Wl100

[maddie]

I am thinking of buying an wL100. I would like to know what are do people that bought it use it for?

I was reading the sony site and it says you need a "hotspot" access, and that in some places you've got to pay!!

When I think of wifi, I think of a wireless network I can connect to.

Can someone clarify? And is anyone using D-link wireless router with the card.

[GenoG]

i think you have to pay for wireless at starbucks. I know there was a link a few weeks ago posted here to locate free wireless access in coffee shops and stuff.

[n2ifp]

I have a wireless LAN, so it gives me freedom within 300 feet or so. Some have wireless LAN's at work too or subscribe to certain wireless services like T-Mobile. Others snoop around and are able to hop someone else's LAN if there is no security enabled. I think it works with the D-Link.

http://www.80211-planet.com/

[maddie]

So what you guys are telling me that the only thing I can do with this $150.00 wireless CF card is to

search the net and receive/send e-mail as long as I have a wireless network that I can connect to? (in my case @ home only).

Have any of you tried using Printboy (the PrintAnyware version supposedly works with wiressless)with this card? supposedly you can print to a network printer connected directly to the network wirelessly. This would give me a reason to buy the card. Otherwise I see no point.

What is this hotpoint stuff? The starbucks has a hotpoint or wireless access? That is news to me, anyway, I would not want to pay to check my mail! I could do that at home. My computer is always on.

any insight is greatly appreciated

Thanks for the link. I will look into it.

[bucalo9]

I have a Dlink AP at work where I use my laptop and NX to wifi sync, IM, surf & read e-mail. The best thing for me at work is using IM while walking around the building.

At home I have Fastnet ADSL and a Dlink wireless router that works just as well. I upgraded my free Yahoo to Yahoo Plus so I could get POP mail access for my NX. I had to ask Fastnet for their smtp outgoing mail server name to send e-mail. The best thing at home is quick net surfs-nice when you don't have your computer on and you're on the couch . Wifi syncs are great too.

I recommend getting the card, for enthusiasts and techie inclinded. I don't come accross hotspots but would consider a T-mobile/Starbucks service if we Starbucks were available to me everyday.

I haven't tried Printboy, but could see some benefit.

[n2ifp]

It's called a Hot Spot, a place where you access an existing LAN. I believe that Starbucks requires having T-Mobile service to use.

I have not tried PrintBoy, but I may look into it.

Everyone has there own needs, so your right, it may not be for you:).

[addict]

You don't need an access point to get internet access either. I've got a peer-to-peer connection set up at work:
my notebook has a wi-fi card in it, configured for adhoc (vs infrastructure) mode and my CLIE connects to that card, using the notebook as a gateway to the Internet. Win2k/XP Internet Connection Sharing seems to be required (or useful, anyway).

But, yeah, I wish there was more functionality too. You can hotsync at work, though, and get updated web pages etc. (not to mention browsing the web wirelessly in addition to your e-mail and IM).

It's a lot of $$ for somewhat limited functionality, but hopefully more apps will come out that use wireless for data (or file) transfer.

*plink* *plink*

[bucalo9]

Originally posted by maddie
So what you guys are telling me that the only thing I can do with this $150.00 wireless CF card is to

search the net and receive/send e-mail as long as I have a wireless network that I can connect to? (in my case @ home only).



Things you can do:

...surf the net, and in addition to browsing and interacting with sites, download files to the MS.

...you can send/receive email depending on your service, which means you can use all the Clie multimedia functions integrated with Cliemail-send/receive images, sounds & movies you capture or have stored, or have just downloaded.

...you can Instant Message people using clients from Yahoo, MSN, AOL's AIM, or others like Verichat.

...you can hotsync with your PC on the network. So you can update your PIM programs, sync with portal programs like Avantgo, or install .prc's.


Anyone got other uses?

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by bucalo9


Things you can do:

...surf the net, and in addition to browsing and interacting with sites, download files to the MS.

...you can send/receive email depending on your service, which means you can use all the Clie multimedia functions integrated with Cliemail-send/receive images, sounds & movies you capture or have stored, or have just downloaded.

...you can Instant Message people using clients from Yahoo, MSN, AOL's AIM, or others like Verichat.

...you can hotsync with your PC on the network. So you can update your PIM programs, sync with portal programs like Avantgo, or install .prc's.


Anyone got other uses?

Currently, you can't WiFi HotSync files to the MS, although an app like Avantgo can place it's own files there.

[bucalo9]

Yeah, why is that so? And with all that this thing can do, too.

