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Palm/Cell
Phone Communications
(Part 4 - Wireless Palm Internet Access) |
If you don't have Javascript enabled,
there are HTML links at the very bottom of every page.
This page shows you how to
access the Internet with your Palm device and a cell phone
and browse the web, use chat and ICQ, set up for e-mails and newsgroups, etc.
Note 1: You MUST
have visited this page and configured your Palm and
Cell Phone before you follow the instructions on this page - otherwise the steps mentioned
here may not work!
Note 2: Remember, before
you do any of this, make sure you have arranged with your service provider for *data* transfer on your cell phone account (some
carriers just activate voice transfer)
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wu wu wu Doctor Salami dot
com presents...
A. 'How To Configure Your Palm Device
For
Infra Red Internet Connection In 10 Easy Steps!'
This is very, very, very easy.
So...take a deep breath and let's go through it together.
Find out about where Palm
Inc. is going with web connectivity in the future at About.com
Are you new to the Net?
Internet 101 is a FREE six-week course
especially designed for beginning Internet users. Net 101 steers you through a series of
interactive articles to give you the tools you need to master the Internet.
Please consider posting any questions you may
have to my new Wireless
Palm On-Line Forum. I answer lots of questions and this way, others will be able
to check for answers.
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1
Tap on the 'Preferences'
icon of your Palm and select 'Connection' from the drop-down
menu in the top right-hand corner of the screen. No screenshots here, but that's OK:
you'll be fine.
I promise.
2
You will (probably) see four
different connection options (Palm V Modem, Workpad C3 Modem, Direct Serial and IR to a
PC/Handheld) . You do not use the last one (Direct Serial and IR to
a PC/Handheld); instead you need to create a 'new' connection (the 'new'
button is on the lower left-hand corner of the 'Connections' screen). When you tap
'new', another screen will pop up.
3
Give your new connection a name
(something like 'cell phone'). Choose 'IrCOMM to Modem' as the Connection Method,
choose 'Touch Tone' for Dialing, and choose 'Low' for Volume (I don't think this last
setting actually matters).
4
While still on that screen, tap
'Details' (the button on the right at the bottom) and check to make sure your Connection
Speed is at 38,400, that Flow Ctl is set to 'Automatic' and that Init String is 'ATZ'.
This should be there by default: if not, just change them like I said.
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You are half-way there!
   
You've got the whole world in your
hands! Sing it with me!
For Palm/Mobile phone
communications, anything from 10-20 cms apart is fine for infra red data transfer (and up
to 60 cms works)
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Wireless Palm Internet
Access - Quick Reference Guide
Operating System:
Palm OS 3.3 or greater
Upgrades:
Enhanced IR drivers for Palm OS version 3.3
Modem:
Standard/Custom
Speed:
57600 Bit/S
Volume:
Low
Flow Control:
Standard
Init String:
Default
Service:
Your Service
User Name:
Your User Name
Password:
Your Password
Connection Type:
PPP
Idle timeout:
Power Off
Query DNS:
Checked
IP-Adress:
Automatic
Serial/IR:
Serial via Infrared Connection
(cable or IR)?
Name:
Up to You
Conn. Method:
IrComm to Modem
Dialing:
TouchTone
Connection:
Whatever you called the connection when you entered it. |
5
Now tap on the 'Preferences'
icon of your Palm and select 'Network' from the drop-down menu in the top
right-hand corner of the screen.
6
Where it says 'service', enter
the name of your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Where it says 'username', enter
your ISP username (usually the first part of the e-mail address your ISP gives you.
Where it says 'password', enter your ISP password (this is the password you use when you
log onto the Internet - the one you put in 'Dial-up Networking' in Windows, for example).
Where is says 'Phone' put in the dial-up number of your ISP (the same number your
PC calls via its modem).
7
Now here is the cool
bit. Where it says 'Connection', the name of the connection you just set
up will be available on the drop-down list. Select that connection (the connection
you just set up for you mobile phone in steps 1 to 4).
8
Tap 'details' (lower left-corner
of the screen) and it should say: Connection Type as 'PPP', Idle Timeout as 'Power Off',
and Query DNS and IP Address Automatic should be ticked.
You are finished setting
up! Now lets log on!
