|
|
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
From: James Maynard (no email)
Date: Fri Feb 16 2007 - 12:10:04 EST
In an earlier post, I spoke favourably of (a) the Verizon service for
cellular data connectivity and (b) the ISP-independent e-mail service
from "usa.net" (also known ass "netaddress.com"). I would like to expand
on that a bit.
De Clarke wrote:
> My wish
> list includes:
>
> compatible with Mac OSX powerbook
I do not know whether the Verizon data-phone PC card can be used with a
Macintosh powerbook. Probably it can, but I would have to check with
Verizon to be sure.
> avoid WinDoze if possible
Since I use MS Windows 2000 at work, it's convenient for me to also use
Windows at home. Presntly I use Windows XP Professional in my Panasonic
Toughbook 73 laptop. I am hoping to upgrade to a later model, as soon as
Panasonic supports Windows Vista. (The Panssonic Web site says that they
"recommend Winoows Vista Business," but does not presently offer any
machines with Vista pre-installed.)
I am trying out Windows Vista presently on desktop machine at home, and
will, as soon as the drivers arrive, try it also on a Sony brand laptop.
For the moment, my main machine remains my Panasonic CF-73 laptop.
Vista impresses me for its improved security features. I think that
Microsoft has finally begun to understand security! But I will continue
to watch for news about any Vista security breaches.
> operate either side of the US/Canada border w/o huge
> roaming fees
I don't know about that.
> device can function as wireless modem for laptop
That's my configuration. A Verison PC card cellular data modem plugged
into my laptop. You can also order some of the new Panasonic Toughbooks
with a Verizon (or Sprint) cellular modem built in.
> long battery life
That's on everyone's list for laptops. They are getting better. However,
it's still best to plug your power brick into a mains supply when possible.
> no stupid extra features like built in digicam, just
> voice, web browser, and email
I'm sure you can find a laptop without a stupid built-in digicam. The
Sony laptop I bought to try out Vista did come with one, but I have
never used it. (It also came with a built-in cell-phone modem for a
different cellular provider than Verizon. But I like the Verizon
service, and have not activated the other account.)
> IMAP not POP
One's "usa.net" or "netaddress.com" account can be set up for IMAP
service. I haven't done so, but they provide instructions on how to do
it, and they have good telephone support.
> ssh client highly desirable
I haven't yet used VPN or SSH, but I'm pretty sure the necessary
software comes with almost any laptop you buy.
> fits in pocket
Sorry, I don't know about that. I prefer a laptop, with a human-sized
keyboard and big display.
> can run off 12v
You can buy power adapters for car (and airplane) use that convert 12 V
dc to whatever your laptop wants at its power input. Not very may
laptops run off 12 V directly.
>
> is there any hope?
>
Sure. Keep researching. You probably won't find a single device that has
all the features on your wish list, but you can decide which features
are more important for you, and which you can live without.
> so far I am still trying to make sense of GSM vs CDMA and
> how EVDO interacts with either;
I had a GSM account with T-Moble for awhile, but dropped in favour of
the Verizon CDMA-based service, because Verizon has built out its
high-speed network in the USA, and T-Mobile had not. In Europe, you
would want a GSM service - or the newer, higher speed data service, for
which I forget the acronym.
> I have heard that Verizon
> is evil and disables Bluetooth functionality when they
> configure a Treo;
I don't know about that. Certainly you can laptops that have more than
one type of wireless device installed. My new Sony laptop, on which I
hope to install Windows Vista, comes with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi a/b/g, and
Cingular data modems pre-installed, and has a separate on-off switch for
those three wireless modems (so it's easy to tell when you've turned
them off) and separate indicator lights to show when each of the
wireless modems is in use.
>
> ............................................................................
> :De Clarke, Software Engineer UCO/Lick Observatory, UCSC:
> :Mail: | Your planet's immune system is trying to get rid :
> :Web: www.ucolick.org | of you. --Kurt Vonnegut :
> :1024D/B9C9E76E | F892 5F17 8E0A F095 05CD EE8B D169 EDAA B9C9 E76E:
>
-- James Maynard Salem, Oregon, USA ___________________________________________________________________________ || The Live-Aboard List : send a "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" request || || in body of message to: ||
|