Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 29

Hi all,

I'm sad to say that I am returning my OmniSky modem and cancelling my service. I found that the coverage in the area (West of Lake Worth, FL) where I live was very spotty. When I could get service, the device was an excellent addition. When I couldn't get service, it was the most frustrating device I ever had. I understand that there are always going to be holes in the coverage but when the hole in the coverage is larger than the are that works, then it is time to call it quits.

To this, I give the following advice. I am not saying this to turn people off to OmniSky. I am just I suggest trying it out first and take full advantage of their 30 day return policy. I personally drove around with the Minstrel application open on the Status window so I could monitor the actual value of the RSSI signal and whether or not the CDPD signal was Aquired. I found that the majority of the time, the RSSI signal was -100 or worse. I was also finding the the device was always searching for the CDPD signal. (It was a neat way of finding the cellular towers though...) When all was said and done, I could not justify paying $39.95 per month for something that only worked part of the time.

I think this advice will apply to all of the companies providing Wireless connections to PDA's. Even if the their coverage map shows that your general area is covered, it does not mean that you will get full coverage in your particular place. I hope this helps you make a good decision on your purchase.

Ron

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 93

I concur!

I also had the same kind of experience. My Omnisky reached their return center on Thursday, now I have to wait 2 to 4 weeks for a credit. I found that the service in my area, Apex, NC, a suburb of Raleigh, was spoty as well. I actually get better results using my Sprint PCS account for access. Now I just need to get a shorter cable built

Registered: Sep 2000
Location: New York City
Posts: 29

Omnisky & NYC

Here is my review:

So far I like it. But it does crash a lot about 3-4x perday. Battery life is great. Email and web stuff is fast. Now I need a good case for it. What fo you think?

It's only been one week I'll update as needed.

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Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 73

Battery Life

You said battery life is great, do you turn off modem when not in use?/ Sleep Mode?
My battery only seems to last a few hours , on.

Jim

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location: santa fe springs, ca, u.s.
Posts: 4

reply to my omnisky experiences

im having the same problem in the los angeles area. i live in whittier area, and had the same results. my rssi signal strength was always at 105 to 115. i work in santa monica, took my prism there, same result. i called omnisky support, they are going to send me a new modem. the service rep. from omnisky told me that coverage in the los angeles area was good, by at&t. however he did mention that cell phone calls get priority over omnisky. i hope that the new modem fixes the porblem. if not, im gonna look for a cable for my prism. i also have sprint, which worked fine in conjunction with my old palm V. maybe omnisky needs to offer different carriers for them modems, or at least give you the option for better wireless service.

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Richard

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 3

i just spent 3 months in la, att sucks over there and they know it. even last year when I was there an att in thier store by the beverly center told me I would be better off with sprint. where I was staying I could only get cell service during certain times of the day.

smog must be eating up the signals

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 13

Omnisky (not)

There ain't nothing "omni" about OmniSky. Thus far, I've used it successfully in one place - my office. I can't use it across town, much less across the country. I bought it because there are three places I travel most often - Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio and just south of Pittsburgh. The coverage maps say all three work fine, but I had absolutely zero success. I'm sending this thing back, and I'm beginning to think I should have stuck with the Qualcomm connection kit on my old Palm IIIx.

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