Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 9

Hi--Just though I'd let ya know that the Xircom modem is shipping to CompUSA stores...I got mine yesterday there...It's available in store only...They had the Thincom modem in stock too, but I chose the Xircom over it because it includes the full version of MultiMail Pro and also includes AvantGo, plus there memory built in, so you can store a program or two (Or if you already have AvantGo/MobileLink, you can delete them and have about 600k free on the modem module) to store communications programs (Or any programs) it includes File Mover as well. The product is great, the hard case fits on the top with the modem in the back, and it will snap shut, but it won't go on the back due to the modem being large due to the battery pack in the middle...Also for some reason CompUSA advertised a $50 rebate on it, but when I went there, they never had any rebates on it...And there were no signs of a rebate on it at all...No Special offers, nothing!

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by Nikhil
it includes the full version of MultiMail Pro

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Does it also include the MultiMail Conduit? The retail price for MultiMail Pro is $39.95 and the conduit (if purchased seperately) is another $39.95. It probably doesn't include the conduit but I can be hopeful

As for the lack of the rebate, did you inquire with anyone at the store? It is advertised in their current flyer. When I get there myself (probably on Monday or Tuesday), the first thing I'm going to do is verify the rebate. That is what makes the SpringPort such a sweet deal (especially with the bundled software)!

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 80

Rebate...

Im pretty sure that if they show a special or a rebate in their flier, you can demand to be given it. After all, if that were the case they could promise you a computer for a penny to get you in there, and say, "We don't honor that".

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: NY, NY, USA
Posts: 39

Should have mine 9/20.

Hello All,

Well I ordered mine about 3 weeks ago. After two email to customer service I was told it shipped This past Friday and that I should have it by Tuesday the 20th. I will be needing it to check and send email and send faxes. I use mindspring as my ISP. Anyone try using this modem with it yet? I will give my review within a week of getting it.
Wish me luck....

Evan

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"No matter where you go... There you are"

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

I saw the same ad, and went out and purchased one yesterday. The circular actually says manufacturer's mail in rebate (or words to that effect). However, when I opened the box, there wasn't anything to mail in. If I can't get it for $50 off, I'm returning it.

The unit seems well made - it's quite large, actually. The installation seemed to go well, as you expect for a Springboard.

The documentation with the unit is really skimpy. I was not impressed with that part of the unit, and Zircom's web page isn't very helpful either.

I can't really do a review yet, becuase I wasn't able to hook up to my ISP, MSN. The modem seemed to dial correctly and make the initial hookup, but I kept getting an "authentication error" when it asked for my password. I know the login and password are correct - they are the same ones I use on my home computer. I suspect it's an MSN problem. Unfortunately, when you call them they don't support anything other than MS operating systems. In other words, if I had a Pocket PC device, they'd help me out, otherwise, I'm out of luck. Any advice out there?

I'm going to try and dial in using a friend's ISP tonight, hopefully tomorrow I'll have more information.

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 9

SpringPort 56 GlobalACCESS Modem Review

Well, I got my modem on Saturday, and here's my review!

First of all, VTL and anyone who needs help dialing into your ISP, email me for a free Juno setup..If you are willing to sign up and download Juno Free Access from Juno.com, I'll tell you where to get and download the stuff you need to set up the account...And it's not timeconsuming. (Email address is [email protected])

I set up my Network Preferences with my Free Juno account (For help on how to do this, email me!!) and I dialed in...The Visor would activate the modem, and dial in, and I established a perfect connection each time. I encountered a DNS error once and a Server error once, but it wasn't the modem's fault, as I tried it with my Handspring Modem (Seems like cheap garbage now hehe) After those two erros, I logged on over 15 times, and I've had smooth surfing from there :-)!! I spent over 1 hour on it with AvantGo as my browser, and it works 100% fine!! It connected to AOL for Palm fine too, no errors except don't install the AOL software onto the Modem memory, because without the information that is located on the Visor itself, it won't operate properly...But if the software is on the Visor, you won't have a single problem...IM's and Email worked great, my AutoAOL email downloads were quick, nearly double the speed of the 33.6k Handspring modem. And websites loaded quickly! I posted my original post on the Visor itself. The modem also comes with Multimail Pro for the Palm OS (No Conduit) and it also includes AvantGo for those who don't have it...You can delete this from the memory with (included) File Mover, and then I was able to transfer and successfully use the 164k AIM for Palm 1.0 to the memory. Extra space for a large eBook! The modem is great, their idea of the battery pack is awesome...You will be able to buy various battery packs, it includes a 3xAAA holder, which you install the batteries, and then snap the holder onto the modem...I anticipate a rechargeable battery, and maybe an AA battery compartment, since I'm loaded with AAs!!! They will (or are they?) have GSM/PCS Cell Phone connectors out so you can surf and check email wireless worldwide! It's also a Global modem, so you can change the country location within the Palm OS and connect elsewhere..Useful for when I go to India...Connection speed on a cell phone is 9.6k, which is slow compared to the 44k I connected to (Read below), but it's great to connect wirelessly...You can also synchronize wirelessly.

