Registered: May 2000
Location: Rome, NY
Posts: 28

I hope this is in the right forum. If not, feel free to move it.

I'm all set to buy a modem to take advantage of my HS VDX
but have the "problem" of too many choices. I can't afford wireless, so I am interested in what your choice of modem is.

Thanks in advance.

__________________
I use a Visor DX
Therefore I am cool!

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

UPDATE Modem Considerations

I don't have a modem for the Visor yet, but here are a few things to consider:

1. Power - Does it have its own batteries? You might not want one that relies on the Visor batteries, unless you don't mind replacing batteries often. Some modems come with an AC adapter. since you said you're not doing wireless, if you're near a phone jack, you're probably near a plug. On the flip side no internal battery means a smaller module, like the Thincom, which is no bigger than a backup module.

2. Would you ever want to use the modem with something else, say a laptop? If yes, your only choice is the Psion modem, as it doesn't need a cable but uses IR beams to communicate with the Visor.

3. Speed - If you live in an area with sub-optimal phone lines, you might not get any better speed from a 56k modem than you would from a 33k modem.

4. "dongle" - In this context, a dongle is a special cable that connects between the modem and a normal phone cable or jack. Some modems reqire a dongle, some have a normal (RJ-11) phone jack that you can plug a standard phone cord into. Some people don't like dongles because you may want a pouch to carry it and other accessories, plus if you lose it, you're stuck until you get another one from the modem vendor, whereas modems with an RJ-11 jack can use any phone cable.

5. Cellular - some modems will connect to a regular (land line) or a cellular phone. While you might not want it now, it might be a feature you'd like to have in the future. Cellular connections are typically only at 9600B.

6. FAX - I would think most modems could do fax with third-party software, but at least one, Thincom, says it can not.

7. Additional Memory - especially beneficial for non-VDX owners, but there are plenty of us VDX owners who have almost filled up their 8M. SixPak adds 8M of memory, and I thought I saw an InnoPak/2M which was a modem with an additional 2M of memory, but I can't find it at http://www.innogear.com

8. Other features - The SixPak also offers a voice recorder, and LED and Vibrating alarms.

JAMES, could you do a writeup comparing the choices out there?

[Edited by PDAENVY on 08-24-2000 at 12:22 PM]

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Jeff

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: bright side of the moon.
Posts: 996

Very good reply PDAENVY. I agree with everything you said. I have the Handspring Modem and it suites my needs perfectly.

I don't use if very often (just when travelling). It has it's own batteries so it helps on the Visor power problem. And while it doesn't have cellular capability, i don't carry a cell phone around with me! I plan on purchasing a wireless module or visor model (??hopefully) in the next year or so.

Because i use it so infrequently, i don't mind the size as it doesn't stay in my visor (need that springboard slot for the upcoming voice recorder module!)

But as far as advice goes, kalaban, i think PDAENVY hit the nail on the head.

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Stealth-Mod.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 153

I've been satisfied with my Handspring modem. I take it on the road and most of the time leave my laptop behind.

Speed is not such a big thing since most everything you will download is text-based. I use MultiMailPro and EudoraWeb. Both are efficient and fast. Synching AvantGo by model rivals doing it by serial cable.

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

Great question. I'm in the same boat as kalaban. I've been waiting (and waiting, and waiting, and waiting) until the SixPak comes out. If it slips much past its latest October projected ship date, I'll have to look at other options out there.

I think James stated in another thread that at some point he hopes to do a comparison of the different modems, once he gets his hands on all the various models out there. I for one would love to see such an article.

If anyone out there has the Thincom, is it true that you cannot fax with it? That would seem to be a huge drawback for me.

Registered: May 2000
Location: Rome, NY
Posts: 28

PDA: Great response. You touched on some things I never gave consideration to. Thanks for the feedback folks.

__________________
I use a Visor DX
Therefore I am cool!

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: New York City
Posts: 158

One more factor to consider is if you will be using it internationally. The latest GlobalAccess modem is the fist Visor modem to be tested internationally. I learned the hard way that The Thincomm (and presumably the other existing choices) did not work in Japan.