Tim,
Thanks for the links you provide for my questions regarding info about various wireless access providers.
However I would like to add comments to your comparison in this message regarding Minstrel Plus Palm and Palm VII with BellSouth.
>>> Minstrel Plus/Palm III Palm VII
-------------------------- -----------
form factor: wireless cradle + Palm III integrated, wireless Palm device
availablility: NOW available "sometime later in 1999"
price: as low as $99 + Palm III "less than $800"
unlimited data: as low as $49.95/mo no unlimited data plans
speed: 19.2 kbps raw 8 kbps raw
network: Wireless IP (aka "CDPD") Mobitex
type of network: open standard private network
coverage: 60% US 85% US
providers: AT&T, BAM, Bell South Mobility
GTE Wireless GoAmerica
Vanguard, Alltel,
Cellular One, GoAmerica
internet access: static IP address, full native proprietary protocols;
TCP/IP access to Internet no direct IP access; access to
specific content providers
with streamlined content
s/w development: uses native Palm TCP/IP requires custom API integration
The key difference is that Minstrel & Minstrel Plus add wireless capability for
the installed PalmPilot & Palm III user base. If you aren't keen on having to
upgrade your Palm device to a newer, more expensive version, Minstrel and
Minstrel Plus are the still the best ways to gain wireless capability. Stay tuned
for updates on new products we will be launching in 1999!
<<<
Your point on coverage is wrong:
As per BellSouth's Wireless data page
1) They claim that they provide coverage to 93% of Urban Population. Not 85% as you mentioned. This is very critical.
2) Regarding speed CDPD raw 19.2Kb currently and RAM net 8.0Kb.
According to your link at WDU, they claim that "Tomorrow" ( I don't
know when this will be), the speed will be
28.8Kb -- CPDP
9.2/28.8Kb -- RAM.
So speed difference may not be a big issue "Tomorrow".
You should visit BellSouth's wirelss data home page
bellsouthwd.com
to get lot of cool feature about
their "Intelligent Wireless Network" on special links to Palm VII
organizer.
Here is a snap shot of what is there
"The underlying two-way wireless data network for the Palm VII organizer is
provided by BellSouth Wireless Data. The BellSouth Intelligent Wireless
NetworkSM covers 93% of the nation's urban business population, ensuring a
geographically broad range of service coverage across the U.S. The Intelligent
Wireless Network also provides the Palm VII organizer with a breakthrough
feature called Wireless Subscription Management, which allows users to
activate and deactivate their organizer, select service options and get help
services right out of the box. The Palm VII organizer is the first product ever to
employ this technological innovation from BellSouth Wireless Data.
Additional information on the BellSouth Wireless Data / Palm Computing
relationship
New Palm VII™ Connected Organizer Features Power of Nationwide
BellSouth Intelligent Wireless Network
BellSouth Wireless Data Introduces Technology Innovation Allowing
Service Activation From Device
Palm Computing's Web Site "
Hope this clears some of your points.
Final sentence in your message says you are part of Minstrel Plus and
going to launch new product in 1999. Is this new aliance a direct competition to your company and hence kind of -ve slant on Palm VII's
future?
(Just a clarification).
-Nat |
