Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 18

Sprint Wireless Web user opinions, Plz

I got my new, free Sprint PCS Wireless Digital Web device and activated it. I'm extremely underwhelmed. The signal strength is absolutely horrible. I rarely get more than two bars anywhere in town, while my Verizon phone has full signal strength. I've experienced dropped calls, and a fatal exception in the middle of one call. I'm bitterly disappointed. My husband says, "What did you expect? Why do you think they're giving them away?".

I'm just wondering what other user's experiences have been, and I'm also wondering if there is anything I can do to boost the signal strength. I'm going to call Sprint customer service, but from what I've read in other threads I doubt if I will get much help. Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!
-Lisa W.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: houston
Posts: 14

Compared to my othere sprint phones, the DL usually had better reception. It usually is one bar better than my other phones. The fact that it is a single band phone, though, limits its coverage to just the 1.9 GHz PCS frequency, which is not available everywhere.

Verizon, on the other hand, uses CDMA at both the 800 MHz (normal cell frequencies = lots of towers and good coverage) and the 1.9GHz PCS frequencies.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 23

If both Verizon and Sprint PCS use CDMA is it possible to use Digital Link with Verizon?

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 8

Poor Signal Too

I got mine on Saturday and even though I live within 1,000 feet of a Sprint cell tower in DC I couldn't get more than 1 bar of signal.

After a story to long to tell here, Sprint it shipping me out a replacement unit. I took it to a store, but they couldn't even test the thing!!!

Just wondering did anyone have similar issues?

I know it was free and all, but what good is it if you just cannot connect unless you are touching a tower!!!!

Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 18

Poor signal...

Bryternow, I'll be curious to hear whether or not the replacement unit works any better. I ordered two of the units - one for me, one for my husband. Hubby has changed his mind about activating his, so if I hear that the replacement unit worked better for you I might consider swapping mine out.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 7

Clueless Sprint Rep

After getting the Digital Link on Friday and playing around with calls to the customer service number to verify signal strength, I decided to take the plunge and activate the serivce. Tried on the website and failed miserably (the site hangs because I did have a phone previously, but closed out my account about two years ago). Went to the Sprint PCS store (which at 5:00 on Monday was TOTALLY empty) to activate it and the two "wunderkinds" behind the counter "Have seen this before, but I don't even want to try to activate it". After I asked why they didn't want to even TRY to activate it, they told me they were afraid to crash their computers and that I needed to talk to the "engineer" at the other store (on the other side of town).

I can live with some of the crapy coverage, but the customer service just sucked big time. If I came in there with a Treo 300, I'm sure they would have activated the phone in 10 seconds.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 8

New Digital Link from Sprint PCS to replace unit from Handspring

I am supposed to received the unit today from UPS. Nothing in the tracking information yet, although Sprint tells me it shipped out last night.

I'll post once I get the new module and see if the reception is any better.

The one I received free from Handspring worked about as well as a 10 dollar walkie-talkie, you might pickup in Walmart. Get just 1 mile from a tower and forget about it!!

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: houston
Posts: 14

Here in Houston I get 4 bars in most places. Only once or twice have I ever gotten only the Antenna symbol (no bars).

to answer someone else's question. Sprint and Verizon have unique identifiers for their services. I'm sure the module software would have to be updated to make it work. It's like saying that directTV and dish network boxes are identical and should work interchangeably -- the fact is, they are not and cannot be made to do each other's service.

I wish these phones weren't so "hard coded." But it's all a marketing tool. That's the way they make money.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 23

I need input from someone that has more recent experience with Digital Link and calling plans from Sprint.

Now that I have my free Digital Link I am tempted to activate it � mostly for data access. Here in Sugar Land (southwest from Houston, Texas) I do get three bars on the antenna. (I used to have Sprint PCS service and loved it � best connections and best plans. I gave it up about two years ago after I got company mandated AT&T POS from Nokia.)

Now, Handspring says that Digital Link will work only with �Free and Clear� plans. Has anyone recently got one of these plans? I do recall that before this new Vision thing one needed to order something called �Sprint PCS Wireless Web� or pay through the nose for surfing the web. I think that there was even a plan for SMS messages. How is accessing data treated when you have �Free and Clear� plan, say, the one that gives you 300 anytime minutes and unlimited weekend and night calling? Does this mean that I have unlimited access to web � albeit slow � on weekends and nights? Is the access to the web available through Sprint network or do I have to have another service provider?

