Quickies: Spidar, Bluetooth MemStick, Launcher X, and More

Posted By: As Listed Thursday, March 28, 2002 8:20:40 AM

The Spidar PDA Protector lets the user access the screen, buttons, and stylus while providing impact and drop protection. A version for the Palm V series is available now for $13. Versions for the Visor and m500 series are in development. -PR

SonyStyle Japan has posted a selling price of 19800 Yen (about $150 USD) for the PEGA-MSB1 Bluetooth Memory Stick. -Nicos

The Launcher X website now has more details regarding its application launcher. A release date is still not yet known. -Al

ITtoolbox has published a white paper on wireless printing from PDAs written by Dan Reuvers from Bachmann Software. -PR

IBM just released an article called The speed demon: 3G telecommunications that takes a look at some of the technical details of the transition from 2G to 3G wireless. Instead of being just hype, the author looks at a high-level architecture study of 3G (or UMTS - Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) and compares it to 2G and 2.5G. -Irish

Article Comments

 (36 comments)

The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. PalmInfocenter is not responsible for them in any way.
Please Login or register here to add your comments.

Comments Closed Comments Closed
This article is no longer accepting new comments.

Down

Launcher X

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 9:08:42 AM #
It looks like Silverscreen. It looks good. I will get it if it's stable and scaleable.

RE: Launcher X
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 9:24:38 AM #
Yeah, from the information available, it looks like I've been using Launcher X for over a year now, just under the name "Silverscreen". What a blatant ripoff!

RE: Launcher X
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 9:28:44 AM #
I agree!! They totally copied the Silverscreen interface, what a shame!

RE: Launcher X
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 9:59:09 AM #
Silverscreen looks pretty, but it is way too slow and buggy. If launcherX runs quicker and is more stable, I will buy it.

RE: Launcher X
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 10:19:02 AM #
It looks somewhat like silverscreen, but thats only the current skin they are showing. By the sounds of it, the active skin stuff will allow many different looks. More than just looks, but functionality differences, like tabs on the side, no tabs etc.

RE: Launcher X
FredLL @ 3/28/2002 11:41:28 AM #
I think the main advantage of LauncherX would be it supports HiRes à la Clié ie 320x320.

And if it is fast ... tant mieux

Fred

RE: Launcher X
bookrats @ 3/28/2002 12:38:56 PM #
Launcher X --> HiRes version of Launcher III, with some UI improvements.

That's why it appeals to me -- Launcher III has been bulletproof for me, and it's very intuitive to use.

----

Jeff Meyer

LauncherX = LIII+skins
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 1:40:13 PM #
It looks like launcherX is no more than just Launcher III with different skins. Not much features compared to other launchers.

Not sure what the hype is.

RE: LauncherX = LIII+skins
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 6:00:09 PM #
I have a palm iiic so I'm not very familiar with all the VFS stuff, though from what I've heard, launcher III does it great. I used silverscreen for quite a while, and I'd like to know what you think silverscreen does that launcher iii does not. LIII can delete individual databases, can actually change things like the launchable bit on databases which SS can't, can beam/delete etc using drag'n drop. About the only thing I'm aware of (outside of pure visual eye candy) is the trash bin restore, and the ticker.

RE: Launcher X
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 7:11:33 PM #
silver screen will make the same or more improvements in it's software.
as far as speed Launcher X is slower it will just have option not to refresh
and please tell me where are the bugs in silver screen?

RE: LauncherX = LIII+skins
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 7:33:35 PM #
what the?? you don't know how to use silver screen i view and delete
individual files and databases!

What is wrong with some eye candy mister gray scales?

RE: Launcher X
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/29/2002 12:07:28 AM #
Silver screen is slow! and It loses all catagory information after a reset. Sure it's got pretty icons, but I don't use the ROM apps much anyway, so I end up hiding the "cool" ones anyway. Also, SS doesn't support Hi-res. I have been asking Pocket Sensei for over six months when are these two things going to be addressed, always later, well later came and went, I spent 10 buck for LIII and just recently won Megalauncher. Both are better than silver screen for speed and support. I'm positive Launcher X will be nothing less than awesome.

I will stay on Launcher III
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/29/2002 3:29:59 AM #
I think that launcherX will be the same crap as SilverSreen. Crushable and very slow.

Simplicity and easy access must be the most important.

I will wait on Launcher IV!!!


Launcherx will be released in 10days from now.

