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OmniSky Wireless modem Review By: Ryan Kairer January 24, 2000 A PalmInfocenter.com exclusive When Palm Computing announced the Palm VII many believed that Palm would put together a good integrated wireless package. Almost a year after it's initial launch the VII has failed to deliver a total wireless solution, and only offers a pay-per-byte wireless rate. OmniSky, a start-up funded by 3Com, delivers where Palm.net falls short and gives you unlimited access to your email, the full web, hundreds of PQA's and more. If you haven't heard about OmniSky yet here's a little background info. OmniSky offers wireless Internet access for the Palm V and Vx with the Minstrel V modem though various wireless IP based providers including AT&T. The first 5,000 subscribers before January 31st are enrolled in their "beta program" and get the 19.2k CDPD modem for $299, and free unlimited service through April 31st. OmniSky also promises beta testers a 15% discount on monthly charges which will not exceed $49.95 according to their website. Installation… The OmniSky service ships with documentation and a manual that will guide you through the installation process. Before you dive into the process it's recommended that you take some precautions and BACK UP YOUR DATA. Wherever you installed the Palm desktop software you will find a folder that is named after your Palm user name, copy it and paste it somewhere safe. You should also delete AvantGo if you have it, the OmniSky software installs a modified version in your flash rom. Installation can take up to 45 minutes, depending upon how much memory you have on your V. If you want to speed up the process delete any large games or apps that you can easily reinstall after you get up and running. Also as a precaution I would recommend you go into security and enable show all your private data, I had a few private memos that I believe were lost during the installation because they were hidden. The only other problem I had with installation was more likely a windows configuration problem rather than OS's. The standard palm install app on my Windows98 box refused to install or recognize PQA's. After an OmniSky reinstall didn't work and some tweaking, I had to go into the windows registry and add a line to the Palm key in order for the Palm installer to be able to install pqa's. Now load the OmniSky CD and run the installer. Your first job is to enter in all the email accounts that you want to access (have your pop server names, and account names and passwords handy). Next you are treated to a long hot-sync that backs up all your apps and data ala Backup Buddy. Then the installer uploads the OmniSky rom image and places a few apps into flash. When all is said and done your left with only 35k of empty flash space, so forget about using FlashPro or Jack Flash. Finally you configure your AvantGo settings and you're ready to go wireless. The Minstrel V modem… The modem itself is quite solid and small. Combined with a V, the modem/Palm combo weighs in at 8.5 ounces, 1.8 ounces more than the 6.7 Palm VII. The Palm with the OmniSky is about 1/4" shorter than the Palm VII, and 1/8" thicker. I had become accustomed to my Vx feeling like nothing in my pants pocket, the combo does add noticeable weight, it feels like my old Palm III with the slim leather case stacked full with business cards. The front is made of a black plastic and it overlaps the bottom of the V. The back has a silver finish, though not the same as the anodized aluminum of the V. The modem supports the CDPD specification v1.1, and 19.2Kbps full duplex transmission. It has an opening on the top right for the power chord or optional car AC/cigarette adapter. The batter is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion unit and will last about 12 hours on a 3-hour charge. Another good feature of the modem is the 3 status lights on the bottom. From right to left you have connection status (on-connected, off, and blinking for connection/bad reception), modem activity/new email indicator, and battery status (flashing whilst charging, solid green for fully charged, and red indicating low power). If you leave the modem connected on stand-by mode you can have the OSemail program to check for new mail during specified intervals. This is an excellent time saving feature, you can just glance at it rather than firing up the email program to check for new mail. Connecting… To connect to the net you simply go into the Minstrel app and it logs on in about 5 seconds. Then it attempts to establish the best connection it can find. The Palm displays a blinking cursor in the top right part of the screen to indicate a network connection. By default when you turn your Palm off the modem goes into sleep mode, which it can stay in for 24 hours on a full charge. It's good to leave in sleep mode if you want to use the email indicator but your battery won't last as long. To save batteries you can go into config from the advanced menu in the Minstrel app and enable auto power off. You will also notice that your Palm may take a little longer to power off when connected. This is due the network connection being closed. I've found in areas that have strong coverage you can get away with leaving the antenna retracted, but in most cases if you want the best connection possible you should keep it extended. OmniSky software… At this time, all of this is subject to change keep in mind this is still in beta, OmniSky installs a modified version of AvantGo, OSemail, OS white and yellow pages, Scout Sync, the Minstrel apps and support for Web Clipping applications with the default Palm VII pqa's. What's nice about the "modified" version of AvantGo is that it shows your signal strength on the top next to the page title, you can also browse your subscribed channels in real time. I've found myself not using it as much anymore because I find ProxiWeb to be a faster and better browser. ProxiWeb has bookmarks, whereas AvantGo does not, and does a nice job of formatting regular web pages for the small screen. Also, allot of people have had a hard time connecting to the AvantGo MAL server at times, including myself, as noted in our OmniSky message Board, and I haven't had a single problem using ProxiWeb. A good page to bookmark is Plink!, which has a large collection of Palm friendly links. The OSemail program is a feature packed email client based on JPSystems OneTouchMail. You can retrieve up to 6 POP3 email accounts and you don't need to enter a SMTP server since all your outgoing email goes through an OmniSky server. Each email you send through OmniSky contains the tagline: << Sent wirelessly using OmniSky >> kind of a way to rub it in the face of 'land-liners'. This will be a selectable option in the next software update according to the sources close to OmniSky. The program itself is a little buggy; even if you don't have new mail it says "getting mail headers" after a connection to each account, and almost every time I try to paste from the clipboard I get a