PDAs: Internet access via Wi-Fi Hotspots
Internet access via Wi-Fi Hotspots
by Robg67 - 4/1/05 7:04 AM<Robg> I am looking to buy a PDA, does anyone have experience of how easy or difficult connecting to the net is with a Wi-Fi enabled PDA from a Wi-Fi hotspot
WiFi using a PocketPC
by John.Wilkinson
- 4/2/05 7:50 PM
In reply to: Internet access via Wi-Fi Hotspots by Robg67
From a Windows Media-based PDA, it's pretty easy. Most PDAs have a button designated for WiFi. It will automatically locate any signals, and prompt you as to which one you prefer. Depending on the hopspot, it will either automatically connect (if it is an open network), propmt you to login, or prompt you for Network Key. (Most only ask once, unless you perform a hard reset, deleting your access information.) Once connected, launch Internet Explorer and you are good to go.
There are a few downsides, though.
First, there's the smaller screen, so you either have to scroll left and right, or have it "fit to screen," making the website endlessly long.
Second, it's considerably slower than highspeed internet, though still usually faster than 56K. (Speed varies based upon your distance from the base station.)
Finally, Pocket IE is a limited version of IE5.0, and doesn't support all websites. Currently, you can download some programs that fool websites into thinking you are using the desktop version, but some sites still won't load properly. It's rumored that Windows Mobile 2005 (due out later this year) will correct this problem. That's just speculation, however...Microsoft isn't finished yet, and is keeping a tight lip on project "Magneto."
Hope this helps,
John
Windows Mobile 2005
by DocG - 4/21/05 1:33 PM In reply to: WiFi using a PocketPC by John.Wilkinson
Thinking about purchasing a Windows Mobile 2003 ver. 2 - based pocket pc. Any info. about whether there would be an ability to upgrade to the new 2005 Windows system if and when it comes out?
My bet is no way, no how.
by R. Proffitt - 4/22/05 4:37 AM
In reply to: Windows Mobile 2005 by DocG
Since I do attend seminars and more about Windows CE/Embedded XP and more, the licensing for such runs about 4 to 85 bucks per device. From 2003 to 2005 will not be a free ride and the current climate and agreements will not help get such an upgrade out there.
If the users were willing to pay for such, it might happen since not only are there license fees to be paic but code monkeys to get packages together and tech support to help people do the update.
All this conspires to have me think "This will never happen."
Bob
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