RE: Launcher X
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/29/2002 12:48:56 PM #
I use PiDirect and SilverScreen looses icons and doesn't remember icon catagories....those two are show-stopper bugs. I also think that SS is too slow at refreshing and has themes that are too cartoonish. I could deal with the last two complaints. I switched to Launcher III and it works flawlessly. It is quick and bulletproof. A Luncher III with a skinable interface is exactly what I am looking for.

RE: Launcher X
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/30/2002 9:16:33 AM #

There will be no Launcher IV, Launcher X is from the developer of LIII and some other people.
I don't think it looks that much like SilverScreen, and even if it did, so what? Function is important too.

Where's Cheap Bluetooth?

big_raji @ 3/28/2002 9:25:26 AM #
What ever happened to Bluetooth being the most inexpensive wireless solution?

I think I'll be sticking with IR with my cellular for now...

---
If you sing in french while hopping on one foot, the evil birds won't come out of your bathroom mirror.

RE: Where's Cheap Bluetooth?
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 9:52:46 AM #
Sorry to go slightly off topic here...

What cellular phone/cellular service combination are you using to support a Palm IR to Internet connection? Anyone doing this with ATT in the US?

Just curious (and frustrated)

Palm IR to Internet
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 10:13:40 AM #
Here is how I have it set up using ATT Wireless, Palm Vx and an Ericsson T68.

1. ATT, at least in Chicago, has AWS Data and AWS Wap as data connections by default. So there is no need to add data connections or edit anything on the phone.

2. Palm Vx -> Prefs -> Connection
2.1. New Configuration
2.2. Name: T68 (you can obviously choose whatever you like)
2.2. Connection Method: IrCOMM to Modem
2.3. Dialing: TouchTone
2.4. Volume: Low
2.5. Press "Details" Button
2.5.1. Speed: 57,600
2.5.2. FlowCtl: Automatic
2.5.3. Init String: at&f;
2.5.4. Press "OK" Button
2.6. Press "OK" Button

3. Palm Vx -> Prefs -> Network
3.1. Service: T68 (again this is just a name so use what you like)
3.2. User Name: web
3.3. Password: web
3.4. Connection: T68 (this is the connection you created in step 2)
3.5. Phone: *99***1#
3.6. Press "Details" Button
3.6.1. Connection Type: PPP
3.6.2. Idle timeout: Power Off
3.6.3. Query DNS: CHECKED ON
3.6.4. IP Address: CHECKED ON Automatic
3.6.5. Press "Script" Button
3.6.5.1. Note: that by clicking end you display a list of command which we will use
3.6.5.2. Send: ATZ (add the letters yourself, there will be no list)
3.6.5.3. Send CR:
3.6.5.4. Send: at+cgdcont=1,"ip","Internet" (seems to be case sensitive but I could have just had a bad connection the first time)
3.6.5.5. Send CR:
3.6.5.6. End:
3.6.5.7. Press "OK" Button
3.6.6. Press "OK" Button
3.7. Press "Connect" Button


RE: Where's Cheap Bluetooth?
big_raji @ 3/28/2002 11:35:47 AM #
Yup, that's the GPRS setup.

For the dialup setup, you can check it out at http://www.mywirelesspalm.com

I'm currently using the dialup setup. GPRS is too expensive for me to use on a daily basis... and I have unlimited cellular talktime, as well as 40 free hours/month dialup access that came free with my ADSL account.

---
If you sing in french while hopping on one foot, the evil birds won't come out of your bathroom mirror.

AT&T offers GRPS?
digilaw @ 3/28/2002 1:08:59 PM #
Sorry, I guess I am behind the times but I did not know AT & T offerde GRPS. Is that only in certain areas? If so where? Thanks!

RE: Where's Cheap Bluetooth?
big_raji @ 3/28/2002 6:09:48 PM #
Also, just thought that I'd add that you can follow the above detailed instructions (by the anonymous guy) for connecting to the internet for Canada's Rogers AT&T, but the username and password are the only things different.

Username: wapuser1
Password: wap



---
If you sing in french while hopping on one foot, the evil birds won't come out of your bathroom mirror.

RE: Where's Cheap Bluetooth?
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/29/2002 3:00:17 AM #
AT&T Wireless is in the process of rolling out GSM/GPRS service in the United States. That's what the big "mlife" ad campaign has been about (even though the commercials don't say squat about what they're advertising, that's what they're talking about). Their goal is to have nationwide coverage everywhere they have TDMA service already by the end of the year, and they're about 40% done so far, mostly in the West. For more commercials on the subject, see their web site at http://www.mlife.com/

Spidar

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 9:32:56 AM #
This looks interesting, but you have to protect the screen to really be useful, IMHO.

it would be nice if somehow this could be blended with the personality pack.

