WiFi Enable Your Palm with a Case
Enfora has announced a case that not only provides protection, but wireless connectivity as well. The Wireless Portfolio case features a built in WiFi (802.11b) receiver for mobile internet access.
The WP802b is portfolio style, leather case with an integrated WiFi receiver. It connects to any Palm handheld with the Palm universal connector. It is compatible with both Palm OS 5 and 4.1 devices.
Because of the significant power requirements of WiFi, the WP802b includes a 700mAh LiPolymer rechargeable battery. Enfora says with typical use, the battery will last up to 24 hours.
The case measures 3.8 x 1.4 x 6.2 inches (95 x 35 x 155 mm). It supports data rates of 1, 2, 5.5, and 11 Mbps, though the actual rate will be limited by the speed of the universal connector. It also supports the 40-bit/128-bit WEP wireless security standards. It has a maximum range of about 150 meters outdoors and 30m in an indoor office setting.
It is expected to be available in the next three months. It will retail around $169 USD.
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RE: Interesting
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Simple!
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Fammy
Distinctly lame
First off, it's a zipper case. I'll admit, I just don't like them much -- it takes too long to open them, they're a hassle once they're open, and they don't offer much in the way of protection.
Secondly, the WiFi device's connection looks like a weak spot, specifically at the cord where the case folders (day after day after day).
Third, this method might work for folks without any other connection method, but for anyone that needs a keyboard while surfing : giving up the universal connector is a bad idea.
Not much of a case; device looks cobbled together; uses a connection method I need for other stuff. Argh. I'd love a decent 802.11 card (or something) for my Palm, but this just isn't it.
RE: Distinctly lame
I would think this company would be trying to resell their components to more established case company (like Vaja or E&B) so they can focus on what they love.
From the look of their website, it seems like this is the kind of thing they would benefit from.
Personally I'd be interested in an E&B slipper case for my Tungsten with Wi-Fi support. But not if that means I lose the ability to HotSync while still in the case (and with a real HotSync cradle!)
Best,
Robby
Palm Researcher at the University of Texas at Austin
http://www.edb.utexas.edu/petrosino/pda
RE: Distinctly lame
I've had mine for about a year and I've found that its cable has held up quite nicely. To me it looks like a really nice compromise. I'd rather be stuck using graffiti since I'll have so much extra battery life, and I would think this unit would have a much more powerful transceiver (definitely has a bigger antenna).
Just a thought. And if you're like me and you're still using a Palm III, those connectivity kits are worth picking up for 10 bucks on ebay.
Scott
RE: Distinctly lame
But you won't have to use the Hotsync Cradle, you can just hotsync over the Network (if your PC has access to the same network.
A Slipper/WiFi will need external power adaptor anyway, so the only thing you're missing out on would be a keyboard...
Clever... but no cigar...
____________________________________________________________
"Why should I care about posterity? What's posterity ever done for me?" - Groucho Marx
RE: Clever... but no cigar...
:-)
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Join my forums and read my reviews at,
www.pants-onfire.2ya.com
Current reviews,
TT,Zire,NX60/NX70v
Velcro?
Also, the UC is not just the standardized port--there're also the two tab holes on the back that hold any sort of sled-like attachment in place. Most likely, this would use tabs there to hold the Palm in the case, and connect to an m130, m515, TT, Garmin iQue (don't forget, they licensed the UC!) or any other UC-based Palm.
705i
Why would these guys not just replace this obviously inept unit. Forest for the trees guys.
I’ve dumped the wireless service today.
If anyone at palm gives a hoot, my Serial Number is 60ju1bu10757. You have my contact info.
RE: 705i
They must have been in the middle of a training course on "how to alienate customers" the day you called. Seems to me they would have at least tried to remedy the situation since they received double income from you (purchase + plan).
Why no sled?
RE: Why no sled?
Cheers,
Wassup?
RE: Why no sled?
Nice but ...
RE: how soon do you want it?
(Why do some people say you can kill two birds with one stone when it's hard enough killing one bird with two stones?)
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Interesting