Socket Introduces SDIO 56K Modem

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://www.socketcom.com/product/MO7200-558.asp">http://www.socketcom.com/product/MO7200-558.asp</a><br /><br /><i>"Easy and reliable Internet access that is Faster, Quicker and comes with advanced features! Stay connected to the Internet using your Windows Mobile device along with a Socket SDIO 56K Modem with V.92 and V.90 technology. Perfect for checking email, faxing or browsing the web from a remote office, hotel room or home. Ideal for when Wi-Fi or cellular coverage is not available."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2005/20050214-sdio56kmodem.jpg" /><br /><br />Sweet! I'll be removing that bluetooth 56K modem from my Amazon wish list in favor of this. The downside to the SDIO card is while the modem is in use, you can't use any apps that are installed on your SD card, but the upsides are it is smaller, will undoubtably be easier to configure and should be cheaper as it won't require an external power source and all the extra expense that entails for an external device. It will work with all Pocket PC 2003SE, 2003 and 2002 devices with BSquare's SDIO Now! software.

[szamot]

Personally I am waiting for the 8 Track adapter. A Modem? Why? W?BIC just does not fit the lofty aspiration of the phrase. Is it just me or are manufacturers getting lazy in the invention depo?

[marcm]

This could be quite useful during travel, as not everywhere has Internet access when you need it, but (usually :?) all places have telephone access. It would be great if they made a LAN adapter in this form, as some hotels have LAN, but not WLAN, or they only have WLAN in the lobby. It's not inventive, but it could be useful! :D

[jpaq]

I'm with szamot.
I did hear that Socket was also about to release Betamax, Cassette Player, 8-Track, Vinyl Album, and an Atari Joystick adapter all as part of their new I love the 70's and 80's value pack!

:?

[Ed Hansberry]

Personally I am waiting for the 8 Track adapter. A Modem? Why? W?BIC just does not fit the lofty aspiration of the phrase. Is it just me or are manufacturers getting lazy in the invention depo?
THis has nothing to do with W?BIC. THis has to do with a company understanding the US market.

1. Cellular coverage isn't ubiquitous.
2. Few hotels have WiFi, especially in rural areas.
3. Even when cellular coverage is there, it may not have data services.
4. Even when cellular coverage is there and has data, it might not be compatible. CDMA vs GSM.
5. Even when cellular coverage exists with data and is the same type of network, it might not be yours, so you will pay exorbitant roaming charges on the data.

So, you are in a hotel in a small town in Oklahoma and you need to check your email. You have no data coverage and the hotel doesn't have Wifi. What do you do?

FOr the same reason I still make sure 100% of the laptops I buy have a modem built in, it gives me comfort to know that mobile devices can also have a 56K modem in a guys travel bag so they can dial into the companies RAS server using the 800 number.

It isn't sexy. It isn't cool. It also isn't dumb. You use the right tool for the right job. I am not too proud, egotistical or vain to whip out a modem to get the job done. :mrgreen:

[DaleReeck]

Actually, I'd reconsider the advantages of a BT modem. With the SD card, you and your PocketPC will be tethered to the phone cables. If you are in a hotel or something, you better have a long phone cable with you if you want to wonder more than a feet feet from the wall and the phone jack :)

With a BT modem, you connect the phone cables to the modem and leave it on a desk or even on the floor or something. Then you can wonder around the room without a phone cable chaining you down.

[Paragon]

With a BT modem, you connect the phone cables to the modem and leave it on a desk or even on the floor or something. Then you can wonder around the room without a phone cable chaining you down.

You're right Dale, except Bluetooth being Bluetooth, more often than not it's easier just to plug the dang cable in and be done with it.

I have a Bluetooth 56k modem, figuring it would be cool to use it as you have mentioned, but it is just too flaky. I think the SD option is a very viable. Many of the situations Ed mentioned are bang on, whether you use a BT modem or the SD, there is still a demand for 56k dialup.

Dave

[David Prahl]

Although I personally don't have a use for this product I'm glad to see it finally hit the market. I've heard PPCT members wish they had an SD modem many times.

