Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Posts: 790

Another Question - Dual-Mode?

I saw a reference in another thread (sorry, I don't remember which) which suggested VisorPhone can not "do analog".

Is this true? I stupidly assumed that it was dual-mode and would fall back to analog in areas w/o digital coverage.

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Jeff

Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 125

The visorphone cannot access the US analog networks but can work on overseas GSM networks.

Marty

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 242

quote:

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Originally posted by mmendo1
Yes, many people don't purchase datastream minutes from Voicestream and their data calls just come out of their voice minutes. However, some carriers such as Sprint require you to sign up for their "Wireless Web" offering (extra $10/month in many cases) for you to get any kind of data access, whether it be by WAP or dial-up to your ISP.

Marty

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Houston
Posts: 72

That's exactly what mmendo1 is saying. Many people have reported using the VPhone for data without purchasing Datastream. My own experience is that I would have saved about $10 a month by not purchasing Datastream and getting a "bigger" package of minutes.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 242

I investigated this with Voicestream--you're right.

DataStream makes sense if and only if you really plan on doing a lot of wireless surfing. With my "get more" plan I get 600 weekday minutes and 2000 weekend minutes. I suspect that the way I use things, that will be enough. If I turn out to be a serious wireless surfer, Datastream would make sense.

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Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 13

so what was the verdict on data stream?? I have voicestream now without datastream. and using my nokia 8290 and software from IScomplete and avango's browser i can go online. (i just call up my ISP and it uses up my minutes) Data stream IS an ISP, isn't it?? One would not have to dial up one's ISP to go online with Datastream, or is this wrong??? And can i use the visorphone without data stream to call into my ISP as I do now with my nokia??

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 242

Everyone else is correct. There is no need to purchase datastream. Your online minutes come out of your regular minutes if you don't. You still do need an ISP as well.

NB: The worst thing about this whole process was customer service. Adding Handspring's customer service to Voicestream's was a nightmare.

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Tampa,FL
Posts: 19

Matt1: I just got my visorphone this afternoon, and within 10 mins of sticking the cd in the drive to install Blazer, I was dailed into my ISP(Prodigy) and surfing wirelessly. I also have VoiceStream, but no dataweb. Isn't technology grand?!? I love my new Prism!

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Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Houston
Posts: 72

quote:

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Originally posted by matt1
Data stream IS an ISP, isn't it??

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