Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Columbia, MO
Posts: 125

With all the hype about webphones, and anticipation for wireless Springboards, I'm curious - what does everyone have more interest in using, an Internet cell phone, or a Visor (or other PDA)with wireless Net capability?

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: NJ
Posts: 517

I'd definately go with a Visor and wireless modem! I couldn't imagine web surfing on a little cell phone screen, the Visor's screen is small enough. I hope that the service isn't very expensive when the wireless modems do come out. I heard someone was paying $50 a month for their access with a Palm VII! Thats a bit high for me.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: I'm not sure, but I see lots of lights everywhere.
Posts: 1287

Definitely a wireless PDA. A handheld computer is a far superior interface to the web than the postage stamp size screen of a cell phone.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Clinton, UT 84015
Posts: 71

I definately chose Wireless PDA. I thought about getting service for my phone, then realized the limitations:
Small Screen Size
Awkward data entry

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

I agree. Wireless PDA makes more sense. I'm still hoping for a wireless PDA with cellphone functionality via a headset microphone, though. (I know, I know...I'm not holding my breath...)

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 1571

Wireless PDA is the way to go. A cell phone is just to small to access the net imo. It would make things very awkward.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 434

I already can receive email on my phone. Complete pain in the... The screen is far too small. A phone with an adequately sized screen is far to big OTOH.

I wouldn't want to pay a premium for wireless circuitry in my PDA or wireless access for it either, since I already have a PCS phone. My system of choice is a Visor wired to my wireless phone. I would prefer NOT to use IR, because that becomes very restrictive. A long cord means I can leave the phone in my pocket while I'm surfing.

Or a Visor with everything built-in or in a module, with the headset is also an option. That way I could get rid of my phone.

------------------
Eugene Hsieh
Editor, VisorCentral FAQ
Come visit my homepage.

[This message has been edited by Eug (edited 03-30-2000).]

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 109

Wireless PDA or Webphone?

PDA definately. The form factor of a telephone is insane. It's 100 years old! Tiny screens, limited buttons and input, etc.

But let's not stop there. First of all, Symian took it a step further with what I believe is called the Quartz. It's basically a PDA form factor much like a visor, with a wirless cellular connection built in. To use it as a phone, you plug in the lapel-mic/ear-piece or a headset. So the device sits in your hand (or in your pocket), as usable as a PDA while you talk hands free!

Maybe we need s SpringBoard module for that? Yeah, a digital cellular springboard with a jack for external audio.

But, wait, why stop there? One gripe is the human interface is too small and limited on webphones. PDAs are slightly better. With newer technologies, it is possible to have a microscopic display that sends light out to display a virtaual screen when your eye is at the right distance from it (kind of like looking at your reflection in a spoon, if you will.) Furthermore, voice-activation might be improved engouh to be a real interface!

So how about it? A wrist-watch that recharghes either solar/kineticly, fashionable, has built in cellular access, a vritual display from a microscopic lensed display, and voice activation. What more do you need?

But, still, in reality, I'll take the PDA over a WebPhone any day.