Thanks, Socket! :wink:

[Jason Lee]

Cool one step in the right direction. Now if only i could get a 10/100 full duplex lan SD card. I have a CF one that i use all the time for network testing but my new sx66 doesn't have a CF slot. It would be nice too if it had 10 or 100, full or half duplex, and link lights. I would buy one in an instant!

[gorkon280]

Yeah but I bet that you will pay 100+ for this. Nah, I would rather by something else. I have not used a modem unless I have had to for years. Also, note for you Ed, almost all Red Roof Inns have free WiFi. I bet I can even find a little town in OK that has it.

[ADBrown]

Hmm... this is both old hat and far cheaper for anyone who has a CompactFlash slot. :devilboy:

[mr_Ray]

Does nobody else worry about the physical side of this device?

1) It looks like a brick taped to a postage stamp. SD cards aren't exactly mega thick and I'd worry about damage almost all the time.

2) As mentioned, the cable - most modem cables are short, and connected to a handheld... odds are that I'd turn around with it in my hand ripping it out of, and possibly damaging, the SD slot. CF at least pulls out, SD has catches...

That said better to have the option than not at all for SD only people. :)

[Ed Hansberry]

Yeah but I bet that you will pay 100+ for this. Nah, I would rather by something else. I have not used a modem unless I have had to for years. Also, note for you Ed, almost all Red Roof Inns have free WiFi. I bet I can even find a little town in OK that has it.
http://www.redroof.com/reservations/inn_search.asp?gocity=&amp;state=OK&amp;innNumber=

Tulsa and Oklahoma City. :roll:

[SteveHoward999]

modem, schmodem!

I have travelled Europe and the USA over the last 4 years for business and pleasure. The last time I was forced to use a MODEM to get my connectivity was 4 years ago when I stayed in a rural bed and breakfast in the middle of nowhere in Somerset, England.

Everywhere else has either enabled me to connect via ethernet, or via wi-fi, using either pda or laptop - and if that has not been possible then I have been able to use my cell phone as a modem or a GPRS connection.

I am sure some people have a genuin need for a modem on their PDA, but I am not one of them.

[Ed Hansberry]

I am sure some people have a genuin need for {Insert subject of thread here} on their PDA, but I am not one of them.
Truer words were never said. :wink:

[Stik]

Yeah but I bet that you will pay 100+ for this. Nah, I would rather by something else. I have not used a modem unless I have had to for years. Also, note for you Ed, almost all Red Roof Inns have free WiFi. I bet I can even find a little town in OK that has it.
http://www.redroof.com/reservations/inn_search.asp?gocity=&amp;state=OK&amp;innNumber=

Tulsa and Oklahoma City. :roll:

Those 2 hotels don't have WiFi service either. :(

Perhaps I can arrange a business trip to Detroit however :!: :idea:

http://www.redroof.com/about_the_roof/t-mobile.asp

[gorkon280]

Yeah but I bet that you will pay 100+ for this. Nah, I would rather by something else. I have not used a modem unless I have had to for years. Also, note for you Ed, almost all Red Roof Inns have free WiFi. I bet I can even find a little town in OK that has it.
http://www.redroof.com/reservations/inn_search.asp?gocity=&amp;state=OK&amp;innNumber=

Tulsa and Oklahoma City. :roll:

Would not trust that. I also checked the list of T-Mobile Hot Spots that are supposed to be in Red Roof and it did not list the one I stayed at. I stayed in Lexington, KY, surely a MUCH smaller city then Tulsa, OK. Try calling direct. i did when doing the reservation and low and behold they had free WiFi. I am increasingly finding free WiFi to be the norm rather then the oddity now, but plan ahead and you can surely not have to suffer the 56K Modem hell! :D Just don't plan on having it when going to some hotel in timbuktu or joe blow's roadside inn. That said, check out, as I said before, Red Roof Inn. Also:

Starwood Hotels
Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express
Wingate Inns (all locations)
Best Western
Hampton Inns
Microtel (all locations)
La Quinta
Country Inn
Wyndham
Comfort and Sleep Inns
Marriott (all variants)

and many more. Those were just some of the few that popped up. with a quick google. That said, CALL THE hotel and not the reservation line for WiFi info. The main reservation line probably only knows what is in the computer and would not know if that one in timbuktu had it or not (let alone Tulsa). This is especially the case with WiFi as so many hotel chains are in mid roll out on doing it nationwide. Those people are call center people that pur your reservation in and not the ones working AT the location. Specific amenitys available are only really known by THAT locations staff. Just call ahead! :D There are enough chains doing this that I bet there's at least ONE hotel in Tulsa with it. If the little Red Roof outside Lexington has it I am betting the one in Tulsa does.

