Registered: May 2000
Location: Fairfax, VA, USA
Posts: 77

Another thought... anyone know if the Visorphone will be able to do some web stuff like Sprint PCS phones do?

__________________
Yup.

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 9

Since the module is GSM, and GSM supports data transfer, it would be incredibly stupid of Handspring if they designed the module not to support data capabilities.

In fact, I would buy the module if even it only supported GSM data access and no "phone" functionality.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 97

Well, guess what? The current version doesn't work as a wireless modem. The only connection between the phone module and the Visor is that you can use your address book to dial the phone.

Wait til next year, I guess.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 1883

I'm not sure if it is supported or not... I thought I read somewhere the visorphone had a 14k4 modem but can't find the link...

if you look here there is a 'data' icon near the visorphone picture....

let's wait and see till there is more infromation available...

if it doesn't have the modem I certainly will NOT buy it....
even if it does I'll have to see the internaltional pricing first... US$400 is more than A$800 quite expensive for a phone...

__________________
<IMG WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="50" SRC=http://www.visorcentral.com/images/visorcentral.gif> VisorCentral Discussion Moderator
Do files get embarrassed when they get unzipped?

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 1883

ah, found the link...

quote:

---

Stay connected�without wires
With an ISP and third-party software, you can use your VisorPhone to check email or surf the web. VisorPhone acts as a wireless 14.4 kpbs modem, so you can stay connected.

---

__________________
<IMG WIDTH="200" HEIGHT="50" SRC=http://www.visorcentral.com/images/visorcentral.gif> VisorCentral Discussion Moderator
Do files get embarrassed when they get unzipped?

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 97

Right you are! The early publicity didn't mention it, so I assumed it wasn't available. Here are the relevant FAQ's from Handspring's website:

Q: Can you browse the Web with VisorPhone?

A: In addition to the great voice communication and text messaging capabilities provided by VisorPhone, this module is also a wireless modem. That means that you can download virtually any Palm OS communication software, such as a web browser or an email application, which operates using a modem, and it will work just as if you were using a wireline modem. Just visit http://www.handspring.com and check out our software links and links to other Palm OS shareware sites.

Q: How does VisorPhone compare to a WAP phone?

A: Most phones today, especially those enabled with WAP browsers, suffer from some serious limitations:

* Bad input capabilities: writing out URLs, or even trying to navigate through your phonebook (much less the World Wide Web.) is difficult, even painful, using a 12-button input interface.
* Bad output capabilities: the small screens on mobile phones are tough to read�and really constrain the user interface. Truncated sentences and cryptic commands are the norm on most of today's mobile phones.
* Fixed set of features: because those phones aren't open platforms like the Visor, you have to take what the manufacturers give you. Don't like that particular WAP browser? SMS application doesn't have the latest features you like? Bummer�you're stuck.
But a VisorPhone enabled handheld doesn't suffer from these limitations. With VisorPhone, you can use graffiti or the on-screen keyboard to enter text, and our easy, user-friendly phone interface lets you really use the power of your mobile phone. And you can finally see what you are doing with our big 160x160 display. Plus with a VisorPhone enabled handheld, you have a world of third-party applications available to you. Prefer HTML over WAP? No problem�there are plenty of third-party browsers just for you. Just load one onto Visor and it works. Stock quote applications? News alerts? A world of exciting software for Palm OS wireless devices awaits.

Q: Can you send email directly from the address book?

A: Although a wireless email application is not provided out of the box, some email applications will allow you to create an email simply by tapping an email address in your address book and tapping the EMAIL button.

Q: Is instant messaging available for VisorPhone?

A: No, instant messaging which manages "friends lists" is not shipped on the VisorPhone. However, SMS Text Messaging can often function like instant messaging, depending on the latency of the individual network. With SMS, you can send a text message to a friend with an SMS enabled device (all GSM phones are SMS enabled) and they can receive your message even when they are talking on the phone. And if their phone is off, the message will be saved for them by their service provider, and they'll get it as soon as they turn on their phone. Most carriers save messages for 3 days.