New UX User

[royalvines]

undefinedundefinedundefinedI have just purchased a UX50 coming from the NX70. I have searched the threads and I cannot find one answer that can really help me that is in plain english. How do I use the wireless on the Clie? Connecting to the cellphone is one way I hear, but how do you connect to the cell phone? Do I hold my cell phone close to the clie and they will share a signal, is there a cable I should use or does my cell phone have to be a bluetooth phone? My computer is cable internet but just a simple XP pc. Do I have to add something to my computer, a usb bluetooth to it, then what? If so how far does it work? I hear so many talk about being connected, is there a wireless service to apply to. If so who offers the wireless service? I will using this for my job to make it easier on me while I am away from the office but it will be of no help if I can't stay consistantly connected to the internet. HELP! :confused:. In your response, please make it clie 101, I do not understand technical lingo. When I am reading other post I can't understand them because so many people are experienced here you can tell they know there stuff, but for beginners its more than hard. I appreciate all the input and explaination I can get. I am so confused and almost scard because I don't have any direction and I need this so badly for my job. I don't want to have to take a loss and have this unit as well as having to purchase a laptop. :eek:

[peterb123]

I'll address the phone. Does your phone have BlueTooth?

[royalvines]

no I do not believe so, I have a sprint Toshiba V4050. I actually would not know but my assumption is that it does not. Usually on spec. sheets that is stands out as a plus, on this one did not have that.

[peterb123]

Well, I did some looking around, and it appears that the phone your using does NOT have BlueTooth and there is no cable to hook it to the UX50. Unfortunately, this means that you cannot use that phone with your UX.

Sorry

[JustaNoob]

Not necessarily true -- if the phone has IR then you could use it with the UX. Read the manual or read the FAQ at the top of this forum to find out how to connect - it's pretty easy. There is no cable that you can use, so if your phone doesn't have IR, you can't connect them.

As for the PC question, you can either get a Bluetooth dongle ($20) or you could get a WiFi access point ($50). BT would give you range of about 15-20 ft (max 30) and the WiFi would give you much faster speeds with a range of about 100 feet (300 theoretical max) depending on the layout of your house. You would plug the AP into your cable modem, and then you could have wireless everything in your house, and use your UX to sync or surf the 'net.

If you want wireless service outside your home, you can get it through carriers like boingo or t-mobile. They cost $20-$30/mo and only from select spots like Starbucks or other cafes and hotels.

If you want service through your phone, t-mobile and cingular are the best choices. You'd have to get a new phone (with bluetooth) and get a data plan of $5-$20/mo. Speed wouldn't be anywhere near the speed of the WiFi.

I recommend you read the manual and the FAQ at the top of this forum completely. And I recommend that you get the Absolute Beginners Guide to Wi-Fi and read it. Then get yourself a Wi-Fi access point / router and set yourself up with WiFi at home. If you want WiFi on the road, that book will explain how to do that as well.

PS Welcome! :)

[peterb123]

"if the phone has IR then you could use it with the UX."

Good point, since I never use IR, I totally forgot about it.

Good catch JustaNoob.

[royalvines]

If you want wireless service outside your home, you can get it through carriers like boingo or t-mobile. They cost $20-$30/mo and only from select spots like Starbucks or other cafes and hotels.

Does this mean that I have to be in those areas, Starbucks ect. for the wireless service to work? I have internet on my phone, I just don't have enough memory in my phone to pull up entire web pages, that's why I am in need of the UX.

Not necessarily true -- if the phone has IR then you could use it with the UX. Read the manual or read the FAQ at the top of this forum to find out how to connect - it's pretty easy. There is no cable that you can use, so if your phone doesn't have IR, you can't connect them.[

Does IR mean Internet Ready? I do have the internet.
I have read the FAQ in the UX area, I will go back and take a look at other areas in case I missed something, but the problem I am having reading them is I do not understand the terminology. I need a computer dictionary with me to get through most of what is written. I will take a look in the other areas. I will get the router WIFI, I kept seeing that but I thought Bluetooth was more important that WIFI.

[peterb123]

"Does IR mean Internet Ready?"

It means Infrared, like most remote controls and such. It sends a beam of infrared light which has the data encoded in it. You must point the IR ports at each other and beam data back and forth.

Read the manual for your phone, and it should tell you if you have IR on it or not.

[JustaNoob]

Okay, I'll take a step back here...

