Packet Radio Networking with PalmOS?

Brian Hayward asks: "Does anyone have any experience using the Palm Pilot with packet radio? I'm interested in using my Palm IIIx to connect to my home Linux computer in a wireless fashion, but I don't want to pay the ridiculous per minute/per kbyte charges that are currently levied on wireless data users in my area. I know it's possible, but I'm not sure that the PalmOS software exists to do this. (I haven't seen AX.25 software for PalmOS yet). I know the software exists to do this on the Linux side."

Comments

Take a look at OmniSky...

[cmeans]

Well, OK, it does require a Palm V (or Vx), and I know you said you had a Palm IIIx...but maybe you'll want to trade up.

OmniSky, currently in beta, is selling a Palm V Mistrel modem for $299, and free CDPD Internet service (through your PalmOS) until the end of April 2K. After their service goes live it is guaranteed to not cost more than $50/month for unlimited usage, and beta testers get 15% off of whatever they decide to charge.

If you're inside their coverage area (they are really using local providers like AT&T, GTE, Bell South etc.) you can browse the web, send/receive email, read newsgroups, telnet, etc.. I even use PalmVNC to take control of Windows desktops (with the appropriate s/w installed on the target machines)...from anywhere...for administrative purposes of course.

I'm really happy with the service, it's not perfect, and their Palm software needs work...but it is beta...ain't going to be perfect.

I've developed some PQAs that let me deliver content from our client's databases (via Java Servlets) straight into their Palms (though it could go to Windows powered devices too...).

Cool stuff.