CardAccess Wristband Thinmodem Plus Springboard Module

by Card Access

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00005B11Z
• Item model number: TC2008
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 20, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The next best thing to wireless Internet access for your Handspring Visor is CardAccess's Wristband Thinmodem Plus, a 56K modem that packs an extra 7.5 MB of flash memory storage into the miniscule module.

Unlike other modems, the Thinmodem Plus fits snugly into the module slot, with nothing hanging over the edge--meaning you can keep the module in for its storage capabilities and easily sheathe your Visor in its carrying case.

The modem beeps when inserted, to let you know the hookup has been completed. Then the 6-foot phone cable connects to the modem--unfortunately the connection was so tight that tugging the cable out sometimes pulled the module out of our Visor.

Most of the configurations are simple--enter the dialup number for your ISP, as well as login name and password, and you then connect. Some ISPs required minor workarounds: for example, our MSN account needed "MSN/" inserted before our login name. Note that because AOL and Compuserve use proprietary browsers, users of these ISPs can only connect to these accounts for checking e-mail, not browsing the Web.

The registration process for the bundled BrowseIt software took quite a few steps and we were forced to enter our username and password several times. But once we had everything entered in, browsing was simple. We could use the bookmarks (as well as add our own), or enter any URL.

Although the Thinmodem Plus promises low power consumption, it still drains the batteries rather rapidly. Its connectivity is best for e-mail grabbing and synching up with sites for offline viewing more than long-term Web site browsing.

The storage side of the Thinmodem Plus works simply and smoothly. The included FileMover application lets you easily transfer files from the Visor to the module or vice versa. It's a useful extra for the module--who can't use more storage space on their handheld?

The combination of modem and memory makes the Thinmodem Plus a bargain for anyone looking for ways to stop lugging the laptop along. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Fast throughput
• Two-for-one with storage

Cons:

• Irritating browser registration
• Battery drainer

Amazon.com Product Description

The expanded Thinmodem Plus from CardAccess comes with all the features of the standard Thinmodem as well as 8 MB of flash memory--effectively doubling the capacity of your Handspring Visor Deluxe. This portable modem slips easily into the Visor's Springboard expansion slot without increasing the size. It packs 56K connectivity into a module one-third the size of other portable modem modules and consumes one-third less power than most modems.

While you are on the road, you can HotSync with your desktop and update your calendar or check appointments on a daily basis. You can easily access the Internet (with the included BrowseIt Web browser) and e-mail.

It features a real-time modem status monitor that shows connect speed, data transfer amount, connect status, and time online. The Thinmodem is also flash upgradable so you can update any function with a download.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm no longer a pack mule, July 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: CardAccess Wristband Thinmodem Plus Springboard Module (Office Product)

This little modem is great. I'm sure the others modems work just as well, but I purchased the modem in an attempt to lighten my load while on business trips. I lugged a laptop around for years, and I found that I only used the laptop to access e-mail. Now I can leave the laptop at home and access my e-mail using this slick little device. [...]

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Small and good but not as complete as suggested, March 13, 2002

By 

Klaas Tjoelker (La Paz, Bolivia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: CardAccess Wristband Thinmodem Plus Springboard Module (Office Product)

Incredible, a modem that is so small and working faster than a PC modem (even if the Baud rate does not reflect this).
However, the "Browse It" web browser is not functioning anymore so you have to find another web browser. Luckily, "Avant Go" and "Eudora" both offer free options for this.
Up to now (March 2002) this modem has official approval only in a few countries, e.g. the US, but it appears to be working very well also in Guatemala and the Netherlands.
In my experience the support service took a long time to respond but their answer was adequate.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent product, June 27, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: CardAccess Wristband Thinmodem Plus Springboard Module (Office Product)

An excellent product, but as stated in the review above, the software that was included did not work. This was easily fixed --- go to Eudora.com, and use their FREE software. The PDA works as good as a laptop for email and nearly as good for web browsing.