Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 8

I'm looking for that "travelling without a laptop" feeling (I'm not on the road a lot... few times a year).

I've already got a Stowaway keyboard.
People are bugging me about what I want for Christmas.
So clearly I "need" a modem, right?

Which one is better suited for occasional travel - the Thinmodem or the SpringPort Modem? Or wait for the Thinmodem+?

Thinmodem people - I use NiMH. Will battery drain be a problem? (I've learned the hard way not to try using the backup module after a low battery warning )

SpringPort people - Does that extra weight unbalance the keyboard?

How did you decide which modem to get?

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

For starters, check out the VisorCentral reviews on the Thinmodem and SpringPort modems.

I've used both... here's my thoughts:

For occasional use (defined by me as once or twice a day email retrieval, quick web sessions), the Thinmodem get's my vote. It's small, lightweight, and is quite adept at performing its tasks. For heavy-duty surfing, I would choose the SpringPort because it is self-powered. The Thinmodem, being Visor-powered, can be a battery hog when used for extended periods of time. Perhaps the FullCharge will help VDx and Platinum users in this regard. The SpringPort doesn't seem to deplete the Visor as fast, but has its own battery issues (most low battery warnings from the module result in lockups).

As far as using either in conjunction with a Stowaway, they both work very well. The Thinmodem gets the advantage here simply because it's a standard size module that really doesn't add any extra weight to the Visor. While the SpringPort works with the keyboard, its large size and weight make it a bit unstable. Unless you're using the combo on a firm surface (desk or table), it can be tough to handle.

If it comes down to choosing the Thinmodem, I think I would wait until the TM+ comes out. 8mb's of Flash combined with a modem makes for a nice module IMHO (one that can remain in the Visor all the time, except for those times when you pop the Backup module in ).

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Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 1

I have the Thinmodem and love it.
I used to have to carry my laptop when traveling just for email. Now I only have to carry my Visor. My Visor uses alkalines, but I can't give you good info on battery drain, as I just put my Thinmodem in to get emails and then remove it when I am done. (that way if I space out and leave my Visor alone so it can get "lost", at least I won't have to replace the modem too)
If you wanted to leave it in, I believe battery drain is nil or minimal when you are not actually using the modem.

The Thinmodem+ is interesting. The extra 8 MB is nice if you really need it.

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 604

I've got the SpringPort, and have been generally pleased with it except for the low battery issue referenced in a previous post - it sometimes locks up the unit without warning when it's internal batteries run low, requiring a soft (or even, in a couple of cases, hard) reset. I make it a practice run the backup module right before I use the Springport for any length of time, particularly if the batteries in the module aren't brand new. It's reasonably fast.

I haven't used the Thincom, so I can't compare the two. I confess to lusting after the Thincom+, but it wasn't announced when I puchased my module.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location:
Posts: 33

I have also been tossing around the decision of which modem to buy. I have read both the reviews and user comments on the SpringPort and the Thinmodem. From some of the comments it seems that the Thinmodem is a battery hog while the SpringPort has its own power supply. What I would be using the modem for would be email and the occasional AvantGo sync. I do not think I really need the full 56K of the SpringPort for my needs, but if I can save batteries I might do it. Would the Thinmodem burn through batteries doing email and AvantGo?

Thanks

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Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 434

VDX with NiMH and Thinmodem

You are actually in better shape if you power your Visor with NiMH batteries. Why? You shouldn't be tempted to run on less than a 1/3 charge. Since NiMH batteries don't suffer from the NiCd memory problem (and can be charged many more times), there really is no need to wring that last electron from a set.

While your milage may vary, I can go two to three days on a set of NiMHs while away from home/office. I typically place three calls per day via the Thincom to collect e-mail from two accounts, sync AvantGo and check on server error logs. So each call lasts only a few minutes. If you want to sync to a remote PC while on the road (or do web browsing), then your calls may last alot longer; and your battery life will be much shorter as a result. OTOH, I tend to read alot (thanks to PeanutPress), so I'm sure I wouldn't need to change the batteries as often as I do if I didn't read so much. Anyway, with two sets of NiMHs, I am almost always sure to have a fresh set of NiMHs charged and ready for use, but I always carry a set of alkalines just in case. BTW, don't forget to check the charge on that set of alkalines before leaving home!

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 61

I'm getting a thinmodem for Christmas. I am planning to get
a dow that is about the same diameter of a AAA battery and cut
two pieces the same length of a AAA battery. I'll tape them
together so they look like the two AAA in the Visor.

I'm going to connect a Radio Shack 3V AC/DC regulator adapter to each end of the dows, so that the wires from the regulator touch the contacts in the Visor.

I'll use this "AC" power adapter when I'm in the mood to do some serious surfing on the internet.

I'm planning to make one for the car too (when the visor is connected to a GPS). Just make sure you use a power regulator and not a voltage divider.

Frank

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Indiana
Posts: 84

Some thoughts on SpringPort

I just received my SpringPort today, and here's my first opinion...

1. It's big. And somewhat heavy. Bulky is a perfectly appropriate word.

2. It's fast. 56k is accurate for this unit.

3. It doesn't disrupt the Stowaway, from what I can see. If you sit the Stowaway on your lap, it'll be unstable regardless of the SpringPort. Leave it on a tabletop, and you're fine.

4. It's essentially plug-n-play - after the few phone number and network setups. I know plug-n-play is nothing new to SpringBoard owners, but it always boggles my mind.

The modem will be nice in the days ahead. Just make sure you have a good browser and email program. (And the mobile Yahoo! Messenger program is pretty sharp, too.)

Good luck!

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 88

I use both, the Thinmodem and the Springport. The Thinmodem is easier to use and store because of it size. The Springport's connectivity to a cell phone gives it a attractive option. I use the Springport with my wife at the wheel driving down the highway with my Prism and a Springport connected to my Ericsson phone to access my email, etc. It's a great option for those of us who do not have wireless coverage from Omnisky or such providers.

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