dredhead
Member
Registered: Nov 2000
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Posts: 85 |
quote:
Originally posted by MarkEagle
I just got SprintPCS with the Wireless Web option (early Christmas present to myself  ). Connect time comes out of my standard minutes (1500! - Holiday Promo) and the SprintPCS network supports transmission speeds of 14.4. All I'm waiting for is the data cable for my web-enabled StarTAC.
I believe this is going to be a better option in the long run than OmniSky, YadaYada, or whatever. I say this because
1) there's only one monthly fee for voice and data,
2) the Visor and phone will always be with me, and
3) I can still use other modules anytime I want.
Plus, at this time, coverage through SprintPCS is far better than that of the others (at least in my neck of the woods).
My cell phone is given to me by my company, and can be taken away at their leisure. Bastards. I didn't want my wireless data solution to be dependent on equipment that wasn't mine. For this reason, I opted for the Minstrel S (which more or less ROCKS, by the way) because should the day come when our clients no longer feel like paying for my 1000 minute package, I won't be left without a wireless option.
I see how much time I've put on my Minstrel just in the week since I got it. This doesn't include any time sitting around in airport termninals, because this was an off week for flying. I can predict that my usage online would be well over 1000 minutes per month, just in waiting for planes alone.
With the Minstrel, I get unlimited time (until the battery dies, anyway). There's no way I could afford to stay connected if I had to use a GSM phone 'n' modem, billed by the minute.
In summary:
1. There are perhaps two seperate monthly fees for voice and data, but neither one will bankrupt me (even if I get my own phone)
2. My Visor and phone are also always with me, and I can even use them at the same time ;-)
3. I can also use any module any time I want. It takes about 10 seconds to switch
I'll agree, my AT&T phone (if it were PocketNet) would have better coverage than the CDPD network that my Minstrel uses (though anywhere I go on business is well covered). But I have to believe that the coverage will improve greatly, so long as shmoes like me keep buying CDPD modems.
In the long run, the web-enabled phone WILL be the answer, only it'll have the PDA built into it too, as well as the GPS, universal remote control, and ultrasonic tooth brush. When that happens, I'll pitch my VDX and it's CDPD modem in the can. Til then, it's the cheaper and faster solution.
__________________
...the patron saint of the easily amused...
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11-27-2000 03:32 PM
Surf by the second
28.8kbs Over Mobile Network!!
, but I win with #3 because I can still use most any module without giving up my connection.
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