Comments on: Detailed OmniSky wireless modem Review

After less than a week of playing with the device I can't imagine myself without it now. Click the read story button to read our latest review of the OmniSky Wireless modem and find out why some think it will change mobile computing forever.

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Best wireless solution available

jimbo @ 1/24/2000 2:15:28 AM #

I am surprised I have seen all these wireless
solutions popping up. Where I live (in Denmark) we
usually prefer to combine out Pilots with a GSM mobile
phone with IR interface and built-in GSM modem (Like
some Ericssonss and Nokia's) and simply dial up to
our favourite internet provider, like with any
other computer.

Can't you do that in the states?

RE: Best wireless solution available

Mike Bilow @ 1/24/2000 5:17:23 AM #

There are wireless solutions available in the US, but most have serious deficiencies due
to pricing. Several US wireless carriers, notably Sprint, do sell handsets from Nokia and
others which have IR ports. However, all non-CDPD US carriers that I know about are
pricing either by-the-bit (like Palm.Net) or by-the-minute (like Sprint).

Most of these services are prohibitively expensive; Sprint charges about $0.20 per minute --
http://www.sprintpcs.com/wireless/pricing.html" CLASS=NEWS>http://www.sprintpcs.com/wireless/pricing.html -- for most users. Bell-Atlantic Mobile,
which covers the northeastern US, offers wireless Internet access via CDMA handsets,
and they have an unlimited off-peak option for about $10 per month which allows free
use except Monday through Friday from 7:00 to either 20:00 or 21:00, but none of
their handsets have an IR port at this time. I have used CDMA data access with a
Palm PDA, but it required two cables and a null modem connector, and this is not really
a practical solution for regular use.

CDPD is available, but it is usually sold into the corporate market rather than to the
individual user market, and as a result it is hard to find well informed sales staff within
organizations which are really set up to sell voice cellular telephones. Although some
areas of the US do offer unmetered CDPD for a flat monthly fee, including all of the
Bell-Atlantic Mobile territory, much of the US does not have that option and all other
national providers (like ATT) are, as far as I know, selling CDPD priced by-the-bit --
http://www.attws.com/business/data/index.html" CLASS=NEWS>http://www.attws.com/business/data/index.html -- and pricing is generally so
outrageous as to make the service worthless, such as $0.05 per kilobyte.

Even if you are lucky enough to be in an area where you can get unmetered CDPD
service, you cannot roam outside your home service area or you will be hit with very
high metered charges of about $0.08 per kilobyte. Where flat monthly pricing is
available, as from Bell-Atlantic Mobile -- http://www.bam.com/wireless/internet.htm" CLASS=NEWS>http://www.bam.com/wireless/internet.htm --
it will be about $40 per month plus equipment cost.

Overall, the problems with wireless data have come down to pricing. If the Omnisky
people can deliver a substantial, value-added, PalmOS-oriented service over and above
raw CDPD connectivity, including unmetered use and free nationwide roaming in major
metropolitan areas, then they really would be offerring something currently unavailable
elsewhere in the US at any price.

RE: Best wireless solution available

Palmwired @ 1/24/2000 7:54:08 AM #

Cell phones are rapidly becoming a pariah in the states. Many stores, cafes, and theaters are banning their use. This is unlike Europe, where everyone seems to have a cell phone and they use it wherever they are. I believe that there was an article in Wired 2 or 3 issues back, the one about Nokia, explaining how the Scandinavians see personal reachability as a status symbol, i.e.. if someone needs to contact you, you must be important. In the US, we seem to be exactly the opposite. The more important you, or feel, the less accessible you become, at least to the masses. With this said, people are now starting to make faces at you if you are seen with a cell phone, whether it's connected to your palm or computer because they expect that at some point it will either ring, or that you will begin talking rather loudly about something that means nothing to them. On the other hand, a wireless palm, being relatively unknown, generates interest rather than frowns and grumbles. People want to see what you've got in your hand. Also, with a palm, we are control of when and how we communicate, i.e. either via the web or e-mail, and there is usually no ringing or loud conversations. This makes these devices much more appealing. Not to mention that the U.S. cellular phone service cost structure makes using a regular cell phone for internet browsing a very expensive option. I've read that the U.S. is about 5 wireless years behind Europe. This is sad for the U.S. Maybe wireless palms will be the first step for many into the truly wireless word.

