In an attempt to dispel some of the doom and gloom around these parts I would like to offer my glowing review of AT&T PocketNet services. Further I would speculate that perhaps this is why Sprint is losing wireless customers. Here goes:
I purchased one of the Ericsson R280LX phones a couple of months ago and IMHO this is what universal connectivity is all about. Having used the phone in several left coast cities I can say the speed and more importantly the range of services offered for free is AWESOME. First of all, the Yellow and White pages alone would be worth the price of admission. The "killer app" on this thing is the ability to get driving directions from MapQuest. Using endpoints consisting of address, zipcode, or by selecting business name you receive excellent directions between two points. OBTW an excellent addition to this service would be offering the option of providing return directions after receiving the first set. Since the way back is often different including this feature would be "no-brainer."
Okay you say, what else is available? Stock quotes including a way to set up a portfolio, ATM finder, business brand finder, news, sports, weather, etc. This is really a must have for any business traveler or anyone who appreciates making their life more manageable. I can't believe that AT&T isn't crowing from every rooftop about this service. Hey, if you are so inclined you can even send and receive email or have your email routed to the phone. If you don't have one of these phones, run don't walk to your nearest AT&T store and buy one, NOW.
david |
