news | articles | reviews | software | modules | accessories | discussion | faq | mobile | store
 visorcentral >> articles >> Cutting the Cord

Cutting the Cord

Wednesday June 28, 2000 - 7:40 AM EST - By Marcus Adolfsson

Novatel Wireless

Handspring Visor owners will within the next few months go from having zero wireless options to a plethora of wireless solutions. At PC Expo, we counted four companies that have wireless products in development: Novatel, Omnisky, GoAmerica, and ActiveLink. Interesting to note is that most of the solutions are based on Novatel Wireless' Minstrel S Springboard module, with products geared to both the consumer and the enterprise markets.

Novatel Wireless Minstrel S

The Minstrel S from Novatel Wireless enables 2-way wireless access to the Internet using Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) technology - a secure open standard - with real-time data transmission at speeds up to 19.2 kbps. The Minstrel supports popular Palm OS applications and synchronization programs, and will have the AvantGo web browser and OneTouch email client bundled with the unit.

While not bulky, the unit is larger than most existing Springboards, adding 1/3" in thickness, ¾" in length, and about 4 oz to the Visor.

The Minstrel S comes with its own internal rechargeable Lithium Ion battery and a fast charger. The battery contains enough juice for eight hours of active use, and 24 hours of standby time. Three LED indicators at the top of the unit show battery strength, incoming e-mail, and system service.

Shipping this fall at an expected price of $369, the Minstrel S is one of the most expensive Springboard unit announced to date. However, the cost of the unit could vary depending on whose service you purchase with it.

Novatel currently bundles Internet service from AT&T Wireless, Bell Atlantic Mobile or GoAmerica with their Minstrel modems. Monthly service charges for unlimited usage should be in the $40 - $60 range. In addition, the Minstrel S will also be available with 2 MB and 4 MB flash memory versions.


OmniSky, GoAmerica, ActiveLink >>

Story Sections
>Novatel Wireless
OmniSky, GoAmerica, ActiveLink

Related Links
Springing into action
Cutting the Cord
Hawkins: Keep it simple






Update: Auction Update / VisorAdventure 2
Thu Oct 11 - 12:05 AM EST


InnoGear PowerCradle (updated)
Tue Oct 9 - 10:51 PM EST


iambic Office suite
Thu Oct 4 - 1:12 AM EST


Prism dropped to $299
Tue Oct 2 - 6:19 PM EST


New Portable Keyboard
Tue Oct 2 - 4:46 PM EST


MORE NEWS >>



VisorCentral Awards 2001 - Day 11
Mon Oct 8 - 8:29 PM EST


Mr. Hromadka goes to Redmond
Mon Sep 10 - 4:39 AM EST


WordSmith 2.0 Preview
Tue Jul 10 - 9:06 PM EST


Open Desktop
Sat Jul 7 - 11:56 PM EST


VisorVision Explained
Mon Jul 2 - 12:10 AM EST


PC Expo Video Streams
Fri Jun 29 - 5:18 PM EST


MORE ARTICLES >>

About VisorCentral : Copyright ©1999 Smartphone Experts All rights reserved : Terms of Use : Privacy policy