Cellular data card for iPaq 5555?

[MrDoh]

I have a iPaq 5555 running Pocket PC 2003 with both compact flash and PCMCIA expansion sleeves. I am looking for a card of either format to give me access to the internet. I don't have a cell phone, nor do I want one so I am not interested in a cable or bluetooth connection to a phone. I also don't want to use it for voice, just data.

I don't even care which company the access is with.

I looked several years ago for a solution when I got my first Pocket PC (iPaq 3670) and at the time nothing (or if there was it was outrageous $$$) was available at all in card form. Apparently since then they did actually release some cards that would work in a Pocket PC, but it was the older, slower cellular technology (from what I have gathered) that I don't know if is even still supported on their networks today. Now, I see lots of PCMCIA cards, but all of them seem to be for laptops and only support Win98/2000/XP/Tablet, not Pocket PC.

Why this change? Do the cell companies want you to buy *their* phone edition Pocket PC? Is their a true technical limitation? Unfortunately, cell phones aren't allowed where I work, but a data card is... go figure.

So, is there anything out other than the generation of cards that the Sierra 555 is in? Can someone with just a Pocket PC (not phone edition) get onto EDGE or EV-DO (or whatever is out at the moment) without the involvement of a phone?

If anyone has any suggestions on some type of cellular access to the internet not involving a phone, I'd be very appreciative to hear it.

[MrDoh]

I have a iPaq 5555 running Pocket PC 2003 with both compact flash and PCMCIA expansion sleeves. I am looking for a card of either format to give me access to the internet. I don't have a cell phone, nor do I want one so I am not interested in a cable or bluetooth connection to a phone. I also don't want to use it for voice, just data.

I don't even care which company the access is with.

I looked several years ago for a solution when I got my first Pocket PC (iPaq 3670) and at the time nothing (or if there was it was outrageous $$$) was available at all in card form. Apparently since then they did actually release some cards that would work in a Pocket PC, but it was the older, slower cellular technology (from what I have gathered) that I don't know if is even still supported on their networks today. Now, I see lots of PCMCIA cards, but all of them seem to be for laptops and only support Win98/2000/XP/Tablet, not Pocket PC.

Why this change? Do the cell companies want you to buy *their* phone edition Pocket PC? Is their a true technical limitation? Unfortunately, cell phones aren't allowed where I work, but a data card is... go figure.

So, is there anything out other than the generation of cards that the Sierra 555 is in? Can someone with just a Pocket PC (not phone edition) get onto EDGE or EV-DO (or whatever is out at the moment) without the involvement of a phone?

If anyone has any suggestions on some type of cellular access to the internet not involving a phone, I'd be very appreciative to hear it.

[Cybrid]

Originally Posted by MrDoh

I have a iPaq 5555 running Pocket PC 2003 with both compact flash and PCMCIA expansion sleeves. I am looking for a card of either format to give me access to the internet. I don't have a cell phone, nor do I want one so I am not interested in a cable or bluetooth connection to a phone. I also don't want to use it for voice, just data.

I don't even care which company the access is with.

I looked several years ago for a solution when I got my first Pocket PC (iPaq 3670) and at the time nothing (or if there was it was outrageous $$$) was available at all in card form. Apparently since then they did actually release some cards that would work in a Pocket PC, but it was the older, slower cellular technology (from what I have gathered) that I don't know if is even still supported on their networks today. Now, I see lots of PCMCIA cards, but all of them seem to be for laptops and only support Win98/2000/XP/Tablet, not Pocket PC.

Why this change? Do the cell companies want you to buy *their* phone edition Pocket PC? Is their a true technical limitation? Unfortunately, cell phones aren't allowed where I work, but a data card is... go figure.

So, is there anything out other than the generation of cards that the Sierra 555 is in? Can someone with just a Pocket PC (not phone edition) get onto EDGE or EV-DO (or whatever is out at the moment) without the involvement of a phone?

If anyone has any suggestions on some type of cellular access to the internet not involving a phone, I'd be very appreciative to hear it.

Prolly cause most PCMCIA card manufacturers dropped 16bit support and moved to the 32bit Cardbus. 32bit PCMCIA is not PocketPC supported.

Originally Posted by Al Jarvi

The Sierra 580 card uses a CardBus interface architecture. The CardBus interface is NOT compatible with the PocketPC platform.
http://www.sierrawireless.com/Produc.../AC580EVDO.asp

A possible...
GTran DotSurfer GPC6210 wireless broadband PC card review

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=4748
http://www.pccard.co.nz/product/cata...roductNo=25011

Disclaimer: I have no reccomendations that show this card being successfully used on a PPC...You need to verify with manufacturer and/or risk it.

[Cybrid]

Disclaimer 2:
Also verify with the EVDO carriers in your area if outside hardware will be activated on their network.
They like to keep strict controls on what they'll run on their networks.

Betcha get forwarded to Level 3 tech support that'll say "yea, it is compatible but not supported"