802.11b Cards for Handhelds?

bmetzler asks: "I am in the market for a new Palm device. This time I want to buy a device that is capable of connecting to the wireless network in my home. Apart from wanting a monochrome display, the 802.11b feature is the most important one I am looking at. Xircom makes an add-on module for the M500 series and the m125. This might be a possibility because the m125 is one that I was looking at. However, at over $220 this one is a little pricey. Xircom also seemed to have a model for the Handspring, but I'm unable to locate it for sale any longer. Handera claims support for Symbol's CompactFlash card. The Handera has a nicer, bigger screen, but is also more expensive. I couldn't locate a price for the CF card either. In conclusion, I've got to purchase a Palm, and the wireless capability is the most important feature I need. Is there a good way to do this on a Palm, or should I just go for the Sharp Zaurus?" I'm also looking into replacing my old, aging Palm VII with something a bit more modern with 802.11b support. How do the Xircom models perform on Handspring Visors?

Comments

symbol CF pricing

[Locutus]

At Palm Source, Handera was loaning out 330's with the Symbol 802.11 CF cards. When asked about purchasing one, they said they were thinking about selling the "used" ones for $300. He said it was $150 off the combined price soooo. Since the 330 was going for $299, that's pretty much $150 for the Symbol CF. On the Zaurus forums it's been noted that the Sybmol card is one of the best at power management.

If you're not going for the Zaurus, I'd go for the Handera. Look at it this way, you can get a folding keyboard for $40 (new) and many other Palm III/VII based peripherals work. You said you have a Palm VII right?

If you don't get rid of that Palm VII, you'll want to get THIS in-cradle charging kit for it. It's a must have for the Palm VII series. IMHO.

Lob

Sounds like you're trying to fit a square block...

[switchfiend]

in a round hole.

What exactly are you trying to accomplish via 802.11? Web Browsing? Email? Controlling MP3's? Email is about the only thing that using a sled attached to a Palmpilot is going to be useful for. Some people will difer on their definition of "useful". I have found browsing the web on a palm pilot to be pretty abysmal (its not that much better with a PocketPC device, although at least it looks better).

The current generation Palm device doesn't really have a good integration of networking. Supposedly the newer ones (post PalmOS 5) will have integrated TCP/IP, and support for a bunch of different wireless technologies.

You mention the Zaurus. You could pick up one of those, and then get a CF Wireless card (for about 80 bucks or so, I have 2 of the d-link ones and they work great).

That really is no different then getting a PocketPC (your lack of mentioning one in your article suggests you want to stay away from Microsoft), as they fullfill the same function.

I have not had a particularly good experience with handheld devices in general, and especially not handheld networking. My last attempt involved a Casio E-200 with the aforementioned D-link card (which worked great until about 30 days after I bought the PDA, when the backlight blew). It was "neat" but not particularly useful.

I really don't have a problem wandering around with my Ibook with an Airport card built in (or substitute that for any notebook or subnotebook).

It just comes down to what your overall goal is