 for more options than just a wireless Visor and a diagnostics springboard (that most non-techies wouldn't use). But if its needed badly (which it sounds like, for those who've already posted, it does), get it, but for the rest of us who can wait, I think should wait.

And if you don't already have the data cable for your phone that will usually run you about $70.

Yeah, your right. I got tired of waiting. The EFIG RS232 port allows you to connect to a variety of devices that I already own (i.e., cellphone, 56K modem, GPS etc.)and I do indeed use it for VT100 terminal emulation - it's been pretty useful to me so far. Also, I was able to pick up the Sprint data cable/kit for $29.95 (they said because I am a business customer - I didn't argue). It will be interesting to see how much Innogear charges for the cellphone data cable - I doubt it will be included in the target price.