[gorkon280]

Yeah but I bet that you will pay 100+ for this. Nah, I would rather by something else. I have not used a modem unless I have had to for years. Also, note for you Ed, almost all Red Roof Inns have free WiFi. I bet I can even find a little town in OK that has it.
http://www.redroof.com/reservations/inn_search.asp?gocity=&amp;state=OK&amp;innNumber=

Tulsa and Oklahoma City. :roll:

Those 2 hotels don't have WiFi service either. :(

Perhaps I can arrange a business trip to Detroit however :!: :idea:

http://www.redroof.com/about_the_roof/t-mobile.asp

Again, I find that list WOEFULLY out of date. The one I stayed at in December in Lexington, KY had it and I could not find a better list anywhere on the website. It's not listed either! :wink:

[Stik]

Again, I find that list WOEFULLY out of date. The one I stayed at in December in Lexington, KY had it and I could not find a better list anywhere on the website. It's not listed either! :wink:

Then Red Roof should update their site, don't you think? :wink:

I think the point is rather moot regardless. Ed made an excellent summary of the why and who and when this product is intended for...



1. Cellular coverage isn't ubiquitous.
2. Few hotels have WiFi, especially in rural areas.
3. Even when cellular coverage is there, it may not have data services.
4. Even when cellular coverage is there and has data, it might not be compatible. CDMA vs GSM.
5. Even when cellular coverage exists with data and is the same type of network, it might not be yours, so you will pay exorbitant roaming charges on the data.

It isn't sexy. It isn't cool. It also isn't dumb. You use the right tool for the right job.

Socket also makes it perfectly clear in the link Ed attatched what user and market this is intended for...

" Perfect for checking email, faxing or browsing the web from a remote office, hotel room or home. Ideal for when Wi-Fi or cellular coverage is not available. "

[Mark Kenepp]

I personally still prefer the CF format for peripherals. I just think that the SD format is not suited to having something stick out of the device. If you accidentally bump it, it would pop out due to the insert/extraction mechanism of SD cards.

I am glad that dual slot devices are still available, SD for Memory and CF for peripherals.

It is nice to see SD peripherals expanding, however, for those who need them.

[gorkon280]

Again, I find that list WOEFULLY out of date. The one I stayed at in December in Lexington, KY had it and I could not find a better list anywhere on the website. It's not listed either! :wink:

Then Red Roof should update their site, don't you think? :wink:



Yes I do except for one thing.....hotels are not always owned by the chain itself. Hotels can be franchised as well and while the parent company will give you reservations through the main phone system, expedia and the web, they may not be able to keep up with what a franchisee is doing especially if they have no rule that you MUST get certain things through certain providers or whatever. It's always best when looking for a geek approved hotel that you call direct. Hey maybe we need to have someone like Microsoft or Apple start a geek approved hotel list?? :D

Back to the subject...I am with the folks who deem SD too delicate for modems. it's to easy to bump it and have it come out and too much of a PITA to deal with cables. I would go BT modem before this unless your desparate! :D

[Ed Hansberry]

Yeah but I bet that you will pay 100+ for this. Nah, I would rather by something else. I have not used a modem unless I have had to for years. Also, note for you Ed, almost all Red Roof Inns have free WiFi. I bet I can even find a little town in OK that has it.
http://www.redroof.com/reservations/inn_search.asp?gocity=&amp;state=OK&amp;innNumber=

Tulsa and Oklahoma City. :roll:

Would not trust that. I also checked the list of T-Mobile Hot Spots that are supposed to be in Red Roof and it did not list the one I stayed at.
Would not trust what? The fact that they only have hotels in 2 cities in OK? I didn't even bother confirming WiFi. Just hotel locations.

Suggestion Gorkon. You don't want a modem? Great. Don't buy one. I am not sure why you are in this thread trying to convince the rest of us we don't need it.

