Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & Tips
Internet Access Gadget: Making Dial-Up Wireless
There's no reason a dial-up devotee can't have a wireless network, too. That's the idea behind Always On Wireless's WiFlyer, a portable router that turns a dial-up (or broadband) connection into a wireless one, according to the company. The gadget also provides a long list of access numbers to make dial-up connections easier. PC World recommended it in its 2004 holiday guide.
The WiFlyer is $140 at Amazon.com.
Wireless News: Concern About In-Flight Cell Phone Use
Three U.S. government agencies have raised safety concerns about the use of cell phones in-flight. The agencies, including the Department of Justice, worry that wireless handset use on flights could allow terrorists to more easily coordinate efforts with colleagues on the ground. Plus, terrorists could use wireless phones to remotely set off bombs on airplanes.
The Department of Justice has not asked the Federal Communications Commission to block use of cell phones in-flight, however. Instead, it recommended safety mechanisms to boost security, including wiretaps.
Wireless News: VoIP at Boingo Hotspots
Speaking of phone chatter in public places: Now you can use your Skype Voice over IP service at Boingo Wireless hotspots.
In a joint agreement between the two companies, Skype Internet telephony customers can use their wireless Windows notebooks (with headsets) to make and receive phone calls using a Boingo wireless network as their Internet connection. The $8 monthly service, Skype Zones, is currently in beta.
Wireless Review: Field-Testing a Wi-Fi Phone
PC World VoIP expert Aoife McEvoy recently put Net2Phone's VoiceLine XJ100 Wi-Fi Handset ($175) to the test. Her goal: To find out if using a Wi-Fi phone is cool--or convoluted. Her verdict: The phone isn't likely to be useful for frequent travelers, especially those who make lots of international calls on the road.
Notebook Review: Acer TravelMate 8100 Top Desktop Replacement
Acer's TravelMate 8100 is an improvement over its predecessor, the TravelMate 8000 (though battery life is shorter) and was recently the number-one desktop replacement in our Top 15 Notebooks chart. The new notebook is sleek, powerful, nicely equipped, and goes for a good price ($2299). One noteworthy feature: The ergonomic keyboard curves 5 degrees up on the ends, so you'll position your elbows in a way that helps prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. However, PC World reviewer Carla Thornton says the keyboard is "an acquired taste."
PDA News: PalmOne Is Palm Again
Ah, the good old days, when PalmOne used to be known simply as Palm. What, you say, these are the good old days? PalmOne has reverted to its original name, Palm. Terrific; I'll make a note of it on my Palm Pilot. Whoops, I mean "Palm PDA."
Suggestion Box
Is there a particularly cool mobile computing product or service I've missed? Got a spare story idea in your back pocket? Tell me about it. However, I regret that I'm unable to respond to tech-support questions, due to the volume of e-mail I receive.
Sign up to have the Mobile Computing Newsletter e-mailed to you each week.
Ad Choices