Registered: Apr 2000
Location:
Posts: 71

After much frustration with trying to connect my Samsung/Sprint phone to my VDX, I gave in and switched to Voicestream GSM. I now have a A Nokia 8290 with an IR port and am using IRLink to communicate with my VDX. Be sure to read the entire PDF file contained with the IRLink documentation if you go this route. There is a special section devoted to the Visor. I also needed to install part of the Palm Enhanced Infrared Update.

The IR connection seems fairly stable, so far. I've only had problems with Eudora Internet Suite. AvantGo, 4thPass WAP browser and TGP work wonderfully. The 8290 is small enough to fit next to the Visor and if I don't want to lug around a visor/phone combo, I can take just one or the other.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 1

Frustrating experiences with Visor 8210 and IrLink

Hi,

I just read your posting and I am wondering if my ( frustrating :-) ) problems are the same.

You mentioned problems with Eudora Internet Suite.
I tried the Eudora mail tool and experienced the following.

Connecting to the ISP works but when data transfer starts the IR icon begins blinking and short after that the connection gets lost.

Do you have the same experiences?

quote:

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Originally posted by LMidnight
The IR connection seems fairly stable, so far. I've only had problems with Eudora Internet Suite.
[/B]

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: austin, texas
Posts: 61

something i don't understand so far is why there is so much concern about the wiring together of the cell phones and the visor ('rmapes' stlye when you can use an IR enabled phone.

my questions i guess are:
1. with an IR phone, do you just point the visor beam at the phone beam dial up the ISP on the cell and leave them sitting together until you're done?
2. if so, that seems easier than the wiring method. is it as good a connection? or is it more expensive to get an IR phone? i don't know a lot about cell phones, so i'm wondering.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: brooklyn
Posts: 268

quote:

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Originally posted by corb
something i don't understand so far is why there is so much concern about the wiring together of the cell phones and the visor ('rmapes' stlye when you can use an IR enabled phone.

my questions i guess are:
1. with an IR phone, do you just point the visor beam at the phone beam dial up the ISP on the cell and leave them sitting together until you're done?
2. if so, that seems easier than the wiring method. is it as good a connection? or is it more expensive to get an IR phone? i don't know a lot about cell phones, so i'm wondering.

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Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Pembroke,MA
Posts: 307

quote:

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Originally posted by matty
...in the states, we've only got 2 options for ir phones: the above nokia 8290 (gsm networks only) and a motorola timeport, i can't remember which model

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Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Pembroke,MA
Posts: 307

quote:

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Originally posted by LarryN
I'm not sure about international Timeports, but in the US, I don't believe any Timeports have an ir port[/B]

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Ok, I stand corrected (by myself) It seems that flip phone sytle timeports do not have ir ports, but some non-flip timeports do have ir ports. Ooopppsss.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: brooklyn
Posts: 268

yup. there's also an ericsson with ir, one of the w models. what do they all have in common? GSM

so, my travelling will either be really expensive (tho' at home i'll be happy with no wires and from what i understand, pretty good service) or i'll be without a phone till the xircom module or the sixpak happen. and i'm not holding my breath.

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: austin, texas
Posts: 61

with the visorphone being gsm too, the coverage for that might be spotty also. the cdma airprime or whatever it's called appeals to me, but how long the wait??

Registered: Apr 2000
Location:
Posts: 71

Corb, The wait was a major factor for me, too. I was at a point where I was fed-up with Sprint customer service, I wanted a new phone, and I wanted to make my vdx wireless. The logical answer was the 8290 with Voicestream. No more waiting. I agree with the benefits of the other options, but this best suits me, now.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by corb
something i don't understand so far is why there is so much concern about the wiring together of the cell phones and the visor ('rmapes' stlye when you can use an IR enabled phone.

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Well, in my case, I had the phone and service... no extra $$$ for OmniSky, YadaYada, etc. The only extra I have to lug around is a cable (small enough to fit in my pocket). Granted, I can't do voice and data at the same time but I have the ability for both everywhere SprintPCS offers service. And, surprisingly, it works very, very well.

I'm not sure about the SpringPort and SixPak cell connection. Currently, the SpringPort only works with select GSM (3 models currently available) phones and the connection cable is $129.00. I believe the SixPak will be similar. This option is, in my opinion, no different than what I'm doing with my Visor/StarTAC combo.

The wireless modules have their benefits, I'm sure. However, for me, I cannot justify the additional monthly expense of those plans. If I were more of a road warrior, I might feel differently but they are too pricey for someone like me. Give me a wireless module that could be used in conjunction with my current SprintPCS plan and I'd probably jump at it (if for no other reason than to have another toy ).

As for IR, I personally think surfing with two handheld devices has to be difficult... what happens if the IR link is broken? It might be ok for quick email retrieval but for anything more than a couple of minutes, I've got to wonder about it. With my wired connection, I don't have to worry about keeping 2 devices aimed at each other. To me, this is a big plus for the wired or module options.

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Florida
Posts: 1

8290 as a wireless modem with Palm m100?

Hi,

I read your post about how you were able to connect your 8290 with your Visor to use as a wireless modem. I was hoping that you could help me figure out how to use my 8290 as a wireless modem with my Palm m100? ANY ideas???

Thanks! If anyone has any ideas or suggestions please email me at [email protected].

~~Kyle

Registered: Apr 2000
Location:
Posts: 71

cancer623, You may want to check out this thread. It has a link and hints from users with similar hardware. I'm not sure which OS the m100 uses, but if it's 3.5 you may not need any additional software. Good luck