9
Depending on your phone type,
you may or may not have to activate infra red. Once it is activated, place the phone
flat on you bed (well, you're doing this late at night in bed like a true geek, aren't
you?) and line up the infra red port on your mobile phone with the infra red port on
your Palm.
Get some tissues ready because you'll be overcome with emotion shortly. :-)
10
Tap on the 'Preferences' icon of
your Palm (you know where it is by now) and select 'Network' (the same screen as in step
1) and tap 'Connect'. HOLD YOUR BREATH! Your
trusty Palm should show little half-screens telling you it is attempting to dial in and,
once connected, the 'Connect' button will change to 'Disconnect'.
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WOW! You're connected
to the web on your Palm with
a connection to a mobile phone via Infra Red!
You have reached a true
pinnacle of Palm Geekdom!
Send me an e-mail to tell me how happy
you are!
There is a
'Troubleshooting' FAQ below - scroll down.
Update!
I found the following .pdf file at the Nokia site, which explains how to check
e-mail
on a Palm through an infra red connection with a Nokia 8210 and 8850.
Go through the disclaimer first, the link is:
http://www.forum.nokia.com/files/disclaimer/1,6670,550,00.html
47k .pdf file
The same is also available for
the Nokia 71xx series:
http://www.forum.nokia.com/files/disclaimer/1,6670,549,00.html
Notes for Palm IIIe and Visor owners
(sent in by the very cool DS - only read this if you own a Visor or Palm
IIIe)
A problem you may encounter if
you're using a Palm IIIe or Visor is that a network may not acknowledge a connection if
the server answers without letting it ring, or if it answers on the first ring - the Palm
just sits there saying "Connecting" when it actually has already.
I had a Palm IIIe and now have a Handspring Visor Deluxe and they are both on PalmOS 3.1 and don't have the
option for a direct serial connection to run a script over (a tip on your site
from the guy in the US with a similar problem prompted me to try his solution of setting
up a direct serial connecting, then run a script to dial and log in).
As it turns out dialing 00
initiates a direct serial connection in PalmOS 3.1 and now it works a treat through my
Nokia 8210. So here's what I did:
* Set up a new service in the network preferences
* Add username & password and set the phone number to 00
* Tap Details and set any appropriate DNS and IP settings
* Tap script and add the following:
Send ATDT<phone number>
Send CR
Delay 8 (make this long enough for the server to answer & stop squealing - i.e.
connection established)
End
That's it!
Also, just a tip for Handspring
users - I had to purchase IR Link to get the IR to work properly - US$20 but well worth it [note
from Doctor Salami: I talk about this in the 'What You
Need' section].
If you want to read more, here
is the Deja.com search link for 'Palm IIIe Nokia', where over 100 people talk about this
issue (including me!).
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Troubleshooting
Q: I can't dial into my Internet provider - Error : modem not found (0x1106)
A: This most likely means you have not had your cell phone service provider set up *data*
transfer for you. I tell you about this on this page.
Also see a post on this topic headed 'Error : modem not found (0x1106)' in my Palm Message Boards
Q: Do I really need to update to OS 3.3 to connect to the web?
A: Well, no (see the notes for Visor and Palm IIIe owner above), but OS 3.3 and above is
heaps better becuase the infra red functions a cooler and easier. Trust me on this,
the update is free so go for it. I show you how here.
Also see if people have contributed the the 'Palm IIIe and Visor Owners - New
Information' post on my Palm Message Boards.
Q: My Palm and cell phone will not connect via infra red and they are less then
80cm (2.5 feet) apart.
A: Could be a few things. Check to see that 'Connection Preference' is 'IRComm' and
not 'Serial' in your Palm Config app. (see above 10 step guide). Then make sure
you've activated your cell phone for IR reception. With a Nokia, this means the
little IR symbol is flashing in the top left of the screen. Check that IR is active
in your mobile (small icon on your screen) - see part 2 of a post on this topic headed
'Error : modem not found (0x1106)' in my Palm Message Boards.
Remember that the IR port of your cell phone is *not* always at the top of the device -
the Nokia 82xx and 88xx series is on the left-hand side - make sure everything is pointing
correctly.