[beq]

Isn't there some pocketable mini wireless router that supports both 10/100 LAN and modem connections, so that your laptop/PDA can then connect seamlessly via WiFi (with DHCP)?

Or perhaps not even a router but a plain WAP?

And perhaps Bluetooth can also be added to this box Wi-Fi WAP/router box so you can choose either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

If anyone knows of something similar please do tell...

[gorkon280]

Would not trust what? The fact that they only have hotels in 2 cities in OK? I didn't even bother confirming WiFi. Just hotel locations.

Suggestion Gorkon. You don't want a modem? Great. Don't buy one. I am not sure why you are in this thread trying to convince the rest of us we don't need it.

ED! CHILL! :D Just a suggestion! Go spend your money if you like!

I am just saying the alternatives aren't all bad and you don't have to just accept using a modem. I don't want one and won't have a need for it.

Gosh if every time I go on here and state a opinion contrary to the guy who posted a story I am going to get my head bitten off, maybe I will just leave and maybe NOT look at buying a subscription the next time I have the spare bucks to do it (and right now, I don't). So sue me for stating alternatives! This comes from a guy who did not turn off ads when he DID pay. :(

[Graffiti]

Isn't there some pocketable mini wireless router that supports both 10/100 LAN and modem connections, so that your laptop/PDA can then connect seamlessly via WiFi (with DHCP)?

Or perhaps not even a router but a plain WAP?

And perhaps Bluetooth can also be added to this box Wi-Fi WAP/router box so you can choose either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

If anyone knows of something similar please do tell...

Off-topic, but to reply your question: Check this out, the WiFlyer (http://www.alwaysonwireless.com/wiflyer.html).

On-topic, I am of the camp that believes SDIO peripherals are a touch too fragile, and that CF slots are best for add-ons and SD left purely for memory/apps. That's provided one is using the current crop of dual-slot devices, of course ... Given a single SD slot Pocket PC, this Socket modem would work great.

[webdaemon]

Personally I am waiting for the 8 Track adapter. A Modem? Why? W?BIC just does not fit the lofty aspiration of the phrase. Is it just me or are manufacturers getting lazy in the invention depo?

I totally agree. It's broadband or nothing! When I'm travelling, I only book hotels with wireless broadband service. They're not difficult to find and you don't necessarily have to spend more.

[beq]

Isn't there some pocketable mini wireless router that supports both 10/100 LAN and modem connections, so that your laptop/PDA can then connect seamlessly via WiFi (with DHCP)?

Or perhaps not even a router but a plain WAP?

And perhaps Bluetooth can also be added to this box Wi-Fi WAP/router box so you can choose either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

If anyone knows of something similar please do tell...
Off-topic, but to reply your question: Check this out, the WiFlyer (http://www.alwaysonwireless.com/wiflyer.html).
Yes that's it thanks! :) I couldn't remember the name and was actually looking to buy it (though I also remember others like Netgear having been mentioned as later offering similar products). It would be even better if this box can be battery operated, or can run off USB power. And it would be perfect combining Bluetooth access point functionality in addition to the Wi-Fi :mrgreen: Kinda like an all-in-one super communication travel gizmo...

Anyways far from being off-topic -- perhaps I'm missing something, but wouldn't this kind of product be better rather than using a CF/SD LAN or modem dongle (assuming your PPC has built-in Wi-Fi)? I mean, is there any advantage to using the CF/SD card dongle?? I'm genuinely asking...

[Janak Parekh]

Gosh if every time I go on here and state a opinion contrary to the guy who posted a story I am going to get my head bitten off, maybe I will just leave and maybe NOT look at buying a subscription the next time I have the spare bucks to do it (and right now, I don't).
You're welcome to disagree, but don't be surprised if we disagree back. I think we've been so strong in responding because you've been so strong in disagreeing in the first place. :P

As for being a subscriber: we appreciate your support for having subscribed, and it's fine if you can't afford it now, but do realize that we treat all forum users the same - subscribers and nonsubscribers - that's the only fair way.