The �Free and Clear� plan does not seem to have the web and SMS options. The plans are listed under an icon of a phone with the heading �Voice�. I am wondering - does this mean that there will be no access to web (data) under these plans other than through another ISP? And then there is this small print at the bottom �Customers who choose a Vision-enabled PCS Phone and a service plan that does not include PCS Vision can access PCS Vision for $.002 per kilobyte�. So, what does this mean to DL subscribers? I�d rather check here before talking to a Sprint rep.

Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 18

Wireless Web

I signed up for Sprint's month-to-month plan while I'm evaluating the unit/service. I'm able to connect to the web fine. As a matter of fact it's great - it's actually pretty fast. I'm surprised. I'm even starting to reconsider my decision to cancel it, so great is the coolness factor of web-surfing on my PDA!

Anyway, about the cost. From what I was able to gather from the web site, the Wireless Web option costs an extra $5.00 a month. I was able to add this option to my plan from the web site. If you don't have that option, I believe each minute costs .40. Otherwise, it just comes off your plan minutes. But, I would talk to a customer service rep just to be sure. I'm going to call just to be sure myself!

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Baltimore MD, USA
Posts: 717

Re: Wireless Web

quote:

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Originally posted by lisawilson1062
Anyway, about the cost. From what I was able to gather from the web site, the Wireless Web option costs an extra $5.00 a month. I was able to add this option to my plan from the web site.

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Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 18

re: Wireless Web

Hmm. That's odd. When I selected "My Plan", the Wireless Web option was there. I tried to find where I actually read the Wireless Web information on their web site, but I couldn't find it. Their web site really could be improved quite a bit. They need a site search facility. And their little "virtual" customer service rep, "Claire", is really annoying!! Unfortunately, it looks like you'll have to call customer service. (Horrors!)

Good Luck!

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 23

I have tried to talk to our local rep in the store but they were so busy that I gave up. Just could not handle waiting.

If you go to the web and try to look up the available plans by checking what is available for your zip code you will end up on a page with the old plans - the ones that charge you per MB of data. However, if you try to check the plans by clicking on the 300 anytime minutes for $30 promotion it takes you to the new plans. Interestingly, you are being advised to either go to store or to call a toll-free number to enroll. Here is the link: http://www.pcsvision.com/showcase/details.html Only the existing customers have an option to change the plan on the web.

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 2

Sprint Wireless Web

Just to clarify... Sprint's Wireless Web minutes come out of whatever plan you choose, if you pay the $5.00 a month. However, whenever you use WW, the minutes are deducted from your anytime pool.. there is no weekend or nights when it comes to wireless web.

PCS Vision is offering unlimited data for $10 monthly, and to me that's a better value at this point.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 23

I am confused. So, to get unlimited web access you have to sign up for a PCS Vision plan? What about the admonition from Handspring that DL is available only with Free and Clear plans?

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by piotrek
that DL is available only with Free and Clear plans?

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__________________

God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Baltimore MD, USA
Posts: 717

Re: re: Wireless Web

quote:

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Originally posted by lisawilson1062
Hmm. That's odd. When I selected "My Plan", the Wireless Web option was there. I tried to find where I actually read the Wireless Web information on their web site, but I couldn't find it. Unfortunately, it looks like you'll have to call customer service. (Horrors!)

Good Luck!

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Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Baltimore MD, USA
Posts: 717

SprintPCS Email

FYI, I found that email through one's SprintPCS can be challenging.

Recieving one's email is easy. I use Eudora. For each account you have, you set it up with the address of the Pop3 server. No problem.

The fun starts with you set up to send email through each account's smtp server. Due to the ubiquitous obnoxious spammers, most smtp servers are now set up to forbid email relaying.

This means that (for instance) to use the Illuminati Online smtp server at smtp.io.com, you have to be logged into the Illuminati Online network. Unfortunately when one is using the SprintPCS phone, one is logged into the SprintPCS network. Attempting to send email through smtp.io.com will just get you a "relaying not allowed" error.

The solution I used was to get an email account at SprintPCS (sign up at their web site), and write down my account name and password. In Eudora, I set up an account for SprintPCS, and checked it as the default "send email" account. (I did change the "reply to" email address to point to my main non-Sprint email) The first time Eudora tries to send email, it will prompt you for the password.

So now I can both get email from all my accounts, and sent email through the sprint account.

Registered: Oct 2002
Location:
Posts: 10

Hi,

First, hi, and some background.

Live in NYC.

I got my Sprint DL on Monday. I was already a Sprint PCS customer (free and clear plan, not vision), and occasionally used the WAP/WML features of my phone (Samsung n200), but was surprised by how often it was out of service.

