Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

I was thinking whether or not to get the handspring modem. Even when the SixPack comes out, it's probably gonna be months before they overcome the overwhelming demand for it.
I wanted to know from people who own the current Handspring modem, is it clunky? How inconvenient is the part on the top that goes over the visor? Is it comfortable or heavy or what? Thanks.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 391

It's not inconvenient to use, but it's definitely way way too big to fit in any kind of case except the Visor belt clip.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: bright side of the moon.
Posts: 996

it's sorta clunky..light, until you put the batteries in it, and you can't leave it in your visor if you expect to use the cover.

HOWEVER,

I'm getting my email (from 3 accounts), i'm surfing the web for quick reference to material while on the road and it has allowed me to leave my laptop in the office for all but a few occasions when travelling!

I am looking forward to the six pack mainly because it will have the 8MB and voice recording strapped in with the modem (that way i don't have to carry around 3 modules) AND i'll be able to leave it in my visor all the time (which should lighten the load even more when i travel...

now if they can combine the stowaway with a visor so that it flips open off the back!!

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

I see from pictures that it sticks out over the top. Is that an inconvenience? Also, would you recommend getting it or waiting for SixPack? I don't use it for business or anything, just for fun and in school. I just am a little impatient :-) . Do you think it's worth the wait or save the $70 and the time and buy the modem now?

Thanks.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location:
Posts: 109

I too have been flirting with the idea of the Handspring modem. I'm tired of waiting.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Redwood City CA
Posts: 472

The Handspring modem does bulge quite a bit, but the bulge fits nicely in the curve of your hand and it's not uncomfortable to hold.

I have not had a problem with it, but since it's a landline modem, I only use it when I'm at a desk with a phone cord. If I were carrying it around, I might feel differently.

To wait or not ... well, that's a very personal decision. I waited for the 6 Pak for some time, then got a bonus and figured what the heck. When the 6 Pak ships, I'll probably give the modem to a friend. We'll see.

Registered: May 2000
Location: Lambertville, MI
Posts: 25

I like the modem, it's not too big, it's quite nicely sized. It is well balanced. I actually like to hold it with the modem on. But It dosen't fit in my front shirt pocket. So I have to seperate the modem and store the part in different pockets.

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Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 41

I recently went away on a short business trip. Well, it was support to be short. A day to get there, a day at the site, and a day to get back. It ended up being seven days long. Planning for the short trip, I only took my VDX, HS Modem, and Stowaway keyboard.

The modem is bulky, compared to the shots of the SixPac. But the use of batteries is good IMHO, as it does not adversely affect the batteries in the Visor. I used it both in the Stowaway and in my hand.

I used the modem about 1.5 hours a day, checking e-mail, surfing the web and updating AvantGo. In all a great little modem. If you can wait for the SixPac, I would probably recommend that you do, as the HS modem is 33.6 and the SixPac is rated at 56K (landline), as well as connectors for various cellphones.

I originally bought both for my wife, as she does not like to take the added extra weight of a laptop when she travels. I'll eventually get a SixPac as well as the associated cell phone connector for "true" portability.

Enjoy.

Carl

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Posts: 247

I just bought the Handspring modem as well - I couldn't wait for the SixPac either (but I'll probably get it when it comes out...budget permitting!) and so far, I love it!

It is a little bulky but I think not overly so. It's quite light and works great. I can now check email (using ProxiMail which integrates with the Visor's email app), ICQ and even actually browse online websites using the newer version of AvantGo (version 3.3)! It's great!

Yes, the modem does stick out a bit and the Visor won't fit in most cases with it on. It looks great with the black Visor...wish they made a translucent "Ice" one for the other Visors, though.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 391

I find that using either the modem or the diagnostic springboard immediately sucks my batteries down about 1/6th of a volt, and it takes a couple of hours for them to get back up again. I'm not sure what's going on.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Posts: 247

Just to show you how useful and fun the modem is, this is to inform you that this message is written and sent from my Visor and thE handspring modem using AvantGo as the online web browser.