When we started planning this Wireless
Everywhere issue, I naturally began to think of the
wireless devices I’ve been using more and more in my
own life. Strangely enough, I haven’t purchased any
of my latest gadgets myself. I’ve obtained them either
from my company, Penton Media, or through review
units sent by enterprising public relations people.
3G GADGETS ARE PILING UP
For me, 3G started with a Motorola Q that I purchased
several years ago. I wanted to get to know the
technology, so I forked over $45 per month for Internet
connectivity on top of voice service. I eschewed
the extra $10 per month for an option to hook my
notebook to the phone and get Internet connectivity
wherever I happened to be, but I liked the idea.
Playing with this phone for several months gave me
insight into the possibilities for accessing the Internet
at any time, mostly via mobile sites. But I was able to
access some regular sites as well by using the Opera
Mobile browser. Eventually, I caved in to the cost and
went back to my regular cell phone.
When I got this job a few years ago, Penton issued
me a Palm Treo, complete with Internet connectivity.
I use it often now to check various mobile sites as
well as my new Twitter account (joedesposito). I also
asked for the option to connect my PC to the Treo so I
could surf the Web and avoid the cost of connectivity
at some of the hotels I stay at.
I wasn’t happy with this option at all, though. The
cable from the Treo to the PC uses a bulky connector
that’s sensitive to movement, and I found it difficult
to keep a solid connection to the Internet. In addition,
answering calls while trying to keep the connector
from disconnecting is a real pain. Eventually, I gave it
up and asked for a 3G aircard.
My wife had gotten one, and I was jealous. She
slipped it into the PC Card slot on her notebook, ran a
connection program, and was connected to the Internet—
no muss, no fuss. When my aircard arrived, I
was surprised to find that it wasn’t a PC Card at all,
but a USB stick. I was disappointed, since an aircard
fits so well into a notebook, while this particular
USB stick sticks out, forcing you to pull it out of the
port whenever you pack up your notebook.
I got over it. The USB stick works great—much
better than the Treo connector. I pop in the stick and
run the connection program, and I’m up and running
in seconds. If I get a call on the Treo, there’s no worrying
about connectors coming loose.
With a couple of 3G connections in the house,
I agreed to review a product called the MobilSpot
from Level One. It takes 3G
computing to the logical next level. If you’re on the
road with family or friends or in a house that lacks
a broadband connection, you can insert the 3G PC
card or USB stick and everyone in range can connect
to the Internet via a Wi-Fi connection.
To be clear, anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled notebook
can connect to this mobile hotspot, which then
connects to the Internet via the 3G card. It sounds
simple enough. Not for me, though. I couldn’t get
the device working. I even talked to a tech support
guy, but still couldn’t make it work.
Though it recognized the 3G device, I thought the
MobilSpot lacked a program to connect to the service,
like the notebook has. When I connect with the
notebook, I have to launch a program called VZAccess
Manager, which then dials a number to connect
to the Internet. My wife has the same type of program
with her Sprint card.
Whenever I review a product and can’t get to first
base with it, I usually assume it’s defective. Most of
the time, I’m right. I’ve given the MobilSpot my best
shot and will be sending it back to the company for
further inspection.
HD IS WIRELESS, TOO
A little over a year ago, I reviewed the Pinnacle
PCTV HD Pro Stick. It picks
up broadcast HD signals so you can watch highdefinition
television on your notebook. The hardware
consists of a USB stick that connects to a high-gain
telescopic antenna. The software player comes on a
CD. I set up the system in my former office on the
fifth floor of our building in Paramus, N.J.
I was skeptical that I would get good reception,
since the small antenna sat on my desk, about eight
feet from the window. I was 100% wrong. The reception
was terrific. I was able to view popular network
channels and many other broadcast HD channels.
The software was excellent as well, enabling you to
record programs and take snapshots. The program’s
scanner also picks up radio stations, a nice extra.
When we closed our Paramus office and moved to
New York, I brought the PCTV HD home with me. At
first, I couldn’t locate any HD stations from the first
floor of my house, with the antenna on my desk about
10 feet from the window. But I connected to 18 channels
from the second floor, with the antenna placed by
the window. The device receives ATSC signals, so
you can’t use it in a moving car, for example. But you
might take your notebook to a picnic and watch a
ballgame while cooking the hot dogs.