Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 12

I'm kinda' peeved at Xircom and other sites that are showing the Xircom SpringPort 56K GlobalAccess Modem. Below are two version of what I am lead to believe are the same thing. When reading about the specs and detailed information on the Xircom page you see the second picture, clearly a smaller, more compact product. Same picture is on the Handspring and PalmGear page. Only when you order do you actually get the first item, quite a bit more bulky and larger!

I'm not sure if the second pictured SpringPort exists. IMHO, this seems to be very misleading. Any one know if the SpringPort will have a battery pack someday?





If the pics don't come out, sorry. You can find them on the Xircom web site, one at product information and one at the Xricom On-line Store.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by Guardian
Any one know if the SpringPort will have a battery pack someday?

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 276

Hey Guardian, good idea... although I wouldn't get too miffed about this just yet. Both represent the same module with a likelyhood of the same specs... 56K v90 modem with Fax and PCS/GSM capabilities.

What the difference is... different battery supplies. The Xircom comes with a plastic holder that holds (an odd number of) AAA batteries. I have noticed that I don't get the most of my batteries in the modem, therefore I now use my StarTac battery supply. This provides much more times online and doesn't drain the Visor as much. I bought the standing charger for the StarTac that holds the phone with a battery attached with a dock for a standalone battery in the back. This is extremely efficient and highly recommended. I have had the StarTac for quite sometime and the Xircom since it was released. I have never experienced problems with either gadget...

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Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 12

Timmins, well I bought the SpringPort knowing that I would get the 3-AAA version just for the 56K, fax, and PCS/GSM capabilities. I'm not disappointed with the modem but I think they should represent their product as it really is today.

I also got a reply from Handspring about them using the picture of the sleeker version and they copped out by saying that's what Xircom provided them. Well, sure it is, but Handspring owes the customer an honest representation of what it's providing. I mean you don't see advertisements for 2005 Chevy trucks knowing that you can only buy a 2001 version. (I don't work for Chevy!)

So the StarTac has a rechargeable battery pack that will snap into my SpringPort modem without any problem. Does it fit securely? What kind of prices are we talking about for the StarTac charger and battery pack?

Thanks for the info.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by Guardian
So the StarTac has a rechargeable battery pack that will snap into my SpringPort modem without any problem. Does it fit securely? What kind of prices are we talking about for the StarTac charger and battery pack?

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

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

I sent an email to Xircom some time ago asking if I could use my Startac battery. They refused to say one way or another, but stated they would at some point be selling a rechargeable battery for the unit. My guess is the slimmer picture shows the prototype.