Bluetooth and Infrared are for short-range, device-to-device communication. Bluetooth is a radio wave standard, meaning that the devices can communicate whether or not they are physically next to each other, and the range is up to 30 feet. Infrared is based on light signals, so the devices need to be next to each other -- usually less than a foot. Many cell phones have infrared, and you can find that out by checking the manual of your phone (as peter suggested) or looking in the menus of your phone to find some sort of infrared settings menu. On the outside of the phone there should be a reddish-black translucent square of plastic about the size of a tic-tac. I can't find any information about your phone to tell whether you have IR or not. Even if you do it's not going to be that great for getting on the web because it communicates slowly, and you have to hold the devices right next to eachother.

As for the WiFi, that is different than cellular. WiFi is device-to-internet connection (usually) which means that you can wirelessly connect your UX directly to your cable modem -- so long as you have the wireless WiFi adapter. The range of this is up to 300 feet. Services like T-mobile and Boingo have access points in places like Starbucks and you have to be within 300 feet of them to get a signal. But the speed is very fast (11mbps). You can easily set up your own network at home that will be free to use, and often if you go out and scan around, you can find free networks to log into.

[royalvines]

Do you have a suggestion for the wireless service? It looks as though I will have to spend more money than I would like to network my house and risky to trust, maybe I will pick up on a network when I am out because it is imperative that I be connected to the internet for my job. I have looked at T-mobile and boingo (is that all there is to choose from?) but do you know about the stability of any of these companies? I wish there was a cheaper way. I was even thinking of buying a cheap Bluetooth phone by sprint to connect but that looks like that would not work by your given information. I don't know why I though it would be so easy. Buy the UX50 then connect :rolleyes: wow was I wrong :( . There is a great deal more involved. I don't regret my purchase because I love the clie series and needed more memory so badly. My current Sony only has 16 mg and I have maxed it out totally, I can no longer update my programs because of it. I had one person tell me they went overseas with their UX50 with something connected to their friend’s computer and stayed connected the whole time. I didn't know this person, just friendly conversation, the thing is I don't even remember what he said he connected to the computer :confused:, but it seems as though maybe it was not completely the truth (he wanted me to buy his clie from him). Who knows

[JustaNoob]

I use T-Mobile (WiFi) because their coverage is good. But before you make the leap, or decide that you're not going to install a home network. In my opinion (IMO) everyone with broadband at home should have a wireless network installed. It's cheap, it's easy, and it's safe. Get the book I recommended before and it'll walk you through the whole thing, plus give you info on accessing free and paid roaming networks, etc.

[Vagrant]

With a Bluetooth capable phone, you can leave it in your pocket and just use the UX to connect through it. (wirelessly)

If you have a T-mobile phone plan you could add their T-zones for $5/month, or their "all ports" plan for $20. Unfortunately the speed is not that fast for either plan. You'd be lucky if you ever got a connection as fast as a dial-up modem. I recommend a Bluetooth phone to pair up with your UX. (If you're just pushing & pulling text E-mail, this should be ok, forget web browsing unless you're into pain)

If you have a Cingular phone plan, you can add on their new EDGE service for $20/month. It's pretty fast and should easily suffice for your needs. Again you should get a Bluetooth capable phone which must also work with the EDGE service.

I don't quite understand your comment about needing to be connected all the time. If you're at home, obviously your PC will do the job, so I presume you're looking for connectivity when you're out and about. One of the above data services through a cellular provider might do the trick for you.

[royalvines]

The reason for all the questions is in my job, I go out 3 times a week to vendors and compare pricing for our supplies. I gather information, bring it into the office and manually compare pricing. I discovered a new way and that was having my husband home on the computer, I would call him via cell phone and have in compare for me on the internet. I have found that this was much more efficient and convenient. Problem is I was running out of minutes on my job cell phone or coming so very close to it so it wasn't working out so well. My husband came up with the idea to upgrade my clie to the UX and do it myself. Now my job will pay half the internet fee, I have to prove first that my discovery will work (using the clie). I know that it will work, the clie is an awesome little machine but I have to understand it first to convey this to my team. I am also developing another area at my job and unless I can become more efficient and cut down on time spent out of the office, I can not give the time to this area that I need. Performance = Promotion! Trying to get that promotion in development. If I am not able to stay connected in a stable manner while in the field, I am not able to assign someone my job when I go into development and not expect them to have trouble as well, this does not look good at all. You all have been such a great help and thank you for your patients with my lack of knowledge concerning bluetooth ect. Has anyone used boingo or even familiar with it? There are not contract with it from my understanding and seems like I may be safer starting out with that because if my company feels that they prefer someone else, I will not be locked into contract. On the other hand, if T-mobile is stable and will keep my locked on the internet whenever I need it, I may just prefer to use it and pay for it even if they don't decide to compensate.