RE: Best wireless solution available

Palmwired @ 1/24/2000 7:54:08 AM #

RE: Best wireless solution available

lowLark @ 2/14/2000 3:38:32 AM #

The even simpler reason is that most us phones don't have IR hardware. Most US spins of the Nokia 6100 phone, for example, have an Ir window at the top, but if you open them up, you'll find no Ir hardware !!! The reason? Due to the U.S.'es many phone standards, most modern (i.e. digital) phones have to be dual banded to get decent coverage (i.e. AMP's & TDMA|CDMA|GSM). The second radio leaves no room for the Ir hardware ... thus the dilema.

RE: Best wireless solution available

kfricke @ 3/3/2000 7:19:21 PM #

Actually, I agree that the GSM method seems the easiest and cheapest. Infostream service with Voicestream was advertised to me as unlimited data access for $30/month. Palm V + Nokia 5190 + Global Pulse cable ($129 from Handgear.com) + Proxiweb browser makes for good connect time and quality so far. Still testing it out for complete usefullness, but so far, so good!

RE: Best wireless solution available

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/18/2001 7:50:12 PM #

I have a question for the above user or anyone using the IR to GSM (PCS-1900) in the US instead of OmniSky-type solutions. I agree, the pricing seems a bit steep in that it is metered per-minute (at least on Cingular Wireless it is). But it seems to me that with the cellphone, you are in effect dialing into a service provider. I know that obviously you need an ISP that you can dial into, no problem. But is the log-in time prohibitive? Do you have to wait 20 seconds for it to handshake, etc? It seems that the OmniSky comes up in just a few seconds (does it?) - THANKS!! Please EMAIL DIRECTLY TO acct@dmgross.com ALSO! Thanks.
d.

RE: Best wireless solution available

I.M. Anonymous @ 10/18/2001 9:32:20 PM #

Try the Mistral Wireless Modem...I use it through ATT Wireless and the coverage and speed are really strong. It's an expensive purchase at around 360., but if its being expensed- who cares...Fast and reliable. I've been very happy with it and use it a lot for internet cruising, email and IMing....The att rate for unlimited use (at least here in So Cal) is around 29/month

RE: Best wireless solution available

I.M. Anonymous @ 5/28/2002 2:20:27 PM #

the PAWGO adapter gets rid of the secind cable and the null modem adapter http://www.pawgo.com/desktop/default.html

OmniSky vs. Original Minstrel Modem

Jim Barr @ 1/24/2000 11:04:33 AM #

I do not own an OmniSky modem, but I did use a Minstrel modem with my old Palm iii...

About a year and a half ago, I purchased a Minstrel Modem for my Palm iii as well as the wireless service re-sold through Go America. The concept was incredible! Wireless access to just about everything through my Palm iii! Work was paying the monthly fee, and I could easily justify the fee by being able to access and manage all our main computers remotely. This was WAY COOL!

Some Comments:
1. Coverage
Coverage was great except for where I worked. I could not get a signal to save my life at my office. Venture a couple blocks from my office, and connections were quick and reliable.

2. Speed
Some would say "19.2k? That's lame!" but remember that you are not trying to fill up a full-sized monitor. Programs like ProxiWeb really made web surfing a dream. There were actually times that I could load in a page on my Palm iii faster using ProxiWeb than on my desktop system at 28.8k!

2. Size
The Original Minstrel Modem was a huge beast. The OmniSky version looks just amazing! Way to go! I predict that within 3 years, we'll have an OmniSky/Palm V combination in the size of a current Palm V!

3. Price
The Go America price was just under $60.00 per month for unlimited access. For business, this may be nothing, but for personal use, I simply could not justify it. Maybe OmniSky's price will be more palletable.

