Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 15

Anyone have any input as to the pro's and con's of
using direct connect cellular as apposed to a wireless
springboard modem to connect to the net? Other than
the direct connect is not a self contained solution.
Is there a performance difference? I haven't noticed
where any of the springboards have posted kbps. Most
of the cell phone solutions only go up to about 9600.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 15

Also does anyone know of anyone who makes a direct connect
for the Erricson R280? I checked thesupplynet.com and
they didn't have one.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

Currently, wireless data speeds are for the most part either 9600 or 14400 whether it's a wireless Springboard modem or a cell phone connection. Faster speeds are coming but are still a ways off in the future.

In my opinion, the primary differences between a wireless module and a cell phone connection are:

• Modules are simpler. No cables to connect, no phone to hold in addition to the Visor, etc.
  
• A cell phone connection is generally a less expensive alternative as it is not a full blown seperate pricing plan.
  
• Using a module also allows one to use an external keyboard like a Stowaway or GoType!. This is a definite plus if you're doing a lot of email composition with the wireless connection.
  
• For now, I think that cell phone coverage is a bit better than the wireless providers (although at some point in the not too distant future that will most likely not be an issue).
  

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 39

Mark...

question for you.... I have the right phone to buy one of those cables from the supplynet....

What else do I need if I try this solution? Is there an FAQ on how to set this up? And do I need a different Email and web prgram than the mail program that came with the visor?


Thanks ...

And to your point.... about the keyboard issues... if there not a way to type up the emails offline and then connect the cellphone and send and recieve .. .email?

Thanks...

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Austin, Texas

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 17

I currently use iambic mail to do just that: I write email offline with my Stowaway and then connect to send messages (and collect new messages). Actually it's not an issue for me because I use an Ericsson CF-888 with Cingular wireless, so I use the IR port on the phone instead of a cable. I just have to keep the phone within a few inches of my Visor IR port. I know that it's not an option for everyone, but there is a growing number of IR capable cell phones to choose from.

Cingular added a data line to my account for $4 a month, and I use my normal monthly minutes for accessing email.

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Oklahoma City Ok.
Posts: 42

I to use the ir port on my nokia 8290 and it works fine but i was just wondering if anyone knows of an app that will tell you what your baud rate is on a palm to modem or in my case ir port on a cel phone? It would be nice to know if i am getting what i pay for from voice stream. But other than that i can see know real reason that a cable or an ir port to phone would not work well for most and i like the idea that i don't have to change out the module to use the modem.
Later....... Herk.....

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Champaign, IL
Posts: 200

kschroeder, if you already have a cell phone, then I'd go with that at first. The cables aren't too expensive so you can try it out and see if it's good enough for you. As for speed, I've seen reports of 14.4K for the wireless SB modems (see HS's VisorPhone page), but I don't know what you can get from a cell phone (still waiting for my cable).

As for stuff like the VisorPhone, I never understood how you're supposed to enter data or play games on the Visor while also talking on the phone, unless you have extraordinary peripheral vision or a headset. I don't think the VP has a speakerphone, does it?

Registered: May 2001
Location:
Posts: 42

quote:

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Originally posted by dalamar70
As for stuff like the VisorPhone, I never understood how you're supposed to enter data or play games on the Visor while also talking on the phone, unless you have extraordinary peripheral vision or a headset. I don't think the VP has a speakerphone, does it?

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I've only ever seen pictures, but I believe it uses the same type of inline mic/earbud system that the Nokia uses. Not sure about this--only going by pictures.