neurotic

I have 2 completely unrelated questions about this thing. If you're experienced with this thing, read on for some good laughs.

One, I've never even used a palm or pda so I'm wondering exactly how you get online with this thing. I'm assuming the non-wireless way is to just connect your Axim to your desktop and use your existing connection, right? Using IE? Will that work with any ISP?

However, the wireless way would require the bluetooth card, right? But, what are you connecting to? I'm really missing something simple here I guess.

And two, how is the handwritting recognition on the Axim? I would like to use it to take notes in meetings. Thanks

jda5id

If you are already connected to a PC you can access the internet with the Axim (assuming your PC is connected of course). It won't matter what your ISP is.

As for wireless, be careful that you don't confuse Bluetooth and WiFi.

Bluetooth is for short-range, device-to-device communication (<10 feet). With a CF Bluetooth card your Axim could communicate over a short distance with another device that had a Bluetooth card. If that other device was connected to the Internet (perhaps it is a PC or a mobile phone) then your Axim would be able to access the Internet through that connection.

WiFi (also known as 802.11B) is an entirely different animal. With WiFi you have something called a wireless access point (or hotspot) that is connected to the Internet. These can be cheap $70 devices that you can install at home or more expensive devices that would cover a corporate headquarters, college campus, or Starbucks coffeeshop. These hotspots broadcast a network signal that anyone with a card (and the right security setup if the network is secure) can access. The range with WiFi depends on your surroundings, but it is far greater than Bluetooth (up to 100s of feet) With a CF WiFi card you would be able to tap into the Internet directly without any other computer being involved.

Personally, I don't really see the appeal for Bluetooth with the Axim. The only situation that makes sense to me is if you have a Bluetooth enabled cell phone and you can use it to dial up to an ISP. Then, you could have the Axim with a true wireless connection anywhere you can get the cell signal without having to buy any special cables or anything to connect to the phone. I haven't heard of any other compelling need for Bluetooth with a PPC. The main goal of Bluetooth (at least as I understand it) is to get rid of the rats nest of cables behind PCs and Television sets. Short-range, device-to-device communication.

Dell hasn't bothered to send my Axim yet (UGH!!!!) so I can't answer your handwriting question.

neurotic

Ahhh, it's as if the blinders have been removed. Thanks, that really clarified things. I agree with you on BlueTooth... not very useful if you don't mind all the wires behind your desk. I was associating BlueTooth with WiFi, but now I understand. WiFi sounds really cool.

:D