Conclusion:
It appears that OmniSky is basically duplicating what Go America offered, but with a Palm V-compatible modem. Go America's service was always top notch, and I could just never get over the fact that I could connect to the Internet from my palm. Way Cool!

OmniSky vs. Minstrel III Modem

Erik @ 1/24/2000 3:35:04 PM #

I too own a Minstrel III. I have been using it for a year in comination with my Palm IIIx. I do not fathom why Omnisky would not offer a software package to Minstrel III owners. This practice is quite frankly UNFORGIVABLE. It is almost as stupid as Palm.net not offering PQA software to Minstrel III/II owners. This 'buy new stuff' practice must STOP IMMEDIATELY if the wireless industry expects to grow. Omnisky in particular has cut it's own throat by ignoring the original pioneers that bought modems before the advent of the PQA.

RE: OmniSky vs. Original Minstrel Modem

spice @ 1/25/2000 2:06:02 PM #

I've got the Minstrel III and have been using for a year. I don't use any of the included mail/web apps. For mail its Multimail Pro, which rocks and Proxiweb. The RhinoPak 2000 works well to hold, but I also like this smaller digicam pouch. Thought about switching to the Omnisky, but it only buys you the thickness diff between PalmIII & V. Plus, I love the PalmIII's AAA batteries, which you go thru like water.

ProxiWeb

John Fleming @ 1/24/2000 1:58:38 PM #

1. How do you setup ProxiWeb to work with Omnisky?

2. Is it possible to delete AvantGo or is it needed for Omnisky to function?

Omnisky Satified Customer

Melanie Terry @ 1/24/2000 5:08:37 PM #

I am in the Beta Program also and agree with your review to the tee. I am happy with the product except for the few cons you had mentioned. The size, cover, less data port, and for me the biggest: Coverage. I live in Gilroy, CA and have no coverage at all. I commute to San Jose and that is where I can use it. But overall, when I can use it, I love it.

Yeah! No coverage in Atlanta!

old es @ 1/25/2000 6:40:11 PM #

Hear Hear!
There's no coverage for OmniSky in Atlanta, fastest growing city in the US and the computing hub of the east coast. (Yeah, I know what you New Yorkers are going to say, and I've got news for you: Your airport ain't the most trafficed any more either. Get used to it.)
Stragely, there seems to be coverage over Denver, Alberquerqy, and a few odd stretches of interstate, according to the map on the sales site. Just who's planning this network?

No Coverage in Atlanta

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/9/2001 9:14:04 PM #

What is the problem? Is it a monopolized market? Bell South maybe? If so, we need a to launch a protest!

Re: Detailed OmniSky wireless modem Review

GTing @ 1/24/2000 5:57:48 PM #

While I agree that wireless Palm computing is a revolution
that would revolutionize the business culture, I tend to be
skeptical on the limited usage of a mere modem for the Palm.
I currently own a Palm V, and have the Qualcomm QCP-860
connected to it with digital wireless internet service
from Bell Atlantic, and the main advantage is the use of voice, which turns the setup
more into a mobile office than a handy web screen, similar to
another users response from Sweden. I understand that
Handspring will provide a cellphone add-on in a recent press release.
That provides a substantial leap as you gain all the features of omnisky,
plus audio usage as well, in one small package.
Although the Omnisky looks like a very attractive on the outside,
they would need to lower the pricing substantially under cellphone rates
to appeal to user like myself, who are searching for a viable solution
to mobile computing. I might be sacrificing size (about the size of
a small Franklin planner), but I feel a subtantial gain in air time usage
and savings.

Re: Detaimed OmniSky wireles modem Review

Tim @ 1/24/2000 8:55:26 PM #

Very good review. The lack of %ZIPCODE support is not a
big deal as the reviewer has noted. But the lack of %DEVICEID
is a big deal. PQAs that need to switch to secure mode (SSL)
for secure transactions (IE. Amazson Anywhere, any on-line
stock broker, etc.), do not work on the Palm V / OmniSky
configuration. ProxyWeb does handle SSL with 40 bits
encryption but I found the fonts too small to read as
compared to Avantgo or the custom Palm VII Web clipping
apps.