Bandwith: With CNETs bandwith test, I surfed on down to their site, and test the true bandwith...I had a connection speed of 44k with Juno service...And the pages connected with amazing speed.

This modem is (IMO) the best modem out there, I chose it over the Thincom modem which the CompUSA also had in stock, regardless of the $30 extra...Also another thing that makes it a great deal is that I've been told that MultiMail Pro sells for $40...That's great!! It would have been even better if there were the $50 advertised rebate (I'm gonna contact the store today) But someone else posted their not recieving a rebate form either. I'll post again if I can get the rebate slip!

Registered: Aug 2000
Location: Burbank, CA
Posts: 20

I just got my Xircom modem today at CompUSA. When I asked the sales person regarding a rebate they gave me a blank look. I happened to bring the ad (in case I got that response). They stated that the mail-in form would either be in the box or found at their rebate center (basically a board at the back of the store with all the manufacturer's rebate blanks). I went back to check the rebate center and after about 1 minute I found the $50 rebate blank (I'm jazzed, a great modem and $50 back). So, if you have bought a springport modem, go back to CompUSA and get your rebate form.

Now a question, does anyone have a suggestion for a free ISP that will work with this modem?

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal
Posts: 115

Rebate is limited time offer

I also picked up the Xircom today at CompUSA - the rebate slip is on a wall with many other rebate pads but for $50 off it was a minor inconvenience to locate it. It's Blue on white generic heading $50 Mail-In Rebate - have to read down the slip a bit to find Xircom56 info

Note: the rebate is good only 9/16/00 thru 9/23/00 and has to be postmarked by 10/7/00.

Something else to be aware of - the fine print in CompUSA's return policy. They will not exchange or accept returns for items where the UPC code has been removed from the packaging. I'd suggest testing the modem thoroughly before sending off the rebate slip since it does require the original UPC.

I've done some testing - the basics seem to work well. I did set up some filters in MultiMail - they didn't work the first time out but that may be operator error will need to play with it a bit more.

I'm new to MultiMail so haven't quite figured out the sequence for loading headers and then retrieving the body of text. First time out I got mixed results. Will have to experiment more.

I already use AvantGo it recognized my setup and updated the full 2k very quickly. Will have to try surfing a bit later, but from previous post sounds like there will be no problems.

I like the battery back idea but the latch seems a little thin - hope it holds up to continued use. I could see it breaking off without a lot of effort.

Launcher III users beware - when you load the module the applications are inserted in alpha order in the first tab - a bit of a hassle unless you create a blank first tab.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

Went to my local CompUSA only to be told "we don't seem to have that even though the computer shows 5 in stock". Four different people checked before thay finally gave me a raincheck. The woman at the customer service desk said "it's probably buried back there" (pointing to the stock room) "and we'll probably find them in a day or so". So I left, a little dejected but with raincheck firmly in hand.

I just noticed (how I missed it before is beyond me) but the SpringPort is a Fax/Modem. Make's it an even better deal as far as I'm concerned (not that there's much need for faxing from a Visor).

Oh well... maybe tomorrow or Wednesday...

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 5

Does the rebate state it is for purchases through CompUSA only? I ordered my modem through Xircom (it is on the way). There are no CompUSA stores near my home.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by pseeger
Does the rebate state it is for purchases through CompUSA only? I ordered my modem through Xircom (it is on the way). There are no CompUSA stores near my home.

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 9

Xircom Modem

Well, I'm posting this again from my Visor (With Stowaway hehe) This modem is awesome! I haven't used my laptop for the net today! Note to users with AOL for Palm, don't try to turn off the Visor without disconnecting, or you'll need to waste time soft resetting...With all modems--Well, I tested my bandwith on CNET again, and it came up as 38.4k..Now is there a way to directly download prc files to Visor? I sure hope so...That'll make my day even better! And I'm going to get the rebate slip on Wednesday (Thanx to the responses on it!)

