Registered: Sep 1999
Location: at work...
Posts: 736

http://www.novatelwireless.com/palmtop/minstrelS.html

Some excerpts:

Based on the Springboard� technology developed by Handspring, the Minstrel S snaps into the expansion slot on the back of the Visor and is the first modem accessory to provide nationwide wireless WAN access. The Minstrel S supports popular Palm OS� enterprise productivity and synchronization programs and is bundled with POP3 email and HTML web browsing software. In addition, the Minstrel S will also be available with 2 MB and 4 MB flash memory versions, the Minstrel S2 and Minstrel S4, respectively.

Since Minstrel S utilizes Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) technology � a secure, open standard network - you can be sure of reliable, real-time data transmission at speeds up to 19.2 kbps. The sleek design of the Minstrel S retains the elegance and portability of the Visor handheld; and together, they provide the functionality of a single, highly integrated product � resulting in a smart and powerful tool for the mobile professional.

Portability
Adding a mere 8.25 mm ( ~ 1/3") in thickness, 18.5 mm ( ~ 3/4") in length and about 4 oz, the Minstrel S tightly integrates with the Visor and provides big functionality in a form factor small enough to fit into a shirt pocket.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Metro Station, Hollywood and Highland
Posts: 1018

Wow! As much as it pains me to say it, I might have to break down and buy one of these, even if the service is $50 a month (if I can expense it, knock on wood).



[This message has been edited by Gameboy70 (edited 06-26-2000).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: at work...
Posts: 736

I just got off the phone with Novatel, it looks like this is still vaporware though...they said it would be available in 'Q3', which probably means they will go on sale on September 30th. Also, I asked whether they would be selling them directly or only through a service provider like Omnisky, and was told they would sell it directly. I guess that leaves open the question of whether current Omnisky customers could use it with their Omnisky accounts.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 79

Q3 Ha.....

My bet is Q1 of 2001 maybe Q2!

Sounds like a good idea, but if the service is more than $20 a month I won't be able to do it. I already pay $45 for a cell phone. Might as well buy the six pack when it comes out and use my cell phone to connect.

Heyday

Registered: Apr 2000
Location:
Posts: 73

Or another alternative is to use the Mark/Space serial cable (available in around two weeks) and plug directly into your cell phone, without any springboard (like the SixPak). I was able to connect to my Sprint PCS cellphone using the Visor Serial cradle. I just turned off flow control in the modem preference menu. It works great. I suspect the Mark/Space serial cable performs the same function as the cradle.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: east granby, ct, US
Posts: 10

$369 is pretty pricey when Palm VIIs are selling at Costco for $399.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Metro Station, Hollywood and Highland
Posts: 1018

The Minstrel S offers full internet access. The Palm VII only does web clipping. You can only access sites that have Palm Query Applications. Plus, with the Minstrel, you're not locked in to one service provider.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Hoboken, NJ, 07030
Posts: 105

While Novatel will be selling them directly, their rep at PCExpo indicated that they expected to see wireless providers selling them at a discount with service and the OmniSky rep (next booth, very conveinent) confirmed that they expected to see that.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 7

quote:

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Originally posted by heyday:
Sounds like a good idea, but if the service is more than $20 a month I won't be able to do it. I already pay $45 for a cell phone. Might as well buy the six pack when it comes out and use my cell phone to connect.

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Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 36

i think the Minstrel S is going to be cheaper by far than the Palm 7. for one, i expect that the modem will be sold for about $150 with a service agreement from Omnisky, which is what they are charging now for the Minstrel V. Also, unlimited access for the Palm 7 is $45 a month, while Omnisky only charges $30 right now.

Registered: Aug 1999
Location: Inverness, FL
Posts: 428

I played around with the unit this summer

http://www.visorcentral.com/article.php3?id=45&pv=1

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<B>Marcus Adolfsson</B>
Editor

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 137

Omnisky wireless

Marcus,

What did you think of the Omnisky unit?
It sounds good that there is unlimited surfing capabilities with the service. I wonder how it will do indoors.

@ctivelink claims it has better indoor penetration, but how much better compared to the Omnisky?

@ctivelink also has a limit to how many characters can be transmitted per month until you have to pay extra....that is a bummer. That alone makes to look closer at the Omnisky

People are accustomed to unlimited and RELIABLE Internet access nowadays, so whoever will provide that will probably prevail.

I am so looking forward to getting a wireless unit for my Visor! Is anyone getting the packaged @ctivelink/Visor unit? If you are, please post some reviews here. There will be tons of interest!

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

There are advantages to the OmniSky, however, before buying either that or the PalmVII(x) do yourself a favour and look at the coverage area maps....

It's amazing at what a difference there is between the Palm.net and OmniSky.

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