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Still stuck? Check out the
questions and
answers in my Wireless
Palm On-Line Forum. I
Return
to 'Wireless Palm Internet Access' (top of screen)
 
B. Palm Web Applications
Now you can use
applications such as: Handweb (Web Browser - but Handweb is - I think - going out of
business), Handmail (Email Client - same with Handmail), Multimail (Email Client), ICQ,
Avantgo (Web Browser / offline browser - you must get this!), PalmIRC (Internet Relay
Chat), and Yanoff (News Reader).
These work and all are pretty
easy bar Yanoff to set up. Look for them all at PalmGear or CNET Download.com
The ICQ Palm
application is actually pretty good. Does what you expect ICQ to do. Runs in
the background whilst you check you mail using Multi Mail Pro (now acquired by
Palm). Sucks a bit becuase you have to set up your buddy list again (including
getting permission from those that require it). And, as you'll se below, the PC/ICQ
integration converts nicely when browsing the web.
As for an e-mail client...I commend to you MultiMail Pro but
YMMV...to me it is the rapture, the Budda, the one and the all. I like it and think
you may too. Leave e-mail on your server...download message headers or headers
only...so configuarable and able to be moulded to your own preferences you'll think its
made of modelling clay.
You can also get the FREE Eudora
Internet Suite (or users with or without wireless connectivity on their Palm
device) which includes three applications: the Eudora for the Palm email client, the
EudoraWeb Browser, and the Eudora Mail Conduit. EudoraWeb is a Web
browser, the Eudora Mail Conduit lets you HotSync email between your Palm and
Windows desktop email clients (and also works with the Windows desktop version of Eudora
4.3.2 or higher but you have to pay for that). Handles HTML mail, lets you can send
and receive e-mail from your Palm and supports POP3 and SMTP or HotSync for sending
and receiving email.
NewsReaders:
PalmReader and Yanoff, AFAIK are the two preferred choices here. Others may know
more. Search the Palm fourms on deja.com using the keyword 'newsreader' and
you'll find 300-odd archived messages dealing with this issue.
Palm IRC (Internet Relay
Chat on your Palm): Totally doable, but you must pay for it. US$10.00
shareware. Here.
 
What does the Good
Doctor Salami commend to you?
* Best web browser is AvantGo v3.3.
Yes, this updates your channels each sync (I commend the Sydney Morning Herald channel to you) but also will browse 'on the
fly' with your Nokia connection. It is FREE and truly a 'killer app.' of the Palm Platform
(up there with DateBk3-4)
* Best Mail client is MultiMail Pro (either option). But this costs money. Try the 30-day
trial, or try the (I think) still free Eudora
Internet Suite for Palm (Browser and e-mail client).
* MultiMail rules becuase you can usethe 'Documents to Go' plug-in (which I talk about on
this page here) which means if you have
Docs to Go you can read Word and Excel attachments in your Palm. But get the Eudora
Internet Suite if you want okay stuuff for free.
This link takes you to a page showing you how to
configure Palm Internet Applications (new window) |
Return
to 'Wireless Palm Internet Access' (top of screen)
C. Short Palm Web Browser Reviews
As for a web browser, I
recommend you use AvantGo in online mode: Handweb seems just a little clumsy even though
it has some excellent functionality...the clincher is that AvantGo is free.
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AvantGo
Loads pages as they appear.
You'll have to scroll left and right
as well as up and down to view a web page.
Handles images quickly and well.
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Handweb
Loads pages set to the width
of the Palm screen
(you'll only have to scoll up and down).
Handles images slowly and poorly. |
More
(Short) Comments on Palm Web Browsers
AvantGo: Good
if you have more than 2 Meg of RAM in your Palm. Easy access to hundreds (well, just
under 1000) of pre-formatted channels. Clean. Simple. Good if you don't want to
spend time setting your Palm browser up. Can view standard and 'optimised' web
pages. Accesses the web every time you Hotsync, but you can set your preferred
option as something otherwise in the Hotsync Manager - so no biggy. FREE.
The latest version of AvantGo (version 3.3) has improved support for online
browsing, and improved image rendering. If you have a color palm, you get...color,
if you have one of the newer Palms with an EZ processor (anything newer than a Palm III)
and Palm OS 3.3 or 3.5, images are rendered in 16 shades of grey (up from 4 shades
of grey). Colour/16 shade greyscale plus the upgrades in image dithering in this
version are quite cool. Also now supports SSL.