BTW, Mark--you may want to try again tomorrow...They wasted my time by spending 30 minutes back there and saying they didn't have it, and then I looked in the display case in upgrades (Edison NJ location it was underneath the opposite side of the cameras) and there were 4 Xircoms and 3 Thincoms! I'm standing there saying to the guy, ummmm...It's right theeerrrrreeee Hehehe...If they show up 4, then most likely they have them in stock...

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 80

Downloading programs to visor.

Last time I checked, the software called Proxiweb has the ability to click on a link to a zip file, and ProxiWeb will open it, allowing you to install a palm file inside.

I used it to install a couple programs straight off palmgear!

Hope that helps!

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal
Posts: 115

quote:

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Originally posted by pseeger
Does the rebate state it is for purchases through CompUSA only? I ordered my modem through Xircom (it is on the way). There are no CompUSA stores near my home.

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Registered: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal
Posts: 115

The MultiMail app that comes with the Xircom is not the latest version (3.1) it's v2.2. That was a bit of a surprise since it was not mentioned anywhere on Xircom's site.

I'm liking the modem but this just adds to some of the frustration I've experienced dealing with Xircom. When I talked w/CS yesterday she did say that "ShopXircom" was new and that they were not prepared for the overwhelming response that they received for the SpringPort. Sound familiar?

I'm also considering trying the ThinCom mainly because Card Access seems to value their customers a bit more than Xircom

I'm a newbie with modules and have a couple of questions. If I were to upgrade to the latest version of MultiMail would I be able to install it to the visor and move it to the module and run it there as it does now or would I have to have it installed on the Visor? If both options work what are the pros and cons of each?

Thanks - this is what I love about VC there are always folks that will provide helpful answers.

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

Well, I finally got this module to work with MSN (my ISP), no thanks to Microsoft - another VisorCentral user gave me a tip on tweaking the login.

It seems to work great. I synched my massive AvanGo list over the modem, it seemed to update almost as quickly as it does on my desktop, which is impressive since I use a T1 line at work (albeit behind a firewall, which probably slows it down some).

I also used AvantGo to surf over to VisorCentral live (not as an AvantGo page), and it worked pretty well. It's the first time I cruised the net on my Visor, and only displaying part of the screen took some getting used to.

I had mixed results accessing my POP email with the MultiMail program bundled with the unit. It downloaded the messages from one account with no problem, but wouldn't access the other at all. I also had trouble sending messages. I think it's probably a user problem (I've never played with MultiMail before), and not a modem issue.

I played with it for an hour and a half or so, and came to appreciate the fact that the module has an external battery pack. My Visor's battery meter barely budged despite the heavy usage.

All and all, I'm reasonably happy with my purchase. The documentation is disappointing, but other than that the thing seems to work fine.

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 99

Does Compuserve work with Visors?

Does Compuserve work with this modem? I tried using the Handspring modem with Compuserve but couldn't get it to work, if anybody has a tweak that can get Compuserve to work on a Visor modem I would appreciate hearing about it. Anyway, this forum is a great source of information, keep up the good work !!!

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garinballbarin

Registered: Aug 2000
Location:
Posts: 4

Compuserve is incompatible with the Palm OS for browsing, similar to AOL, but it does have an e-mail client app called CS Mail. Go to the following site to get it: http://www.compuserve.com/mailcenter/palmmail/
I have tried it on my Thincom and it worked perfectly. It should work the same for your modem.

P

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: SoCal
Posts: 115

quote:

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Originally posted by VTL
. . .I had mixed results accessing my POP email with the MultiMail program bundled with the unit. It downloaded the messages from one account with no problem, but wouldn't access the other at all. I also had trouble sending messages. I think it's probably a user problem (I've never played with MultiMail before), and not a modem issue.

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Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 9

Hi...If you are not connected and are recieving errors, it shouldn't be due to the modem, because whenever the modem is idle, it's asleep, and essentially acting as if it weren't in the slot...And I did recieve errors with another Mail program when I had the Handspring Modem, and I had to uninstall all the hacks I had, and never recieved the error again. Also, if it freezes up, this most likely means you need a change of batteries!