EarthLink Mailstation Cidco DET1 Mivo 100 E-mail Appliance

by CIDCO

Product Details

Product Manual [1.48mb PDF]

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Supplementary Guide [1.32mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 6 x 8 x 1.5 inches ; 2.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 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: B00001WRJS
• Item model number: DET1-01
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,626 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 11, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

If you use a computer just for e-mail or if you want to try using e-mail for the first time, the Cidco MailStation may be the product for you. The size and shape of a small keyboard (10.25 by 7.125 by 1.625 inches), the MailStation works without the need of a PC or extra phone line. Just plug it in, turn it on, and begin typing e-mail. View your message on the 6-by-2.5-inch LCD screen.

The MailStation sends and receives data through a standard telephone line but does not monopolize the line--it dials in at set times that you can program and automatically hangs up when you want to use the phone. It also disconnects upon the retrieval of e-mail or when the sending of e-mail is completed. The average length of time to send or receive e-mail is approximately 30 seconds, keeping telephone charges low.

The MailStation is designed to work with its own e-mail service (MyMailstation.com). Service costs $9.95 per month, and local dial-up phone numbers are available throughout the United States. While you cannot access e-mail from another Internet service provider (ISP), you can forward e-mail from other ISPs to your MyMailStation account.

You can store up to 400 typical e-mail messages in the MailStation's memory, which holds up to the equivalent of 100 pages of text. E-mail messages are limited to 8 KB, which is approximately 66 lines per message. Keep in mind that if you reply to an e-mail, the original message, including the headers and routing information, is considered part of the 66 lines of allowable space. The MailStation does not allow you to read attachments or view photos attached to e-mail, but you can view photos and attachments from your PC via a Web mail account at no additional cost.

You can also use the MailStation as a calculator or calendar and clean up text with the 20,000-word spellchecker. There is also room for about 1,000 contacts in the address book. The MailStation also automatically downloads selected content from Cidco.

You can hook the MailStation up to a parallel-port compatible printer (such as the HP 648C or HP Apollo P2250) to print your e-mail or Web content.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

108 of 110 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST PRESENT EVER, December 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: EarthLink Mailstation Cidco DET1 Mivo 100 E-mail Appliance (Office Product)

MailStation by Cidco is among the most rewarding purchases I have ever made. Every bit of necessary technological and practical information was available on the Amazon.com site. Both CIDCO and Amazon.com had made me aware that the machine's maker would also be its sole service provider.

MailStation was a Christmas gift to my mother (age 83) who has NEVER even turned on a computer and uses the "hunt and peck" typing method. Since the very simple installation with CIDCO personnel via their (800) number on Christmas Eve, there have been daily messages to children and grandchildren. She and my dad (age 89) are thrilled and feeling very connected. A better present could not have been found.

If there is any criticism, it is that perhaps MailStation could have even fewer functions, making for more simplicity of operation. However, this compact, well-designed wonder brought with it a leap into tomorrow for a couple who thought they couldn't.

85 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a "Gotta Have" Gadget!, July 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: EarthLink Mailstation Cidco DET1 Mivo 100 E-mail Appliance (Office Product)

My son purchased a mailstation to send and receive email from camp. It works great! He discovered that in addition, he can send faxes from the unit, something which is not stated on the cover of the box or in any of the publicity information we have seen! You just type your message,enter the fax number, and it is sent for you. Another good feature is that he can use it for letters and taking notes, then print it when he gets home. The machine allows you to select to print in email format with headers, or in letter format (without headers). What a great value for the money! We all think it is much more versatile than the several-hundred-dollar Palm Pilots, as you can get the sports scores and stock prices, it has the address book feature, and it also has a REAL keyboard.

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good because it is Simple, June 27, 2000

By 

Shorthand Writer (Indianapolis, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: EarthLink Mailstation Cidco DET1 Mivo 100 E-mail Appliance (Office Product)

Bought this for my parents. They LOVE it! They have never even sat down to a PC. If you can operate an ATM, then you can use this device. Love the graphical menu system. Another review complained about not being able to use your own ISP. They should have gone to the FAQ section where this is discussed.