CDMA is a spread-spectrum technology, which means that it spreads a signal's information over a greater bandwidth than the original signal. CDMA provides speeds of about 14.4Kbps. CDMA service is available through nationwide wireless data network carriers, such as Sprint PCS and Verizon Wireless.
You might also have a third option: 2.5G wireless technology. Several metropolitan areas have rolled out 2.5G, which utilizes existing wireless service provider equipment infrastructure and provides always-on high-speed wireless access of up to 144Kbps. Sierra Wireless and Novatel Wireless already have hardware that will support 2.5G networks.
When selecting the WWAN connectivity option, you must determine which wireless peripheral and connectivity configuration is right for you. The following information can guide you through some of the most popular solutions:
Cellular phones with cable. You can use any compatible digital phone, digital phone card, and cable to connect your Pocket PC to the Internet, as long as your mobile phone service supports this configuration. For example, I once configured a Samsung Electronics SCH-8500 cellular phone with an iPAQ, which didn't exactly feel like a truly wireless solution, considering the dangling cable attached to the cellular phone and Pocket PC. However, this solution was the least expensive of the wireless peripheral options and was the most battery-friendly.
Socket Communications is a leading supplier of phone cables, which it calls Digital Phone Cards (DPCs). Socket's DPCs support more than 85 popular handsets by manufacturers such as Ericcson, Nokia, Samsung, Audiovox, and Motorola.
WWAN PC Cards. Pocket PCs that support PC Cards can use WWAN PC Cards for connectivity. Pocket PCs that support such cards include UR There's @migo Pocket PC, which has a built-in PC Card slot, and the iPAQ H3800 and iPAQ H3700 series through their PC Card expansion packs. Following in Compaq's footsteps, HP, NEC Solutions, and Casio will soon be coming out with expansion packs that will provide PC Card compatibility.
Web Table 1 describes several available WWAN PC Cards and their features. (For information about how to view this table, see "More on the Web.") Sierra Wireless's AirCard 510 is by far my favorite wireless peripheral. The antenna slides out of the card and snaps up to provide cellular connectivity through the Sprint PCS network for Internet and email access.
WWAN CF cards. Most Pocket PCs have CF card slots. The only WWAN CF cards available on the market today are Enfora's Pocket Spider and Pocket Spider IIc. The card has a thick antenna that sticks out 3.75" from the top of the Pocket PC and includes a built-in 3.5-ounce battery that won't drain your Pocket PC's battery. Unique to the WWAN PC Cards and CF cards I reviewed, the Pocket Spider has a convenient built-in LCD panel that displays connection status and strength.
Not all Pocket PCs support both WWAN PC Cards and CF cards. Web Table 2 displays several popular Pocket PCs' compatibility with WWAN PC Cards and CF cards.
WLAN Connectivity Options
WLAN technology provides high-speed (up to 11Mbps) access to data, email, and the Internet. However, the coverage area is extremely limited. With WLAN connectivity, a Pocket PC can communicate over distances of up to only 1500 feet, with 500 to 1000 feet being more common.
WLANs use Access Points (APs) that are distributed throughout a coverage area such as a building. These APs connect to a local wired network. As long as a wireless card has been certified as IEEE 802.11b (aka Wi-Fi 802.11b) approved, it can interoperate with any of the 802.11b products.
You have several card options for WLAN connectivity with your Pocket PC. You can use a PC Card, CF Type I, or CF Type II format. Because of the WLAN's limited coverage area, consumers typically don't go with this connectivity option. Thus, I won't go into detail about the WLAN PC Cards and CF cards that you see in Web Table 2.
Configuring the Cards
After you've selected your Pocket PC and the WWAN PC Card or CF card, you'll need to set up that card. For information about card setups, see the Web-exclusive sidebar "Configuring PC Cards and CompactFlash Cards," http://www.winnetmag.com, InstantDoc ID 25210.
A Plethora of Options
You've just explored only a few of the many wireless PDA options available today. Although you can never keep up with ever-evolving wireless technology, you can always use your unplugged PDA to surf for your next gadget purchase.
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