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I'm in the market for a modem for my VPL. Here in the UK, we don't appear to have anywhere near the choice available stateside...

quote:

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taken from Alan Grahams article 'Happy Birthday to You - My Visor Turns One'
http://www.visorcentral.com/page/0-4-68-2-4.htm

There are at least seven different types of modems

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Because the wireless modems for the Visor's use a CDPD network, I don't belive that it is possible to use one of them in europe (because europe uses GSM). If you have a cell phone, then it is probably possible to hook it up to the Visor to surf the web that way, but it is usually very expensive.

BEN

Go to an auction

Even though the Thincom is not officially available in the UK, I managed to pick one up from the US ebay.

I confirmed that the seller was willing to ship internationally, paid for by me, before I placed my bid.

I won the auction (basically 'cause my final bid was for the same amount as you can by them new in the US)

Obviously there are downsides to this:
* The inherent risk of buying anything from auction (I confirmed the provenance, via e-mail, and paid using PayPal)
* The items are second-hand (I was lucky, mine was 'as new, un-opened')
* No warranty/guarantee.

I heartily recommend the Thincom, and it works a dream on the UK phone network. It drains the VDX's battery, but this is a small price to pay for the form factor.

For wireless internet access, the best option (IMHO) is get yourself a Nokia 6210 (which supports HSCSD) and an Orange pay monthly account, and you can surf, wirelessly at up to 28.8kb. Better than any other wireless option (UK or Stateside).

To answer your final question; no, you don't need a specific ISP to surf wirelessly via the GSM network, but the phone service provider may effect if you can, and how much you are charged.

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

HTH

__________________
Regards,
Jim Nurcombe
[email protected]

thanks nurcombe, looks like i'll be picking one up on my next visit to the states...

Anybody have any ideas on the other modems? The article mentions seven? I've managed to find:

1. Handspring
2. Xircom
3. Thincom
4. Minstrel

what are the others?

Psion IR Travel Modem (Not a springboard, connects via IR)

__________________
Jeff

>>Because the wireless modems for the Visor's use a CDPD network, I don't belive that it is possible to use one of them in europe (because europe uses GSM).<<

The xircom modem is GSM.

Can't speak for the UK, but I used a Xircom SpringPort modem in Paris with no problems once I got the proper dialing patterns. I don't have any information on any of the other brands.

Good luck!

Thinmodem

Please see my post for Javatar2K1 - I am using that great Thincom-piece of engineering all over Europe; I've bought it in the States and I am located in Germany.

Love it

Dirk Jonas

DirkJonas, that sounds exactly what I needed to hear, can you point me in the direction of the post, I did a quick search for "Javatar2K1" which came up with nothing

Morris, can you elaborate on the dialling pattern problem?

thanks

Thinmodem

Hi Ian from UK,

I 've bought the thinmodem directly at THINCOM/USA - a couple of days before xmas. Five days later the german custom (Bielefeld) gave me a ring; I payed the german VAT and it was mine.
Before I was looking for the 56K Xircom which is available in Germany for something like 180 Euro - the Thincom costs me including freight and VAT 130 Euro.
The main thing is, that I really hated the ugly hump on the back of the Xircom - now I love to have the Thincom all the time inserted while leaving the VDX in his case - power consumption is comparatively low: I am changing my rechargeables now each week instead of one and a half weeks, which is really neglectable.

The only disadvantage is, that you shouldn't have a look on your battery level while you are online - that will really frighten you. If you close your session, level goes up again; therefore you should make sure, that your battery is not low (60% is enough).

The Thinmodem came with a RJ11 cable; in addition to that I bought a RJ11 connector (costs you appr. 1 Euro). Nearly every hotel in Europe has these RJ11 plugs at modern room phone (at the telephone, not at the socket). Take it out and connect it via connector with your Thincom cable - that's it. I did that in Poland, Czech, Russia, Austria and Italy.

You will love it, Ian - even in UK

quote:

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Originally posted by laird
>>Because the wireless modems for the Visor's use a CDPD network, I don't belive that it is possible to use one of them in europe (because europe uses GSM).<<

The xircom modem is GSM.

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Re: Thinmodem

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Originally posted by DirkJonas
I 've bought the thinmodem directly at THINCOM/USA - a couple of days before xmas. Five days later the german custom (Bielefeld) gave me a ring; I payed the german VAT and it was mine.
Before I was looking for the 56K Xircom which is available in Germany for something like 180 Euro - the Thincom costs me including freight and VAT 130 Euro.
The main thing is, that I really hated the ugly hump on the back of the Xircom - now I love to have the Thincom all the time inserted while leaving the VDX in his case - power consumption is comparatively low: I am changing my rechargeables now each week instead of one and a half weeks, which is really neglectable.

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quote:

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Originally posted by BEN
... which means that you can't connect wirelessly in the UK.

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quote:

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Originally posted by IanP
do you have a contact at Card Access? Their order form does accept non US/Canada addresses. I've sent them an email to the address on their site but haven't had a response yet?

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__________________
Regards,
Jim Nurcombe
[email protected]

quote:

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Originally posted by IanP
Morris, can you elaborate on the dialling pattern problem?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Morris
Yes, I own a Visor, but I still have a LOT to learn.

The SpringPort is a great modem. Highly recommended, no reservations.

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Re: Thinmodem

quote:

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Originally posted by DirkJonas
I 've bought the thinmodem directly at THINCOM/USA - a couple of days before xmas. Five days later the german custom (Bielefeld) gave me a ring; I payed the german VAT and it was mine.

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Thinmodem in europe?

Have you been in contact with palmGear about shipping the thinmodem to UK? Cause I just got an E-mail from them stating that they could ship the modem to Sweden for $12. Hmmm... i�ll send them a new e-mail to see if they really understood my question.

/Jonas

Alas yes, this was their response:

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The product manufacturer indicates if functions fully in US/Canada, but does not indicate it being compatable with UK systems. The Springport Modem 56 Global Access Will work in the UK and runs $148.99. Regular mail to the UK is US$12 but is not trackable. The time frame depends on the mail system and
customs in your country. DHL Door to Door is US$55.00, but is trackable and usually goes through customs quicker. I hope this helps some and If we can help you further, let us know.

Regards,


Leslie Teel
PalmGear.com
http//www.palmgear.com
"The one stop source for your palm connected organizer"

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quote:

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After checking on it, I did find out we could not ship the thincom outside of the US or Canada

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quote:

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Originally posted by BEN


Ummmm... ok. I'm going to assume that you don't know what GSM actually is. The xircom modem is a landline modem which uses a phone cord to connect to the internet, not a wireless network.

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