Pendragon: If you want to schedule channels to download at various
times (I can't imagine why), still have more than 2 Meg and want to view standard and
Palm-formatted web pages, then this is good too. FREE (for non-commercial use).
iSiloWeb: Good if you're short of RAM (saves web pages in a 'compressed'
format - really squishes them in). Gotta enter channels in manually. Can view
standard (and optimized) web pages. Feature rich. NOT free (about US$12.50 a seat).
Excellent stuff...remember, you
need an IRdA cell phone, OS 3.3 (or later) with the Palm IR Update
installed and a data service enabled with you cell phone service provider.
Note that, over an IRdA
connection, you'll be running at 9600bps..which on a Palm is not as bad as it sounds.
Truly...its okay.
A cool page is http://mobile.msn.com/pocketpc/home.asp
which is, quite obviously, the Microsoft Network's Palm optimised
page. Screw it that it says 'pocketpc': it works just as well on your Palm device.
Cool, huh? |
Check CNet for the most
popular Palm downloads.
Return
to 'Wireless Palm Internet Access' (top of screen)
D. An example of Palm Web Browsing
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This ICQ pager message was sent
from my Palm Vx via an infra red connection to a Nokia 8210 (used as a modem) from AvantGo
(web browser). The page I was
browsing on the Palm Vx was this very web page and I used the ICQ Pager
box the appears at the very bottom of this page to send the message.
Wacko!
I don't know how productive this is, but it
shows that it can be done. :-)
By the way, on AvantGo, the wu wu wu Doctor Salami dot com home page loads in at 33k (including
all graphics) |
Return
to 'Wireless Palm Internet Access' (top of screen)
E. An Alternative...
If your cell phone does not
have a built-in modem or infra-red, you can get Palm III series and Palm V series modems.
They sell GSM ADAPTER KITS at the 3Com Palm site. These adapters are very
inexpensive, and they have a variety of these for different phones (e.g. Nokia and
Ericsson). The adapter comes with the software to configure the modem. They connect
at 33kbs and the software is also excellent. By typing 'GSM' into the Search box on
the Palm site, I found a link to this page (entitled "GSM Upgrade Kit
for Palm VT Modem FAQ") at the very top. This page was the third
search result hit called "Palm GSM
Upgrade Kit" and has little photos of the Nokia and Ericsson GSM Kits (which
you'll see are just a cable to connect your Palm and Nokia). Part of the FAQ reads:
"How can I buy a GSM Upgrade Kit?
The GSM Upgrade Kit is available exclusively from the Palm Computing Online Store (http://palmorder.modusmedia.com/). The Modem
Utility application included with the kit works only with specific models of GSM phones.
Be sure to order the GSM Upgrade Kit that is compatible with your specific GSM
phone."
And away you go! Hows that for service?
Doctor Salami highly commends
these to you as an alternative if you want
to send/receive faxes, e-mail, or connect to the web (and do everything listed on
the pages above) from your Palm.
If you have a Nokia
3110, Nokia 51xx, Nokia 61xx, Ericsson 6xx/7xx/8xx you need a modem.
A. Palm Modems Connected to
Your Palm and Cell Phone
Doctor Salami highly commends these to you as an alternative
if you need to send/receive faxes, e-mail, or connect to the web from your Palm.
Just snap these to your Palm
organizer at home or while traveling, and you can access your desktop PC in less than a
minute. Speedy 33.6 Kbps modem connection allows for easy data exchange of e-mail,
address, and date book. The modem is compatible with any standard phone line; Remember,
you can also make the connection via your analog or GSM wireless phone. Palm
V + Modem still fits in a shirt pocket!
B. Americans can use the
Minstral III Palm Modem + GoAmerica Plan
(and not use a Cell Phone at all)
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The Minstrel is a lightweight
modem that cradles the bottom of your PalmPilot or Palm III. The Minstrel enables
wireless e-mail and Internet capabilities to access things like a corporate database, web
site or the ability to retrieve your e-mail while on the road. Each Minstrel has it's own
IP address that provides a session-less connection to the Internet. No more plugging in,
dialing up, or hassling with ISP phone numbers while on the road. The Minstrel uses the
GoAmerica wireless data network and offers a variety of price plans that will fit your
needs-whether you're a single mobile user or outfitting your entire sales force. Price
plans range from $14.95 per month to $59.95 per month for unlimited access and there are
never any roaming fees. Get it at EverythingWireless.com |
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Return
to 'Wireless Palm Internet Access' (top of screen)
F. The Palm VII Applications
(Using your Palm just like a Palm VII)
A PQA is a Palm Query
Application, designed for the
Palm VII/VIIx. It is essentially a stripped down HTML form
which can go out on the web and retrieve information.