--janak

[Ed Hansberry]

Gosh if every time I go on here and state a opinion contrary to the guy who posted a story I am going to get my head bitten off, maybe I will just leave and maybe NOT look at buying a subscription the next time I have the spare bucks to do it (and right now, I don't). So sue me for stating alternatives! This comes from a guy who did not turn off ads when he DID pay. :(
It isn't that disagreeing with an opinion is a problem. that is welcomed. Whan you seem to be disagreeing with is my need and the need of some others for this product. I agree that a lot don't need it. You seem to be saying no one needs it and anyone that thinks they do just hasn't done their homework.

[Ollie03031]

Seeing how so many of you claim to use WiFi on your pocketPC from your hotel can you explaine how you have managed to make it work. I have stayed at many hotels with free WiFi. Each one either puts up a web page where you are to accept the terms of use or a web page asking for a user number given out by the hotel. In all those cases I have been unable to get my HP 4705 to bring up that web page so I don't get an IP number assigned and can't access anything. I do get the double arrows saying I am connected.
I can make it work at places where no web page acceptance is required. I was able to make it work at Penaira Bread once and since then I can't get it to connect there any more. I have not hard reset since the original connection - I may need too.
I have also tried connecting with a Socket ethernet card with the same results.
That is why I always travel with a modem. I can always find a free Access4Free local number and can connect and VPN to my work system.
I have used the Socket and Pertec CF modems and the 3jTec and Pison IR modems. I actually berfer the Pison battery operated IR modem, it is more reliable and alows you to hear the audio signal when connecting.
If I had a PocketPC with only a SD slot an wanted the simplicty of carring few items I would probably get the SD Modem.

[gorkon280]

Gosh if every time I go on here and state a opinion contrary to the guy who posted a story I am going to get my head bitten off, maybe I will just leave and maybe NOT look at buying a subscription the next time I have the spare bucks to do it (and right now, I don't). So sue me for stating alternatives! This comes from a guy who did not turn off ads when he DID pay. :(
It isn't that disagreeing with an opinion is a problem. that is welcomed. Whan you seem to be disagreeing with is my need and the need of some others for this product. I agree that a lot don't need it. You seem to be saying no one needs it and anyone that thinks they do just hasn't done their homework.

Never said that. Where did I say that? I did not. Your putting words in my mouth guys. Here's my complete first post on the matter:

Yeah but I bet that you will pay 100+ for this. Nah, I would rather by something else. I have not used a modem unless I have had to for years. Also, note for you Ed, almost all Red Roof Inns have free WiFi. I bet I can even find a little town in OK that has it. (Excuse the typo)

WHERE DID I SAY THERE'S NO USE FOR IT? Where did you get the suggestion that I said this? All I said were that there were options. I was told to lighten up as were many others on Friday's joke post. Now you guys need to lighten up on me in this one. SHEESH! I am done now.

[webdaemon]

Seeing how so many of you claim to use WiFi on your pocketPC from your hotel can you explaine how you have managed to make it work. I have stayed at many hotels with free WiFi. Each one either puts up a web page where you are to accept the terms of use or a web page asking for a user number given out by the hotel. In all those cases I have been unable to get my HP 4705 to bring up that web page so I don't get an IP number assigned and can't access anything. I do get the double arrows saying I am connected.

I don't do anything special, I just open IE and go. I did have that problem at a resturant once, but I was setting up for a meeting and didn't have time to figure it out.

[Ed Hansberry]

Never said that. Where did I say that? I did not. Your putting words in my mouth guys. Here's my complete first post on the matter:

Yeah but I bet that you will pay 100+ for this. Nah, I would rather by something else. I have not used a modem unless I have had to for years. Also, note for you Ed, almost all Red Roof Inns have free WiFi. I bet I can even find a little town in OK that has it. (Excuse the typo)

WHERE DID I SAY THERE'S NO USE FOR IT? Where did you get the suggestion that I said this? All I said were that there were options. I was told to lighten up as were many others on Friday's joke post. Now you guys need to lighten up on me in this one. SHEESH! I am done now.
I am increasingly finding free WiFi to be the norm rather then the oddity now, but plan ahead and you can surely not have to suffer the 56K Modem h-ll!
Well, sometimes, I and others do have to suffer it. And the fact you kept hammering WiFi access in hotels as if we had never considered that.

[beq]

Hey guys...