[n2ifp]

Wish I knew. I am sure it's doable with the right sotware. There's Palm apps for pretty much everything else. It just dawned on me, the Clie would need a file manager that can access the desktop.

[maddie]

Thanks for your very usefull replies! I am one of those enthusiast/techies out there, that just need an excuse to spend money.

Well I am still thinking about it. Since my computer is always on. (I've got 3, in kitchen, basement and a floater) I really do not need to use the net unless im on the road. And in that case I cannot pick stuff of the air. I have sprint pcs, but I do not know that they have a service for palms.

Another question is, what type of sites can I access., since I assume that they have to be specially configured for palm access. How fast and stable are they?.

The adhoc connection, seems interesting. I'll look into that too.

The starbucks, now guys, why would I want to go to sturbucks???? Its not like I want to hang in there, for what? They are going to open one around wher I live. I see it as a coffee shop. Do all starbuck have this service. Well I live in southern NJ, I call it Gooney town. I am the only person that I know that has a wifi capable device. Maybe this would be nice in a big city like NY or maybe Philly.

Now if they had a service like that at Borders where my husband lives for hours, then that's a different story, there you have food, books, music etc... with wifi access :eek: That could be a hang out....

A useful feature for me would be to receive notification from comcast when I receive a new message and view them, I do not need to download them, or search for information on an article when I go shopping. Or check whats playing in the movies, in case I wish to catch one without really planning on it. I do not think these services are available at this time. If there are, they certainly are not in my area!!

You'd been very helpful. Thanks ;)

[GenoG]

don't ya just love it when all your techie gadgets work together!
I can't wait to get my powerbook and ipod!
I'll have everything working together! (NX60, t68i, and powerbook)!

[bucalo9]

Maddie, I work in Cranbury and there isn't a Starbucks for miles, let alone a hotspot-maybe Princeton. I heard somewhere though, the bookstores with Starbucks will be getting wifi soon.

Palm optimized sites are best, but Netfront can surf many sites, if you are patient. The palm sized sites are fast and most "stable". The more graphics the slower the download. The slower sites are like being on a slow dial-up.

I use my Yahoo-Avantgo portal to get local movie listings and weather too. It is very convenient, but my wifi connection is limited to home and work. I think if someone really wants to be connected all the time, the cell phone/bluetooth set-up is the way to go.

GenoG, iPods are cool too. They can even sync to your palm desktop calendar and contacts.

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by maddie
Thanks for your very usefull replies! I am one of those enthusiast/techies out there, that just need an excuse to spend money.

Well I am still thinking about it. Since my computer is always on. (I've got 3, in kitchen, basement and a floater) I really do not need to use the net unless im on the road. And in that case I cannot pick stuff of the air. I have sprint pcs, but I do not know that they have a service for palms.

Another question is, what type of sites can I access., since I assume that they have to be specially configured for palm access. How fast and stable are they?.

The adhoc connection, seems interesting. I'll look into that too.

The starbucks, now guys, why would I want to go to sturbucks???? Its not like I want to hang in there, for what? They are going to open one around wher I live. I see it as a coffee shop. Do all starbuck have this service. Well I live in southern NJ, I call it Gooney town. I am the only person that I know that has a wifi capable device. Maybe this would be nice in a big city like NY or maybe Philly.

Now if they had a service like that at Borders where my husband lives for hours, then that's a different story, there you have food, books, music etc... with wifi access :eek: That could be a hang out....

A useful feature for me would be to receive notification from comcast when I receive a new message and view them, I do not need to download them, or search for information on an article when I go shopping. Or check whats playing in the movies, in case I wish to catch one without really planning on it. I do not think these services are available at this time. If there are, they certainly are not in my area!!

You'd been very helpful. Thanks ;)

If your a Sprint PCS user, you still might be able to get Blazer(a browesr) for free.

[maddie]

Originally posted by n2ifp


If your a Sprint PCS user, you still might be able to get Blazer(a browesr) for free.

That is true, overlooked that. To use this wouldn't I need a special cable to hook up my phone?

Now I'm confused. I do now the wifi card won't connect to the sprint pcs network. Though sprint I think has a card. But it does not work with nx. Talking about catch 22!!

I'll look into it thanks!

[GenoG]

whats the t-mobile like @ starbux?

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by maddie


That is true, overlooked that. To use this wouldn't I need a special cable to hook up my phone?

Now I'm confused. I do now the wifi card won't connect to the sprint pcs network. Though sprint I think has a card. But it does not work with nx. Talking about catch 22!!

I'll look into it thanks!

Don't know, but my PC's can surf the net via my Samsung 8500 via using a cable to my serial port. I would think you'd still need a browser on the Clie.