fatal exception and have to do a soft reset. Another bug is that an underline will appear under text in Osmail, memo pad and various other text input lines. According to Ron Woodson in the OSMB, the underlines are due to an incorrectly set parameter in the compiler. OmniSky is aware of the problem and is working on a fix. Other than the few bugs that should be corrected soon the OSemail program is a good email app. OS also built in extensions to the address book and memo pad that will let you email a contact or memo on the fly. It has powerful filters, an easy method of filing messages into folders, a nice email lookup feature and it will even let you print messages with the PalmPrint program. The OS white and yellow pages apps are a nice addition that will look up names and phone numbers. David Carkhuff also noted in the OSMB that Scout Sync was included as a way for OmniSky to update the software on your unit wirelessly. PQA's and Internet apps… What has to be the best feature of the OmniSky service and main selling point over the Palm VII, is the unlimited bandwidth and access to the whole internet. You can also use the more than hundreds of Web Clipping apps previously exclusive to the Palm VII. For finding quick info, looking up traffic or sports scores the PQA's are very efficient and fast. They are optimized for the small screen and store graphics and static pages within the pqa, minimizing the airtime and processing that needs to be done. The only shortcoming is that the Minstrel V modem does not recognize the Palm VII extensions of %ZIPCODE and %DEVICEID so you will have to manually enter your zip code into Movie Phone or the weather channel pqa or any other app that uses a “my location” function, really not a big deal but it would be nice if OmniSky found a way to support it, but it might be a network compatibility issue so I'm not sure if they will be able to. Other than that most pqa's work great and are extremely useful inclding, please excuse the shameless promotion, two I wrote: Palm News and the OmniSky Message Board. Some of my favorites have been: Movie Phone, Ticketmaster, E-trade, Amazon, Slashdot, PalmGear, and Map Quest. Head to Palm.net to download these and other pqa’s. There is also a ton of other palm internet apps that you can use including Palm telnet, ICQ, Yahoo instant messenger, News group readers and even Palm IRC. One amazing app is Palm VNC. It is, in essence, a remote display system which allows you to view a computing 'desktop' environment not only on the machine where it is running, but from anywhere on the Internet and from a wide variety of machine architectures including the Palm OS. It is very similar to Symantec’s PCAnywhere. If you’re on a LAN or have a DSL or cable connection with a static IP you can setup VNC server on your desktop and use and view your computer with your palm from anywhere (see the screenshot). People are absolutely amazed when I show this app in action. Its only shortfall is that it runs pretty slow but it’s still somewhat usable. Both the server and the Palm client are available with source under the GPL, hopefully an ambitious palm developer could work some speed/usability improvements into the app someday. There has also been allot of talk about wireless hot syncing. Many users have been able to do a wireless sync, even though OmniSky is not officially supporting it at this time; check the message board for details and instructions. Cons… With the Omnisky service I feel that the Pro's greatly outweigh the cons but regardless there are still a few, albeit small cons. The obvious cons are the small bugs and software glitches, but they should be worked out in time, and the added bulk and weight of the unit. The standard Palm V leather cover will not fold behind the modem and it can get in the way. I have found myself removing it when I use the modem for a long period of time. I learned that OmniSky is working on both a slim and a hard case for the combo. You can't charge the modem with your Palm or vice versa. You also can't use a GoType or Stowaway keyboard because the modem uses the Palm V serial port, sometimes you'll wish you could for writing long emails. The final con is that the wireless coverage is somewhat limited check the coverage map at OmniSky for the latest info as more carriers may be added. Conclusions… Even with the bugs and few glitches here and there you have to keep in mind that it is still in beta testing and improvements are on the way. Overall I have been extremely satisfied with the service and modem. It's twice the speed of the Palm VII, you get full access to the internet, 6 mailboxes, pqa's and internet applications with unlimited bandwidth at your disposal. I have found myself using my desktop computer less and less. Even after only one week of use I'm already addicted to wireless. As OmniSky says on the box, you make your Palm V a wireless communications powerhouse, you're connected to your email, and the net virtually anywhere you are. If you have a Palm V and are worried about memory you still can get allot out of it, but you are better of with a Vx with 8 megs or getting an upgrade via Tony Rudenko or EFIG. You'll also want to make sure there is descent coverage in your area before you invest in one. And if you're on the road often or have a long commute I recommend that you invest in the car charger for convenience. I have to agree with the results of our recent wireless poll, the OmniSky service is the best wireless solution available today. If you can afford it get on the beta program while you still can, the offer ends January 31st. As one of my readers Michael Pinney wrote to me in a email "Great product if you can tolerate "BETA". When we get to a polished, finished product, this will change mobile computing forever." Other opinions and links... OmniSky.com OmniSky Pictures Ivan Fuller's review The Gadgeteer's review Mike Terranova's review on PalmGuru A Slashdot thread on OmniSky |
 The Minstrel V modem  Yahoo in ProxiWeb  OSemail  OS yellow pages  A MapBlast map  The Minstrel App screen  Ahh! My Palm has been taken over by M$! Actually, this is me controlling my PC desktop about 20 miles away using PalmVNC  Palm Commerce |
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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).
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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!
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?
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
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.
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
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.
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
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??
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??
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.
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Best wireless solution available
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?