Email access via Mobile Telephone

[JamesS]

I'm in the process of buying a new mobile and wish to use it on the boat to access email and internet etc via pc.
I would be interested in hearing from others about any successful configurations in use, ie type of phone, special software installed on pc etc etc.

 

[BarryD]

Don't mess about get a Nokia 9210 or and old 9110 (I've got one for sale as it happens!). Fully integrated no cables etc.. bit bulky but then it is everything you need - email, fax, diary, database etc...

Barry D.

 

[longjohnsilver]

How much? NM

.

 

[PeteB]

I use a Nokia 3110 but any Nokia with an infrared port to a PC with infrared works just like a modem. Just download a bit of software from the Nokia website.
One of the ISP's also has an international POP system for low cost access abroad, see an earlier thread on this site (or search!).

 

[Eric]

Don\'t try a WAP phone

I have got a WAP phone and tried e-mailing a few times, but it is difficult. The line keeps dropping and its hard work with just the few buttons.

I have got better experience using a laptop and use a mobile phone for the dial up. The connection is slow, but reliable.

Good luck
Eric

 

[steve_cronin]

My son\'s Ericsson r380w worked fine from Greece...

..until we got the roaming bill!

My old 486 works well through my i888 but because of the software modem is a bit slow. With a PCMCIA card modem it should work better. However since technology marches on it is now almost impossible to get a card.

Steve Cronin

 

[boatone]

I regularly use a laptop with my my Nokia 6150 and a package called TDK Global Pulse which is a software modem. Comes with a serial lead to suit your mobile. Speed is slow - 9.6kbs compared with at least 28kbs up over normal landlines but it does work. Foir emails only I'd agree with Barry, something like the all-in-one nokia would be less cumbersome. I do a lot of moving images around -shoot digital/onto laptop/up to website - all from the boat with a small inverter providing power for the whole shebang - works great except for the speed issue. My laptop doesnt have IR but believe thats also just as good.

boatone@boatsonthethames.co.uk

 

[TonyMS]

I use an Ericsson I888 with Win98, connected via IR. This works fine, but it wouldn't work with Windows 2000. I think Microsoft must have "upgraded" the protocol.

What ISPs do others use overseas, in particular in France? I use Compuserve Classic, which, as far as I can tell is the only POP3 provider with international coverage. But, it's expensive

 

[andy_wilson]

Nokia 9210

Wouldn't bother until Nokia have resolved all the software issues, unless of course you wish to participate in the product development program (after purchase, under warranty, at your inconvenience).

Once resolved I will start selling them.

 

[andy_wilson]

First your PC. Hope you are not using Windows Millenium Edition, which rules out Infra Red connection. ME does not support IRDA. Therefore cable only in that case.

I recommend Nokia 6210 which has hardware on board, software in the box, so connectivity is a no cost feature (unless using ME in which case you will need the cable connection).

Big e-mails or attachments need speed (or lots of patience). Subscribe to Orange and get 28,800 bps (HSCSD) with a Nokia 6210 or a Card-phone (PC Card with SIM slot and antenna). Standard rate on other networks is 9,600 bps.

Cellnet and Vodafone suppliers will try to sell you GPRS 'always connected'. It's crap. Network congestion means that it rarely delivers even 9.6 k over a 5 minute period.

The guaranteed speed offered by Orange is far better for most purposes. HSCSD is offered by various networks around Europe.

Pipex Dial offer a dial-up service with Points of presence (local dial up numbers) in most parts of the world.

Feel free if you want further specific advice.....

andy@chatterbox-mobilephones.co.uk

 

[BarryD]

Re: Nokia 9210 - Not stunning

Andy - Agreed but like chart plotters (I believe) from a grey screen to a colour one. I won't go back and will live with the battery management and screen backlight issues.

Barry D.

 

[robp]

Interesting, thanks Andy. I heard that one can now have multiple accounts with one number. Can we do this with Orange? Been using an 8850 on IR with 9,600 successfully.

 

[Guest]

I had also heard that IRDA did not work under Windows ME. However, I have recently bought a NoteBook with ME pre-installed and it works entirely happily with my Ericsson SH888 (now discontinued sadly) with its built-in IR link and digital modem.

I still find that using the SH888 with my Psion is the most convenient method of receiving e-mail underway. I use it for Met charts too.

 

[ponapay]

I use Nokia 6210 all over Europe with AOL and have great success, afloat or not. Speeds up to 56k. Use a local SIM card if outside UK, its much cheaper, then replace so others can call you or let them have your new number.

Have cruised all over Baltic and never (when in range) been unable to collect and send e-mails. Sometimes attachments are difficult to send (not so for receive).

I use Windows 98 and the IRDA port on my laptop.

Mobile phone definitely interferes with GPS however and can give errors of 5 miles or more.

Ian

 

[extravert]

This summer I was on a boat that sailed round Britain. We used an Ericsson R380
for our boat email. It's completely self contained for email, no laptop required. It also uses minimal power and recharges from a 12V car type cigarette lighter socket. Unlike most WAP/email phones, it has a decent sized screen and QWERTY keyboard, making it easy to use.

The phone worked perfectly. We each put our own SIM in it when we wanted to use it. Unfortunately my network (One-to-Noone) had very poor coverage on the West coats of Scotland, all the others networks were fine.

If you use email by mobile phone, make sure people don't send you large attachments, they take too long to download.

 

[david_bagshaw]

Personaly use a Nokia 9110, either on its own or connected to a toshiba lap top.

to try to lower roaming charges I use a local isp to the country, as I have not found a local sim on pre pay that works for data. might just be the language barrier though.


Have also used the wifes N 6210 just as good for th computer connection, , lighter smaller & cheaper.


Beware all roaming is expensive!!!

David ps Take a look at my site www.yachtman.co.uk

 

[JamesS]

Many thanks for all your contributions.

James

 

[Guest]

I use a bog standard Ericsson with dI27 Infra Red modem to IRDa on laptop.... connection must be via Datalink, not normal speech channel though ..... ask mobile company for this.
The speed is slow at about 9600 average, but OK for emails. I wouldn't do the web though ..... data link gets expensive.

I travel a lot and use it often AND on the boat !

 

[Guest]

I search the net for free providers in each country I travel in .... works fine for me and I also have sim cards for each country !!!! The sim card monthly rent is cheaper than the roaming data charges !!!!!