This is where I think the Digital
Link shines. I've read with envy about those who
have the Minstrel wireless modem. Well, now I'm connected, too.
Using a Qualcomm technology called QNC (Quick Net Connect), the Digital Link can
establish a data connection with the Sprint PCS network (using
the Sprint PCS as the ISP) in as little as 10 seconds. Dialing
into a regular ISP uses the standard circuit connect
technology which can take upwards of a minute to connect. While
this isn't instant-on, it sure is close.
Data connection speeds of up to 14.4 kbps on a CDMA network
are nothing compared to 56k dial-up or broadband connections on
your desktop, but are slightly faster than the 9.6 kbps of CPDP.
For surfing with a handheld, they suffice. And since the Digital Link is software
upgradeable to the upcoming 3G technology (due sometime in 2002),
speeds will jump to as high as 153 kbps! Try that with your
Minstrel or desktop dial-up!
Data Applications
The Digital Link
does not come with any web or email apps loaded on the module,
nor is the memory accessible to do so. The accompanying CD-ROM
contains a copy of the Blazer v1.1 browser. Sprint PCS customers
can log into their online account manager and download a free
upgrade to Blazer 2.0. No email app is provided, though there are
links to Eudora, MultiMail, and One-Touch on the CD. Without any
user-accessible RAM on the SB3000,
any data applications must be installed to the Visor's main
memory.
You can use virtually any TCP/IP application to surf the web
or send and receive email. I succesfully used Blazer 2.0, Eudora
Web, and AvantGo
as web browsers, and Eudora
Mail, One-Touch, MultiMail, and iambic Mail for, you guessed it, email. I
even tried JP Mobile's SureWave PQA Browser with better than average
results. Each application has strengths, weaknesses, and
idiosyncracies that are beyond the scope of this review. The one
thing I will point out is this: if your email provider requires
you to be connected via their SMTP server in order to send email,
you may have trouble using the QNC option. Many SMTP servers
prevent what is called "relaying"... the process of
sending email from another originating domain (ISP). In this
case, the Sprint PCS network, serving as the ISP, may cause your
SMTP server to not allow the sending of mail. The only email I
was able to succesfully send was via my personal Yahoo mail
account. Their SMTP servers will send mail as long as the POP
server is activated first. None of my other SMTP servers
permitted relaying.
The Data Preferences allow you to specify up
to three different applications that can be started by simply
pressing the Data Applications Button. This
provides a convenient way to use your data apps without having to
start them from the launcher. There's also a button on the Data
Preferences screen labeled Load Data
Configuration. Tap this and the Digital
Link will automatically setup the proper Network
and Modem/Connection settings for using the Sprint QNC connection
method.
The Digital Link
also includes an SMS Text Message application.
It allows you to receive up to 200 messages. If the message
contains a callback number, the SMS app will display a Dial
button so that you can quickly contact the sender by phone.
Unfortunately, the are no provisions for sending or replying
to SMS messages from the SB3000.
You can, however, use your favorite email app to send a text
message to any Sprint PCS customer by simply addressing it to @messaging.sprintpcs.com.
Conclusion >>