RE: Spidar
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 9:57:23 AM #
yup not all gadgets are dropped on their corners or on flat surfaces.

RE: Spidar
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 1:56:22 PM #
The corners are sticking out. If it was dropped directly screen down, the screen would not get hit. Don't you guys get it? The corner things are tall enough so that the screen doesn't get touched when it is dropped.

RE: Spidar
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 6:06:34 PM #
"Don't you guys get it? The corner things are tall enough so that the screen doesn't get touched when it is dropped."


I think you miss the point. This device would no nothing to protect the screen from scratches. It would do nothing to protect the screen from, say, getting crunched in a pocket, purse, or briefcase. There are many more ways a screen can be dammaged apart from getting dropped. Even if a device got dropped, I seriously doubt these corners would absorb all of the impact of the fall.

RE: Spidar
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 7:54:18 PM #
If you carry a PDA in your pocket, the screen should be facing your leg anyway. Common sense there. I think if I would be working outside, this would be perfect. They definitely designed it well. It may not appear to be designed well, but drop your PDA in this, and you'll know what I mean.

RE: Spidar
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/29/2002 12:27:18 AM #
this guy probably designed this thing. admit it, i think you have to go back to your drawing board.

RE: Spidar
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/29/2002 6:12:27 PM #
Wouldn't the flap that comes with the Palm still fit? It is hard to tell from the pictures but if the slot is still open it looks as if it might clear the side.

BT Mem Stick

Boze @ 3/28/2002 10:01:22 AM #
So is this Bluetooth Mem Stick going to work with my N610? Or is Palm OS 4.1 required?


====
Boze
====

RE: BT Mem Stick
Ed @ 3/28/2002 10:19:09 AM #
Sony Japan lists the N600C as compatible, which is the Japanese version of the N610C. Not a 100% guarantee but "All signs point to yes", as my Magic 8 Ball used to say.

---
News Editor
RE: BT Mem Stick
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/30/2002 10:23:01 PM #
When this Bluetooth card is going to be available in US?

Patience

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 10:48:55 AM #
Did you know how long it took before 802.11 became the technology what it is today???????

They overhyped Bluetooth from the beginning sad enough. So the average people want Bluetooth 2 much too fast. Even with the recent delays, the progression of the Bluetooth standard is far ahead of the adoption rates of almost any other comparable technology. Many point to the sudden emergence of 802.11b as proof that Bluetooth has already been superseded by more advanced technologies. However, the truth is that the road towards 802.11b's success began over a decade ago in 1990 when the IEEE 802 Executive Committee established the 802.11 Working Group to create a wireless local area network (WLAN) standard. The b variant simply represents the emergence of a version of the standard that is a viable mass-market commercial solution. In comparison, Ericsson first began toying with the idea of a short-range wireless technology in 1994, four years after work on 802.11 began. Furthermore, although the inspiration for Bluetooth occurred in 1994, real work on the technology as an industry standard did not start until the original Special Interest Group was formed in 1998. The 1.0 specification was released a mere two years ago in July 1999. The 1.1 Bluetooth spec was ready in March 2001.

But it's good to see that there is more BT realism today when they promote the technology (more) as CABLE REPLACEMENT.

People must have patience. Prices will come down when volume kicks in.

RE: Patience
RedruM @ 3/30/2002 9:36:26 PM #
Those are very good points, and I'll add to that by saying that the advent of Bluetooth is very different depending on which country you happen to reside in. Here in Asia, especially in Hong Kong, Bluetooth-enabled devices are everywhere. My cellphone and my laptop both have built-in Bluetooth capability and I use them together to access the net when I'm on the road. My phone also has GPRS so the download speeds aren't ridiculously slow. Interestingly, my laptop doesn't even have an IR port. A sign of the times, perhaps?

On your point about 802.11b, you might be interested to know that there is an ISP here in Hong Kong proposing to provide a wireless ISP service using 802.11a, which is considerably faster and more far-reaching that 802.11b. A lot of public places already have 802.11b installed, but it'll be really something when you can get online from virtually anywhere with your laptop wirelessly.

Wouldn't the bluetooth stick interfere with the NR70

I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 9:59:54 PM #
The bluetooth stick comes out of the handheld a little, right? So wouldn't that prevent you from changing the position of the flip screen without taking the stick out?

RE: Wouldn't the bluetooth stick interfere with the NR70
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/28/2002 10:51:32 PM #
How would it interfere? I don't quite understand.

The NR70's screen flips up, rotates 180 degrees, then flips back down. In theory, keeping the screen perpendicular to the keyboard would mean that almost ANY protruding memstick device would be unintrusive.

Top