[exNewt]

A couple of comments to the already thorough, excellent suggestions.

First remember you can always upload or view the info you need from desk/laptop computer to the Clie, and have it with you.

I use the T-Mobile data plan on my phone (Sony/Ericcson T610 connected via Bluetooth); not as fast as a WiFi connnection but pretty much from Cape Cod MA to SF CA I can get e-mail, surf the Web, etc. It is as stated a FLAT FEE of $20/mo and T-Mobile tech support actually spoke English and had me up and running on one try.

There are MANY free WiFi 'nodes' from Starbucks coffee to Panera bread; Google "free WiFi" or look at sites like http://www.wififreespot.com/ Free.

Not to confuse you but there is another T-Mobile plan which is the WiFi connection only - you see this in airports as a "T-mobile Hotspot". This is something you can sign up for without having a T-Mobile phone, but it is more limited (e.g. at airports and big shopping malls) as opposed to a T-Mobile (or other cell phone carrier) data service. You can also log on for a one-day-only-fee, but depending on your needs a regular account may be cheaper in the long run.

From my "Apple Newton days" you do NOT want to try and use the Infrared (altho to be fair to you I am SURE someone somewhere in Marketing once called "IR" Internet Ready!) as you have to keep the UX50 and the phone aligned. The beauty of BlueTooth is that the phone can be nearby and it just connects like magic.

I travel a lot and need to check Co. WebMail, personal e-mail, and other things and the Clie UX50 was the best option I found, juggling size and features. Also if you do not have the extra battery pack GET IT NOW while you can. Using BlueTooth or WiFi can deplete the battery rather rapidly.

Also to avoid data loss you should always back up to the internal non-volatile RAM Preferences->Power Saving->Backup button. There are also a host of travel charger options to get juice from a wall, car cigarette lighter, AA batteries and your (or someone else's) laptop USB port.

Also remember in the words of the late Douglas Adams (author of the cult series of novels "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) "Don't Panic" (and always bring a towel).

[exNewt]

I should add that as long as I have just one miniscule T-Mobile signal bar on my phone I can get connected to the data account. That's pretty much most of the civilized (and not-so-civilized) USA.

[royalvines]

JustaNob, how were you able to get T-mobile service WIFI? I contacted T-Mobile and they seem as if I have to purchase a sims card? They have no idea what I am talking about. Can you tell me how you had your service added. If you wouldn't even mind as to going as far as letting me know who your contact is that way they will know more about what they are doing.

[exNewt]

With T-Mobile phones (like my S/E T610) one can activate a $20/month GPRS data account. You connect the Clie to the phone via bluetooth and surf the web that way.

In locations that have a T-Mobile Hotspot, this is a WiFi node that you connect to via WiFi (obviously). You can either:
1) pay a daily rate of around $6 USD
2) set up a monthly billing account

The T-Mobile Hotspot IS NOT run by the same division that runs the phones. To get a T-Mobile Hotspot account you have to call the number on the sign you see in the airport, or on the Web browser window that pops up by default when you first connect.

[royalvines]

Well it kinda looks like I won't be able to find constant connection through a service. Does anyone have any suggestions to a pda or item from a service that offers a complete internet browser, one that I will be able to remain online without being at hotspots? My heart is just broken that my clie is not able to do this without so much money being invested into trying to stay connected, anywhere I go.

[JAmerican]

What's the difference between the Unlimted T-zones and Unlimted T-Zones Pro. I have Pro and want to goto Unlimited T-zones for the cheaper price. Will Unlimted T-zones allow GPRS Internet usage on my UX40 via my Bluetooth SE T610?

[exNewt]

To answer two questions...

"Does anyone have any suggestions to a pda or item from a service that offers a complete internet browser" - yes, a UX50 with a BlueTooth connection to a T-Mobile phone with a $20/mo data account (could be other service providers, but I'm with T). Keep in mind that "constant connection" is an oxymoron; but anywhere I've had - as stated earlier - even a weak phone signal I can get online via a Bluetooth connection to the phone.

2) "Unlimted T-zones and Unlimted T-Zones Pro" - they charge you more per month? I honestly do not know as I had not heard of the latter. If you can believe this, T-mobile ACTUALLY PUTS THIS INFO on their Web page! (Whod'a thunk it?)

I quote: "Unlimited t-zones (includes unlimited Internet e-mail and Mobile Web content) $4.99 Unlimited t-zones pro (includes unlimited access to corporate e-mail, unlimited Internet e-mail, and Mobile Web content) $9.99"

However, they limit "port access" (not to lose anyone here but these T-Zone accounts means you can browse with the phone, and maybe some sites with the UX50 to the phone, but not ALL websites with the UX50).

