On Mon, 04 Aug 2003 12:24:56 GMT, "Paul" wrote:

Me again, ask, learn, ask, learn.

This one is about internet connectivity. The marina has wireless
connectivity which is great but what are my options underway or at anchor?

Are there any options for a substantial connection, something through which
I could move larger files? I imagine that if cost is no issue then there is
certainly an answer but last time I checked, cost was an issue.

If nothing affordable then even something to beam a few e-mails through
would be good. Maybe I should be looking more closely at those PDAs ... just
replaced my cell phone, wonder if they'll let me return it.

Any of you guys connected while away from the docks? If so, tell us what
rigs you're using and what's good/bad about them.

I have an old Ericsson R380W cellphone. It's a PDA/cellphone combo that
works pretty good for email. Does IMAP, POP and SMTP access to your
normal ISP's mail account. Also does WAP for sites that are WAP
enabled, which places like yahoo are so you can access your yahoo mail
accounts without having to upgrade to the POP/SMTP option. With the
little onscreen keyboard, it's fast and easy enough to use for email
that I don't even use it with a laptop on the boat. But I have tried it
as a modem for my laptop and it does that very well also, over the
serial line or infrared. However, connection speeds are limited to 14k
so you aren't going to be transferring very large files.

They are being liquidated on ebay brand new for around $70. All you
need is to have a GSM service like TMobile or ATT, take the SIM card out
of the phone they give you and plug it into the R380W and you're in
business. And for cruisers, it'll work pretty much anywhere in the
world that has cell service, as GSM is the most popular service outside
the US.

Steve