Xircom SpringPort Modem 56 GlobalACCESS Springboard Module for Handspring Visor

Other products by Xircom

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004ZAV6
• Item model number: SN56G
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review
Xircom's SpringPort Modem 56 GlobalACCESS isn't as small as some of the other SpringPort modems on the market, but that doesn't mean it isn't a stellar performer. The device lets Handspring Visor users easily add a 56 Kbps modem to their PDA, and it comes with all the software you'll need to browse the Internet and work with e-mail.

Installing the modem is simple. Just pop three AAA batteries into the back of it, slip it into the Visor's Springboard expansion slot, and go through some simple software configuration routines. The batteries add considerably to the modem's weight and account for its bulky construction, but they also keep it from sucking power directly from the Visor. A phone cord plugs directly into the top of the device, and you're good to go.

The unit works only with analog phone lines and comes with digital line detection software to keep digital hotel lines from frying its internal circuits. Internet access comes courtesy of the popular AvantGo Web browser, and Multi-Mail SE is included to access and send e-mail. Both of these programs, along with the Xircom modem utilities, are stored directly in the modem's memory, so users don't have to use any of their precious PDA memory. Of course, the modem also integrates with any other Web and e-mail software installed directly on the Visor. The modem worked flawlessly in our tests, connecting at speeds comparable to those achieved by our desktop computer's modem and accessing Web pages and e-mail without a hitch.

Users should note that the modem is capable of downloading Web pages faster than the original Visor and Visor Deluxe can process them, so there will be a little lag between downloading and seeing the page. Visors with faster processors won't suffer from this effect as much. Also, if you do purchase this unit, be sure to visit Xircom's support Web page, which contains a small patch that fixes a false low-battery warning problem. Once that's applied, this is a great little modem. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Zippy download speeds
• Comes with all necessary software integrated directly with the modem
• Doesn't drain Visor's batteries

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy
• Requires three AAA batteries

Product Description
With Xircom SpringPort modules, your Handspring Visor handheld becomes the ultimate information access tool. Quickly access the information you need from your Handspring Visor handheld using a standard telephone connection. Just snap the SpringPort Modem 56 GlobalACCESS module into your Visor handheld and you're ready for access around the globe.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Other modem modules are 100% better, October 15, 2000

By A Customer

After several tech support calls and changing batteries, the modem started to work only to discover that the modem was not consistant and dropped connection too often. I also had to remove it and re-insert it several times in order to reset it because the visor will not see it anymore. Needless to say tech support told me to return it and get another one.

I did a much better thing, I DID return the unit which is much heavier than the Visor itself! and got a real modem for my Visor: CardAccess Wristband Thincom Portable Modem Module. This is the best modem you can buy, SKIP this Sprinport and go buy the CardAccess Thincom, the Thincom even has an extra 512K of memory for apps and data!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not 100% satisfied, May 29, 2001

By	Stanward S Oshiro (Honolulu, Hawaii USA) - See all my reviews

The documentation that came with this modem is absolutely horrible! You're given a tiny pamphlet that quickly tells you very little about the modem.

The online website tells you more about the modem itself and how it operates. Although, I do not like Xircom's website, I was forced to use it to download the firmware update and to find out what is that secondary port is used for(to connect to a cell phone). After updating firmware versions, the Handspring still shows the old firmware version number. Tech support at Xircom says that the new firmware version will show up as the old version(horrible tech support).

Battery usage was great, as I used AOL for the Palm OS. Limited to AIM and email only, I did not browse the web at all. I tried to use AvantGo, but that software is just as horrible, or worse. You can't "refresh" new websites on the go, you have to hotsync the device to update and "refresh" new websites that you can look at in the future. A very horrible aspect of AvantGo.

I would recommend waiting prior to purchasing this unit. Maybe Xircom will come out with a better modem with better software.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, February 8, 2001

By	Captain Jim (Woods Hole, MA USA) - See all my reviews

I bought the Xircom Springport thinking I could receive/send email and refresh Avantgo content on the road, thus avoiding having to invest in and carry a laptop. With fresh batteries, the Xircom is fine, works like a champ. But after a modest amount of battery use it flakes out and locks up in the middle of an access. If you aren't careful about the sequence of actions it will also kill the Visor, meaning you lose your memory. For instance, pulling out the module while its utility software is running seems to cause problems. (ABSOLUTELY don't buy this unit without also buying a backup module!!)

There is no support for checking battery power, and the couple of times that the system finally reported low power (after lots of flakiness) the Visor simultaneously locked up, requiring a soft reset.

Turns out that the batteries are barely used when it flakes out -- I've started moving them to the Visor's battery compartment the first time the modem hangs, and they show 90% charge! So carry lots of fresh batteries...

This is LOUSY engineering, I can't recommend buying it unless Xircom solves the problem.