So how does wireless internet access work on a pda?

[tec699]

I'm a noob to wireless but I'd like to learn because I have a Dell Axim (400 mhz, 64mb). My questions are as followed:

1) Do you have to pay to go wireless? Can I just hook up bluetooth and start surfing?

2) If I wanted to hook up a wireless connection from my apartment will it reach my Axim if I'm 60 miles away from home?

3) I guess most colleges and cafes are hotbeds for wifi. Can I jsut tap into their wifi or would I have to pay to use there service?

4) And finally... is going wireless on a pocket pc worth the hassle? How is the reception and is the internet viewable on a pocket pc? For example, if I wanted to access Anandtech would the full page show up or just the text? I go through Avantgo.com and they just show the text for most sites.

Thanks for the help.

 

[tec699]

anyone?

 

[tec699]

noone?

 

[brunswickite]

If you have 802.11 on it, it should work similiar to a laptop. If you are in a public place i assume you can jump on to their network (if they dont have a WEP), if at home you can use your home wireless network.

edit: you cant go online with bluetooth, if it does not have 802.11 integrated you can buy an 802.11 CF card

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: tec699
I'm a noob to wireless but I'd like to learn because I have a Dell Axim (400 mhz, 64mb). My questions are as followed:

1) Do you have to pay to go wireless? Can I just hook up bluetooth and start surfing?

2) If I wanted to hook up a wireless connection from my apartment will it reach my Axim if I'm 60 miles away from home?

3) I guess most colleges and cafes are hotbeds for wifi. Can I jsut tap into their wifi or would I have to pay to use there service?

4) And finally... is going wireless on a pocket pc worth the hassle? How is the reception and is the internet viewable on a pocket pc? For example, if I wanted to access Anandtech would the full page show up or just the text? I go through Avantgo.com and they just show the text for most sites.

Thanks for the help.

1) You need some form of wireless connection. Broadband with a wireless router, school/company wireless network, cell phone, etc.

2) Absolutely not. You'd be damn lucky to get 1/4 mile on flat ground in the middle of BFE.

3) Depends on how they have it setup. Some are open, some aren't.

4) No. Surfing the real web at 320x240 is basically useless. I've surfed on an Axim identical to yours, & although it's a fun toy the novelty wears off after about 5 minutes & then it's like pulling teeth.

Viper GTS

 

[brunswickite]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: tec699
I'm a noob to wireless but I'd like to learn because I have a Dell Axim (400 mhz, 64mb). My questions are as followed:

1) Do you have to pay to go wireless? Can I just hook up bluetooth and start surfing?

2) If I wanted to hook up a wireless connection from my apartment will it reach my Axim if I'm 60 miles away from home?

3) I guess most colleges and cafes are hotbeds for wifi. Can I jsut tap into their wifi or would I have to pay to use there service?

4) And finally... is going wireless on a pocket pc worth the hassle? How is the reception and is the internet viewable on a pocket pc? For example, if I wanted to access Anandtech would the full page show up or just the text? I go through Avantgo.com and they just show the text for most sites.

Thanks for the help.

1) You need some form of wireless connection. Broadband with a wireless router, school/company wireless network, cell phone, etc.

2) Absolutely not. You'd be damn lucky to get 1/4 mile on flat ground in the middle of BFE.

3) Depends on how they have it setup. Some are open, some aren't.

4) No. Surfing the real web at 320x240 is basically useless. I've surfed on an Axim identical to yours, & although it's a fun toy the novelty wears off after about 5 minutes & then it's like pulling teeth.

Viper GTS

How do webpages look on it? are they mostly text? is there too much scrolling to do becasue of the crappy res?