How about helping me out :mrgreen:, as I'm planning to buy the previously mentioned WiFlyer (or a similar device), since when I thought about it it would seem to be able to take care of any need for a CF/SD modem card (or CF/SD NIC card) without any drawback. But maybe I'm not thinking clearly and missing another aspect to the situation? Would like to know before I spend the $$$...

Reason I'm asking is I'm getting my new Blue Angel and Thinkpad soon (both with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth), and might be travelling. Doesn't Ed also have a Blue Angel?

[Steve Jordan]

Thanks for getting my hopes up for NOTHIN'! WHen I checked their compatability charts, it says that the device will work with a Toshibe e330, with their SDIO Connection Kit. But the same chart says that the SDIO Compatibility Kit is NOT compatible with the e330! What kind of :bad-words: are you guys tryin' to sell me?!?

[Stik]

Thanks for getting my hopes up for NOTHIN'! WHen I checked their compatability charts, it says that the device will work with a Toshibe e330, with their SDIO Connection Kit. But the same chart says that the SDIO Compatibility Kit is NOT compatible with the e330! What kind of :bad-words: are you guys tryin' to sell me?!?

Steve,

Not sure where you saw that the SDIO 56K modem was compatible w/ Toshiba's e330, but on Socket's own site they list compatibility with...

Compatible Devices:

Pocket PC 2003SE, 2003 or 2002 with SDIO Now! software from BSQUARE.

Compatible Devices include:

ASUS: MyPal730
Dell: X50
HP iPAQ: 17xx/19xx/211x/221x/24xx
27xx/39xx/41xx/43xx/47xx/
515x/51xx/555x/545x/631x/
Symbol MC50

http://www.socketcom.com/product/MO7200-558.asp

When one goes to the compatibility matrix for further information on the Toshiba e330, with use of any kind of SDIO peripheral, it states...

Manufacturer :
Toshiba

Model :
E330

NOTE :
" The product that you have selected is not compatible with your device. Unfortunately, the SDIO cards will not work with the selected device as it only has an SD slot and not an SDIO slot. Memory cards are a good example of a compatible SD card. Input/Output cards like Bluetooth, Scanning or WLAN are considered SDIO cards. "

Thankfully you were smart enough to look before you leaped! The Toshiba e330 was never SDIO ' BSquare'd ' to my knowledge.

Edit: On further review, the ONLY Toshiba handheld that has BSquare SDIO software support that this SDIO 56K modem will work on is the Toshiba e-800 model. :wink:

[Steve Jordan]

I see what happened... I was thrown off by the Compatibility Matrix on the right of Socket's screen. Use that to select the Toshiba e330, and it lists a cordless 56K modem as being compatible. The "SDIO 56K modem" is not in the list, either as compatible or uncompatible, so I thought it was the same as the cordless modem. But when going to the cordless 56K modem, it states that the modem must be used with the SDIO connection kit, which Socket lists as NOT compatible with the e330.
Either way, it means I'm out of luck.

[Stik]

I see what happened... I was thrown off by the Compatibility Matrix on the right of Socket's screen. Use that to select the Toshiba e330, and it lists a cordless 56K modem as being compatible. The "SDIO 56K modem" is not in the list, either as compatible or uncompatible, so I thought it was the same as the cordless modem.
Either way, it means I'm out of luck.

Steve,

As you've found out, Socket's Cordless 56K modem is a bluetooth modem. You're not entirely out of luck, but it will cost you. :(

You can ' bluetoothize ' your e330 w/ a Toshiba SD B^ card. This card only works w/ Toshiba handheld devices, including your e330.

http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/adet.to?poid=283194&amp;seg=SMB&amp;rcid=-26364&amp;ccid=1291043

You then would be able to utilize the Cordless ( B^ ) 56K modem. :wink:

Sidenote in the strange but true dept. : In the initial SDIO software wars, it was Toshiba SDIO vs. BSquare SDIO standards. When Microsoft decided to utilize BSquare's version of SDIO, Toshiba evidently lost... or did they??

Socket ( and others ) buy and utilize Toshiba's SD (IO )bluetooth card main framework, then do their own ( BSquare ) software and driver enhancements. Go figure. :roll:

[Steve Jordan]

Ooo--kay... but naw, somehow, I don't think it's worth it. I'll just keep taking my laptop on trips.