New convert to WL100

[patryn121]

Ok, finally figured out my problem. I solved it the microsoft way which is if there isn't a utility already then just do it the way they want it done.

I followed it and haven't had one problem in almost 4 solid hours of 802.11b time on my 70. Do I like it--eh, s'od 'ight. Does it get the job done--oh HELL yeah!

The ICQ client works good...not great. It would be great if I was a programmer but (shrughs) that's life. I'll be trying out the IRC tonight at home.

And what can I say in 5 words about Winhand? WOW-WOW-WOW-WOW-WOW! Leave my computer on with a cheap FTP running and life is a hell of a lot less stressful.

One real drag is the battery life with the WL100--it sucks! Man, I have to carry my power cord everywhere just incase I get stuck in a stupid inprompt-to meeting.

But since I've started doing things the Sony way I'm in Heaven. I just put my order in for the European version of the Bluetooth card and a dongle. Then I can use my bt phone as a modem and call into my computer using winhand.

Are things working the way I thought they would when I first decided to try this out? Nope. Laptop was easier. But now I can easily get info from a site faster than friends with a laptop and not have to lug all my crap around except for a powercord.

Next is to sign up with Borders and Starbucks for hotspots and I'm set.

Wishlist:
CF Drivers: run bluetooth phone to d/l newest powerpoint presentation and put on high cap CF for demo.
802.11 options: not enough. For the first time my PocketPC nerd users can do stuff I really want to.
Cheaper Sony options: If you're gonna make it propritary then at least have the deceny to add a jar of KY.
More Sony options: Again, gonna make it propritary then at least make ALL the stuff you're gonna need to make it all work together--the first time!

my $.2 cents,
Serena

[sindu]

Serena,

I have a wifi set up both at home and at the office as I rely a lot on e-mail to conduct my business. I saw your point of having a wifi in your Clie but let me attempt the reasons for NOT having a wifi in Clie. You could always counter mine and I would love to see that so that I can see the other side of the coin.

1. wifi take too much energy. Clie would always need to look for power socket.
2. wireless sync ?? heck, i need to turn on my notebook anyway and might as well synch it physically. Furthermore, i am charging my Clie via USB.
3. browsing ? The screen size of Clie discourage me....
4. e-mail ? receive more than 60 e-mails a day with attachment. Clie does not have the "hardisk" to hold those info.
5. mobility ? I can always use my GPRS phone as a modem to download e-mail when i am not with my laptop as a temporary measure.

what the advantage of wifi in Clie then ??

[patryn121]

Hmm, hard to counter your questions/remarks because the Clie w/wifi is definetly a special purpose machine.
1. Wifi does take too much power and I mentioned that about having to carry around my power cord. ;) Going to order that AA Battery adapter soon.
2. Part of my work is scouting locations either for photographic shoots or touristy areas. I use my Sony camera to take the pics (the 70's camera has too little resolution), type the letter on my 70, move the pics to my clie...and NOW I can use wifi to email the whole shebang before I leave the city and I've only had to lug around about 2 lbs whereas before just my laptop was a nightmare. Also at work people can email/type a note to me and put it in my hotsync so when I update I get the file. Email can take too long and can be a hassle. Graffiti isn't the best method for entering in long email addys. I'm trying to work out how to use hotsync to send my reports I created on my clie and get away from using email unless sending it to a client. Actually for those types "final" messages I like to use a full screen and Word to see my entire note before sending it off. But the drafts can definetly be done on the Clie.
3. Browsing. Screen size is a pain sometimes but the lack of size/portability/theft of not having my laptop with me makes up for it. All I need is my medium size purse.
4. Email. As I said I'm trying to work around that part but right now everything goes onto my memstick. With my keyboard I can easily sit at one of the small tables at Starbucks and do my responses but on the road I never respond to more than 10 at most.
5. Hate using phones for text messages. Short--"Call Office" are fine but emails are too much. With the bluetooth card I'm ordering I'll use my BT phone as a modem and do away with wifi all together.

So for me the advantage of the Clie is strictly comfort. I'd rather wrestly my cat to the vet for a week than have to lug my laptop around for a day. I've learned how to work around the inherent limitations of the PDA and use it's strengths to become more effecient. When I boil everything down it really is the screen size I miss. My memsticks give me all the space I need and heck I can even look at spreadsheets on my Clie or approve a Powerpoint presentation in the back of a cab.

I hope I answered some of your questions and they were really good. Write me back with some others because it makes me think of others ways to do things.

Talk to you later,
Serena, the minimalist. :)
(life would be sweet with one of those Dick Tracy wrist watches)

[patryn121]

PS: Broke not because of gadgets but because of my accessories! Got a shiny aluminium case for the Clie. Also have a Leather one. Now only if they made one I could put my makeup in I'd be set--Mirror is a great program for the PDAs.

Serena the Nerdette (but wears real woman clothes) ;)

[sindu]

Now I see where you coming from. May I suggest based on my expirience for your requirement. This is purely suggestion.

You should get a NZ which has 2mb camera, a very good enough resolution to shoot the camera. The e-mail in the NZ allows you to attach the picture you took from your NZ and other camera. It has a BT and WF slot. All you need is a GPRS BT phone for connection to internet and you might as well send your e-mail anywhere when there is a GPRS connection. With your wifi, you could go to any hotspot to do your work as well. The battery charger would help you a lot and with these, it definetly reduce the "heavy bag" you are going to carry....