Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 415

Can anyone tell me why A minstrel S or other such wireless data only springboard would be better then using the visorphone and your home dailup account(as I'm under the impression you can do)?

It seems to me that monthly rates for the data-only springboards ar considerably more then the averange cellphone plan.

I understand that the Minstrel could offer the benifit of being always on(instant messanger programs and such), whereas you'd have to spend the 10 seconds or so dailing up if you used the visorphone. However, I believe the visorphone is GSM(?) and I have GSM service available in my area, so I should be able to get SMS messages anyways, right?

[Edited by thorin on 12-07-2000 at 08:25 PM]

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Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 106

Thorin,

The only downside I can think of is the Minstrel is nation wide [assuming you can get coverage ;-)] and the Visorphone coverage will depend on the coverage package you purchase along with it.

Otherwise, I'd much rather have the full internet access a cell phone gives you.

Kupe

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

Judging from some of the complaints I've heard on this board, it looks like a cell phone with a nationwide plan would give you better coverage than OmniSky, Yada Yada, or other Mistrel S carriers.

This is why I'm so impatient to find out what kind of plans will be offered with the VisorPhone. Ideally, I'd like to get the equivalent of Sprint PCS' current offer of $34.95/mo. for 1500 minutes nationwide, although that's probably too much to expect.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Baltimore MD, USA
Posts: 717

If I were you, I'd also check connect speeds.
I seem to recall that the VisorPhone has a much lower bits per second rate than the Mistrel.

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 61

I have a Minstrel and am very happy overall. My reason for getting the Minstrel over the Visorphone was twofold:

1) I like a more 'disposable' phone that I can answer in the rain if necessary, that can afford to be dropped, and that can EASILY fit in a pocket. The Visorphone/Prism would be a $800 accident waiting to happen.

2) Data transfer at 14000 baud rate could use alot of minutes, and with a Minstrel that is a non issue. I can use ICQ chat on my device without time restraining me. Not to mention long load times for many webpages and email.

This is also neglecting 19.2 over 14.4 data transfer rate, This is a 25% faster connection with nation-wide roaming at no charge. In six months there may be more competitive rate plans, further increasing the Minstrel's economic advantage.

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Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Here
Posts: 213

I am interested in the visorphone for the phone, SMS messaging can now really work nicely with having an interface like the visor screen and SMS is so reliable about delivery, and occasional use as a wireless modem.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 13

quote:

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Originally posted by Brajesh108

2) Data transfer at 14000 baud rate could use alot of minutes, and with a Minstrel that is a non issue. I can use ICQ chat on my device without time restraining me.

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Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 61

ICQ chat on ICQ site

ICQ.com has the .prc for PalmOS on thier sit, just have to look for the link on the homepage.

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Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 216

Wireless data rates

quote:

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Originally posted by Winchell
If I were you, I'd also check connect speeds.
I seem to recall that the VisorPhone has a much lower bits per second rate than the Mistrel.

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