Review is right on!

Lisa Rowley @ 1/26/2000 5:17:02 PM #

You ran into the same bugs I did when trying to use the OmniSky modem/service. Though I do believe they'll have them all worked out by the time it gets out of Beta, and even with the bugs the pros way out weigh the cons!

Just wondering what registry entry you added to get Palm Desktop 3.0.1 to recognize PQA's?

I got around it by upgrading my Palm Desktop to 3.0.3 which comes with the new Palm Vx. OmniSky's tech support claimed that the reason it wouldn't recognize PQA's was because I am running NT4.0 (as many corporate users are) and that it would be fixed by doing the initial load on a '95 or '98 machine.

They were dead wrong, all I needed was the newer version of Palm Desktop and everything worked smooth, even though they claim Windows NT is not supported at this time!

Re: Omnisky for Europe??

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2000 6:35:34 AM #

This wireless internet stuff sounds fantastic

Does anyone know if Omnisky intends to move over here as well?

Come to mention it, does anyone know when we are going to get the Palm Vx in Europe?

RE: Re: Omnisky for Europe??

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/17/2000 6:19:41 PM #

I was in the Copenhagen Int'l Airport Tuesday, 14 Nov. 2000 and the Tech Shop had Palm Vx's
for sale. I moaned that I had bought the PALM VIIx and couldn't get a wireless hookup. He told
me that it was a different system. I was in a hurry to get my plane but I wish I'd had more time
to talk. If anyone knows what I can do to use my Palm VIIx on a wireless hookup. I'm leaving
for France again in February. arnhobeck@home.com

RE: Omnisky for Europe??

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/4/2001 12:01:54 PM #

Omnisky will be launching in Europe within the next 3 months.

palm pilot 3x wireless modem??

Rich Pinho @ 2/11/2000 5:33:57 PM #

i'm about to buy palm pilot 3x, but i need to know if i can eventually buy a wireless modem for it so i can check and send e-mails from the train commute to work?? if there is a device that can accommodate my needs please let me know and where do i buy it and how much?? please respond....thank you!!

RE: palm pilot 3x wireless modem??

Numlock @ 2/13/2000 1:45:17 PM #

You can get a Wireless Minstrel for your IIIx and service from http://goamerica.com" CLASS=NEWS>http://goamerica.com

RE: palm pilot 3x wireless modem??

fireman54 @ 3/12/2000 12:50:07 PM #

Before you go to GoAmerica. Be advised. You will get charged to use 3rd party software like Avantgo and ProxiWeb. The charge is $0.10/kb They require you to use their Palm OS software because of the compression. Their GoWeb application is okay. Not as good as ProxiWeb, but usable. The GoMail application is the worst Palm OS application ever distributed. It is so buggy that it eventually corrupts itself so badly that sending email becomes impossible. Their tech support is okay, but they don't know a thing about the Palm OS and using their GoAmerica Palm apps. Last thing, in order to get the special pricing for the modem and service, you have to contract their service for at least a year.

Thinair 1.4 setup on Omnisky?

Dave Okuno @ 2/29/2000 2:19:29 PM #

How do you setup Thinair 1.4 e-mail client using Omnisky. I tried to configure the app but it would not let me connect to the server.

How long?

I.M. Anonymous @ 4/10/2000 8:50:28 PM #

How long before the ultimate palm Vc with built in modem and retained palm V size

As of now, still inferior to the VII series.

I.M. Anonymous @ 4/19/2001 1:47:30 PM #

The one advantage is SPEED! OmniSky is faster than the Palm VII, but it's also hideously expensive. For $399, I could buy a Palm VII, + 2 months of the unlimited usage internet! And $60.00 a month is simply too much for the coverage area. Not to mention, the Palm VII DOES have full web browsing, with browsers like eFinder and DPweb. If you plan on using wireless internet, Palm.net is still your best choice..... for now, anyway.