A "T-Mobile Unlimited Internet account" is what you want. Oddly when I looked it up it was listed as $29.99 and not $19.99; maybe as I hadn't logged it to their site? I pay $19.99

[royalvines]

How did you get t-mobile data or anything with the ux50? When I go to them they act as if I am from another planet. I need a sims card, or some sleve, I think they really just do not know they just tell me stuff. Do I need to purchase anything to add to the ux50 or how do I explain how I need their service. I tell them I need internet/hotspot whatever, and they tell me I need a card? :mad: , I have become completely frustrated :o HELP :confused: . I am getting great information but I am doing something wrong in conveying what I need to T-mobile. They even asked me to give out name and phone number of a person that has what I am looking for so they can find out what I need. They don't even know.

[exNewt]

You're forgetting what Douglas Adams said...

Anyway, let's assume you have a T-Mobile phone account, and we'll proceed.
Note this is to use the phone as a data 'modem' to the UX50 via a BlueTooth connection. This is NOT, repeat NOT how to set it up to use a WiFi 'hotspot'.

1) Does the T-Mobile phone have BlueTooth?
answer yes - proceed to #2; answer no - get a new phone with Bluetooth

2) Call T-Mobile and tell them you want the $20/month GPRS data account enabled on your phone account.

3) They should connect you to the Tech Support people, who will guide you through the setup process FOR THE PHONE ONLY. Takes about 3 hours to activate the account once you set it up.

4) There are other forums here that tell you how to set up the phone/Clie in more detail. It's not that bad, just be sure the phone and the UX50's BlueTooth is 'on' and in 'discoverable' mode. The one at the top of the UX50 section under FAQ is good:
http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35465
and this one:
http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47391&highlight=bluetooth+t-mobile

5) Surf the Web/get e-mail just about anywhere.


Summary of technologies
BlueTooth - short-range connection (20 ft) where the UX50 uses built-in BlueTooth to connect to a phone also equipped with BlueTooth; UX50 can use the phone (if properly configured) to access the Internet.
BlueTooth pro (w/phone access to 'Net) - access almost anywhere phone has a signal; lower cost overall (assuming $20/month unlimited or similar plan)
BlueTooth con - data transfer rate slower than WiFi

WiFi - moderate-range (100 ft) connection where the UX50 uses built-in WiFi to connect to a WiFi 'access point' or 'hot spot' access the Internet.
WiFi pro - faster data transfer
WiFi con - price, harder to find an access point (try an airport, mall, Apple store, Starbucks, Panera Bread, etc.)

I do it either way, all the time, on business trips and vacations.

[exNewt]

Or this one
http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33660

[royalvines]

Thank you, I realize what my error in understanding has been all a long. I did not realize when T-mobile service was spoken of it was because of an actual cell phone line. All along I was thinking that when service was spoken of it was toward the clie only. I did see mention of the cell phone but it was never defined to me that that is what was needed for the clie to have its service. Ok now I understand. Thank you everyone for so much help, it is so appreciated and it has definately made a difference with my understanding. It also kept me from pushing something that truly just simply does not work like I am looking forward to it to. Although a sweet item, I think I will need a laptop or even a smart phone will do the trick but I am not able to get T-Mobile because I have an active 2 year contract with sprint, but maybe after if the best newest thing in PDA's don't decide to come out.

Thank you everyone!!!!

[exNewt]

Don't forget:
A) Sprint has BlueTooth phones and
B) Sprint has data accounts...

[JAmerican]

...

2) "Unlimted T-zones and Unlimted T-Zones Pro" - they charge you more per month? I honestly do not know as I had not heard of the latter. If you can believe this, T-mobile ACTUALLY PUTS THIS INFO on their Web page! (Whod'a thunk it?)

I quote: "Unlimited t-zones (includes unlimited Internet e-mail and Mobile Web content) $4.99 Unlimited t-zones pro (includes unlimited access to corporate e-mail, unlimited Internet e-mail, and Mobile Web content) $9.99"

However, they limit "port access" (not to lose anyone here but these T-Zone accounts means you can browse with the phone, and maybe some sites with the UX50 to the phone, but not ALL websites with the UX50).

A "T-Mobile Unlimited Internet account" is what you want. Oddly when I looked it up it was listed as $29.99 and not $19.99; maybe as I hadn't logged it to their site? I pay $19.99

You didn't have to be a jacka** about it. I asked because I thought the corporate email thing wouldn't allow me to send email via the UX40. BTW, I've been able to go to every site I've entered with a $10 plan of T-zones Pro.