GSM/GPRS Compact Flash - revisited

[Phillip Dyson]

Okay guys, time for an update.

I'm seriously looking into getting a T-Mobile account and buying one of the many GSM/GPRS CF cards.

After reading the older threads, I'm still not sure which one to get.

I searched Expansys-usa and found out there is one by AudioVox, and 2 by Pretec. And of course the Convergent.

What are you're impressions of your card.
Why is it so hard to find them?
Which ones are better?
Is there one that runs on the 850 spectrum?

Is the Fujistu-Siemens card really illegal in the states. IF not where can it be purchased.

thanks in advanced

[maximus]

Convergence and Audiovox ones are essentially the same, they are made by the same company (Taiwanese Chimei Communications).

Have not played with Pretec's yet, but they are too bulky/large for my taste.

I am using the audiovox one since April 2003, and have not got any trouble at all. It has been working flawlessly.

Back in April 2003, it is very hard to find a GSM CF card down here in asia. But when I found one, it is definitely worth all the trouble :)

p.s. Other than Convengence and Audiovox, Chimei also branded the GSM CF under 'Dezhou Communication' name, which is significantly cheaper than the other. I purchased my Audiovox for USD330 back in April 2003, and I saw the Dezhou was priced at USD200 sometimes back in June 2003.

[Phillip Dyson]

Thankd for the reply.

I came across another one from AnyCom.com
Its a class 10. I noticed that its upload speeds were faster than the AudioVox.

I suspected that the Convergent and AudioVox were the same. Something about the half circle on the SIM card door.

I may pick up the AnyCom. Its about the same prices as the Convergent.
I wish I could find one that ran on the 850 spectrum though.

[Phillip Dyson]

I just picked up the Anycom GPRS card yesterday. I purchased it from Buy.com for about $240. Including shipping.

This card seems to be related to ASUS somehow. I think it may be the chipset inside.

I have to say that I'm pleased with it.
I wish I could use it with the PDAs speaker and microphone. Although I'm not sure if this is a software or hardware limitation.

Also, I noticed that I can't have a GPRS connection and take incoming calls at the same time. Again, I don't know if this is a software or hardware limitatation.

I'm thinking about investing in the Running Voices GSM. The card comes with PhoneTools by BRVP Software.

So. those of you with a CF card, what do you do for a case? I'm using it with a 2215.

I could never bring myself to mangle my nice leather Sena Case.

[Mark Kenepp]

So. those of you with a CF card, what do you do for a case? I'm using it with a 2215.

I could never bring myself to mangle my nice leather Sena Case.

I bought a Rhino-Skin aluminum case when I bought my 2215. It allows full access to both the CF and SD slots when opened or closed.

[maximus]

I have to say that I'm pleased with it.
I wish I could use it with the PDAs speaker and microphone. Although I'm not sure if this is a software or hardware limitation.

I have the exact same question when I purchased my audiovox. Someone on this forum mentioned that this is a hardware limitation, because there is no 'audio' line on the CF slot. Hence you cannot transport the audio on the GSM device into the PPC, and vice versa.

Also, I noticed that I can't have a GPRS connection and take incoming calls at the same time. Again, I don't know if this is a software or hardware limitatation.

Hardware again. GPRS Class B only allows you to do one thing at a time.

I'm thinking about investing in the Running Voices GSM.

Nice software. It lacks MMS functionality though, and it has to be installed on main memory, not on the built-in storage.

[Phillip Dyson]

I returned the Anycom CF card.
I was having problems working on the T-Mobile network.
The support people said something about Class 10 power requirements for the 1900 Band.

I guess I'll be looking at some of the others.

[Phillip Dyson]

Has anyone tried receiving faxes using their card?