PQA's can be used to check your mail, stock prices,
the movies playing in your area, the nearest ATM
(see example below), and heaps of other groovy stuff.
Get them at CNET Download.com
They are natively supported by the Palm VII/x, but can be used in
any PalmOS device if you have the proper libraries cribbed from a
wireless device. They can be used over landline or wireless modems,
but the PQAs which rely on your position (like the ATM locator),
don't work on these devices as only the Palm VII/x is locatable.
Learn more on PQA's at About.com's Palm section.
A Palm VII
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The Palm VII Web Clipping applications
(PQA's) are
'officially' supported only on the Palm VII/VIIx and Omnisky services.
But you're the kind of person who doesn't care what 'The Man' says about
'Officially'. :-)
Truth is that other Palm models can be made to support the Palm VII web-clipping
applications by upgrading the Palm to OS 3.3 or higher and loading certain Palm VII
libraries and having a data-enabled cell phone!
While on the Palm VII, a most excellent
visitor also tells me that he "connected my cell phone with a cable through palm
VII cradle port and configured palm VII to dial my ISP. Then using AU system browser I
could connect to any WAP site." So
there you go: WAP on a Palm VII.
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Your Palm + Cell Phone
+ Palm VII applications = A Palm VII |
So, in concept, your Palm
IIIx/V/Vx and IIIc can be a Palm VII!
You require the following Palm applications/files:
Clipper 3.2
iNetLib 3.2
Weblibrary 3.2
Security Library 3.2.
WMessaging 3.2 - Optional
Wireless 3.2 - Optional
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An example of web-clipping:
ATM Locator. Search for more @ Download.com
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If you don't have a Palm VII, these are
very naughty to have...I'm just discussing the concept! So...you need a
mate with a Palm VII and an application like Beambox to zap them over to your Palm unit.
I don't have them! So don't request them from me! :-)
Then just log in to the Internet using your Cell
Phone and away you go. You now have a Palm VII.
As I said, this is just a 'thought-experiment'.
I know none of you would actually do this illegal thing. :-)
Here is a list of Palm Computing's preferred
web-clipping applications.
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Return
to 'Wireless Palm Internet Access' (top of screen)
That's it!
Unless you also want to
set up WAP on your Palm!
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A Wireless World Awaits
You...
YOU ARE HERE
WHERE THE WAP LINK (LEFT) WILL TAKE YOU
This is the MAIN INDEX to this series of
Pages
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Have a look at more excellent
Palm pages at
wu wu wu Doctor
Salami dot com
They're mmm mmm good!
...a compilation of Frequently
Asked Questions
Free, free, free. Good, good, good. Load up your Palm!
NEW! Very short and to the point
Sync your Palm with your PC from
1000 kilometers away!
NEW! Doctor
Salami's Palm store
in association with Amazon.com
Doctor Salami's Main Palm
Index Page
- Your Gateway to all things Palmmy
Takes you to the Home Page
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If you're using a Desktop PC
with no Infrared port...try something like this:
Belkin F5F500 Serial Infrared Adapter - IrDA
speed up to 115.2 Kbps
How To HotSync Your Palm via InfraRed is discussed on this page here
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These Palm Units are capable of Infra Red Beaming...
Click on the Palm of your
choice (including the NEW Palm IIIc)
to read customer reviews or purchase your shiny new Palm device
at Amazon.com (which offer Palms discounted below the retail price).
Tell others about
Doctor Salami's Palm Pages
![[Tracked by Hitmatic]](http://www.hitmatic.com/h4/h4.cgi?user=10407&page=Browse)
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Going to Australia for the
2000 Olympic Games?
Get
Lonely Planet CitySync (Sydney)
the home town of Doctor Salami!
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