Availability of a Secure Digital Modem?

[Kingstan]

I got my wife an Ipaq 1935 for X-mas, and she'd like to be able access the internet while traveling, but I can't seem to find a SD modem. Is this going to be a problem? Should I have gone with a device that uses CF instead? Or will one be released soon?

If not, are there other ways to connect via a handheld while traveling?

thanks in advance for any input or recommendations. :D

Joe

[Jason Dunn]

I've never seen a dial-up SD modem, and to be honest, it's such a dying art that I don't expect anyone to release one any time soon. If dial-up access is the way she wants to go instead of the more commong Bluetooth > GPRS Phone route, yes, I'd suggest to return that Pocket PC and get an iPAQ 2215 or another model with CF support.

[Janak Parekh]

Jason's on the money. One possible alternative if you absolutely need dial-up in a few cases is an IR modem - try a :google: search.

--janak

[Kingstan]

Thanks for the quick response.

Hmmmmm, I'll check for teh IR modem. what about this GPRS phone thing? Do I need a special Cell phone and then a Bluetooth card for her PDA?

Thanks again for your help. Heck, I may need to get one of these pocket PC things. ;)

Joe

[David Prahl]

Another vote for the IR modem.

You could do Bluetooth or 802.11b wireless, but that could get expensive.

<whispering>
How about a laptop?
<cringe>
</cringe>
</whispering>

[Kingstan]

<whispering>
How about a laptop?
<cringe>
</cringe>
</whispering>

LOL! Is that blasphemy? :D Well, right now when she travels she has the laptop for e-mail, an old Visor for appts, address book and such, and a Casio BE-300 that has music and games on it.

I was hoping a pocket PC would take the place of those three things and just drop into a purse. I'm sure you know what it's like flying with a laptop these days.

The IR modem sounds like a good idea, any idea how well they work?

Joe

[David Prahl]

Apparently the slower connection is noticeable (even on dial-up), but I've never used one.

Check out:
http://www.3jtech.com/IT.htm

http://www.410palm.com/modem.html

Review of Pegasus III IR modem
http://www.3jtech.com/News/PSION-Pegasus.pdfhttp://www.3jtech.com/News/PSION-Pegasus.pdf

Another review
http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/tips/enrtech_modem.htm

Before you go spending money - let's think of other options. Does she have a cell phone? Would wireless work (some hotels, airports, etc.)?

[Kingstan]

Thanks David,
I had just read that review at PDABuyersGuide. Speed shouldn't be much of an issue. The modem will be purely for receiving and sending e-mails while away, not for perusing the web.

She does have a Sprint cell phone with plenty of minutes. Would it be easier to use her cell as an internet connection?

We do have wireless here in the house, Linksys 802.11b so that would be handy, but how much access would she have while traveling? And sorry, I make it sound like she's always on the road, but it's really only 3-4 times a year. :oops:

Thanks again for all your help.

Joe

[Ed Hansberry]

Personally, I'd kill for a 56K SDIO modem. If that comes out, I'll be able to buy non-CF devices.