news | articles | reviews | software | modules | accessories | discussion | faq | mobile | store
 visorcentral >> articles >> OmniSky vs. YadaYada

OmniSky vs. YadaYada

Friday February 2, 2001 - 8:27 PM EST - By Scott Hanselman

Installation

Both YadaYada and Omnisky use the Novatel Minstrel "S" Wireless Springboard Modem (whew! Say that three times fast!) which is a "true" SpringBoard in that it installs software on insertion, and uninstalls (some) software when removed. This makes installation truly plug and play. Both services install their software the first time you insert the springboards. YadaYada's install is very transparent, while OmniSky's has a progress bar that explains what is happening. OmniSky's install requires a soft reset, while YadaYada's didn't. YadaYada replaces your App Launcher with their own.

Both services launch their "Home" pages when your press the hardware button on the modem. YadaYada takes to you their launcher, OmniSky takes you to an offline OmniSky home page.

If you yank the modems while either service is using it, all bets are off. The theory is that the system is suppose to gracefully handle it, but I've had some HORRIBLE things happen. This appears to be a problem with the Minstrel, and not the Service, but it certainly reflects poorly on everyone involved. I've hard reset 3 times, including a lovely crashing infinite-loop reset. I would suggest that if you are going to take the leap into a Wireless Springboard service that you also take the leap into a $40 Springboard Backup Module. Trust me. I hope that Novatel choose to release a firmware update to fix these problems. Until the, make sure that you go into the included Minstrel Modem application and turn the modem off before you yank it.

YadaYada's Installation is seamless and quiet, but OmniSky's offers a information and status during install. I'd say it's a tie for Installation.


Browsing >>

Story Sections
OmniSky VS. YadaYada
>Installation
Browsing
Email
Optimized Content
Technical Support
Additional Features
Conclusion

Related Links
OmniSky Review
YadaYada Review
YadaYada.com
OmniSky.com






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