The Sprint DL comes with a manual, a CD with some browsing software (blazer), a battery, a hands-free headset, and a travel charger ( people may want to order this just to get a spare charger). I just ordered a second DL from Handspring so I can get a spare battery. Charging your Visor prism will recharge the phone. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that you can run non-rechargable Visors with just the DL phone battery (I tested on another by removing the battery). Oh well. That would have been nice, since I keep hearing nightmare stories about the Prism batteries dying.

I have a visor Prism, so the bulk of the DL and the Prism is alot. I decided that if I liked the DL, I'd probably just use it for a month or two then go with a Treo. Or I would use it, but use the hands-free headset. It looked like I had 3 options - create a brand new Sprint account, add a second phone to my existing account, or switch phones. After speaking with Sprint, I decided to just switch phones (free on the web).

OK, activating the phone. The URL on the activation checklist for the phone is no longer valid (probably changed when Sprint updated their website). The $35 activation fee appears to only be charged if it is a new account (I'll see when I get my bill). I tried following the instructions in the manual, but the phone just appeared to hang. So I went online, and followed the instructions on the website. This also resulted in the DL hanging. Finally I called Sprint, and was asked a few questions, then told my phone was activated.

I tried calling a number (moviefone), and it did indeed work. The speaker made a buzzing noise, which I later discovered only happens if you turn on the main Visor. If the Visor is off, but the phone on, then the buzzing noise goes away. The sound quality wasn't bad. I called a few people, and they said they could understand me, so I guess the mikes work. The headset that came with the DL isn't the greatest, so I figure I will use my other headset.

Around NYC, I get 4 bars from the Upper-West side, 3-4 bars in the Financial District, and 3 bars inside an office near Grand Central. So the reception appears to be at least as good as my other phone.

Setting up the data options wasn't intuitive, and the images in the manual do not match what I saw, but I guess this is default Palm OS 3.5 behavior. You go to the Prefs option, and set the connection and network options.

Blazer is ok, but doesn't support javascript, so 99% of websites won't work (doesn't anyone use normal links anymore ;-) ). It appears to get about 8-14k bits per second, so it is a bit slower than most dialup connections, and makes you glad if you have broadband elsewhere. From other threads, I gather that while the dl is capable of someday using Sprint's 3G network, Sprint is not going to release the software to upgrade the dl, so you are stuck with the old Sprint network (I hope I'm wrong, a high-speed connection would be nice). I installed the Xiino browser, which supports javascript and frames (a bit), and will probably use this in the future. I tried going into Earthlink to see if I could read my mail via the browser, but it wouldn't let me log on. Sigh. I haven't used the mail clients yet.

The phone features are pretty good. It has context sensitive buttons that appear when you make calls, so it is obvious how to put someone on hold, make 3-way calls, do call-forwarding, etc. For people who never use these features on other phones, this may be a reason to use this module or a Treo. I haven't used the 4-digit dialing feature yet (I guess you can just hit a few keys, and it'll match the number?), and last night configured the shortcut buttons (you can enter a name and number, or look them up from your AddressBook). They have a variant on Address that lets you tap on a name or number and it prompts you if you wish to dial that number.

You can make calls and use other Palm applications at the same time (though without a headset this may be awkward).

So far I can see the appeal. I don't like lugging around my phone and my prism, so this may be a bit better, but it is bulky, especially if you use a headset. Again, I bet if I like it I will probably just upgrade to a Treo, and take advantage of Sprint's 3G service and the keyboard.

Has anyone used it as a regular modem to dial into other networks? Can I use it like a normal modem? If I have terminal emulation software (ptelnet, etc.), can I use it to dial into a computer modem, or do I need some sort of VPN software? Does Palm VPN software exist? How do I specify which network/connection is used by other other software? Some appear to have settings letting you control this, and others appear to assume this is done by the Palm OS.

Anyway, let me know if you have any questions or answers.

Good luck,
Mark

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 23

Winchell: Thanks for the info on e-mailing. I have seen a thread in Communications software on how to make HotMail available for Visor using a browser.

MarkEagle: I am still not clear about cost of the plans. I do understand that with Vision I do get faster speed on web, messaging, etc.

The Free and Clear plan gets me slower access to the web, but what is the actual cost? I am mostly interested in data access.

Where do the web access minutes come from? Only from the anytime minutes? (If you have 300 anytime minutes/$30 plan.) Do you have to pay $5 to have them taken from that plan or is it $0.40/minute for data if you do not pay $5. And what about this $10 option for unlimited data; I thought that was only available under Vision plans?