wombat7

Thanks for the input - I tried the Kennsignton blue adapter but it kept on squarking and making very annoying noises. Will try another model - love Skype but would like to have the mobility to walk around the hotel room rather than being literally tied to the computer!

Glad that you read this post ahotp - I remembered your post and thought it was a great example of the joys of technology

Robespierre

"...love Skype but would like to have the mobility to walk around the hotel room rather than being literally tied to the computer..."

Reason #6 to carry a Pocket PC (see 07/13/2006, 04:07 pm):

I do that by sticking the computer in my pocket. I can talk on Skype any time I'm in range of a WiFi network - at the hotel, on the road, or in a park.

ahotpoet

I have it on my laptop and desktop and ppc. I have turned so many friends on to Skype and we can conference too!
It radically changes my thoughts about travel. I used to have to check for mail at the post ofc post restante and maybe would send an aerogram once in a blue moon.
Just having Skype on my ppc lets me check in whenever I want. I don't really have to say goodbye to the ones I want close.
I cannot encourage you enough to get a ppc with wi fi capability and load skype. You will thank me a million times.

wombat7

PPC - perhaps - but am reluctant to have to carry another piece of equipment and charger when I travel - given I would not travel on business w/o my PC

ahotpoet

wombat
I know what you mean but I gotta tell ya, the ppc is worth its weight in gold not just for the fact that I have skype on it but I have city maps and have a gps attachment for the CF slot. There is another free program called Metro that has public transport systems world wide. When I was in Paris I decided to take the bus but was unsure which route, so using that program on my trusty ppc I was able to get back to my hotel which was ALL the way across town above ground with no fuss or getting lost. I have language dictionaries and currency converters on it and I find those extremely worthwhile to carry in my purse. I stayed in a hotel once that had wi fi in the lobby but not in the rooms. Rather than lug the computer downstairs, I used the ppc to download my email.
I realize this may not be for everyone but I find mine compact and indispensable.

wombat7

Okay - perhaps I am getting interested - ahp - what PPC do you have and does it sync with Outlook? And - how big is the charger?

wombat7

..and.. can you plug a headset with a microphone into the PPC, haven't done a lot of research but thought that PPC don't have mic inputs and have heard that this could be an issue with the ability of the person you are calling being able to hear you

ahotpoet

The mike is already built in so I talk into the unit like a walkie talkie and plug in an earphone. You could use any headphones but I carry a jabra gel one which I use with my cell phone and connect it with an adapter which I got at radio shack for $4. It is more comfortable for me to do that since I can't stand stuff in or on my ears.

I have an Ipaq 2215 which I have had for 3 years. It comes with a charging/synch cradle but I don't use it. I travel with the charge cord only which disconnects from the cradle. I also have a cable which I use to charge via usb and I can synch via this cable as well. It absolutely synchs with Outlook and interfaces with skype. there is an option that allows you to dial numbers in your contact list using skype. It interfaces with Streets and Trips to find addresses on the map as well.
Although I love my 2215 if I were in the market for one now I would get one with built in wi fi and running the latest version of Windows Mobil 5.0. I like having a CF slot since my GPS goes in there and I have a 1 GB sd card which carries maps, photos, music, books on tape, pdf files and other docs, etc

wombat7

Perhaps I should try - can always take it back if I do not like. Assume it runs Microsoft Pocket PC - reason I am interested in that is that I also want to be able to use IPASS.

Another question (nearly said final but then realised that I might have others). How tricky is it to log on at a Wi-Fi spot which is not open - i.e. one where you have to launch the web browser and sign up? Was at a Cafe Nero and had no problem with my notebook but my partner, who was using a Palm, had all sorts of "fun" - was eventually able to get on. I am not as patient and would have given up.

Thanks for your input - the books on tape is useful as well - at the moment I travel with a MuVo and use that - so that would be one piece of equipment less. Sometimes I feel I need a small donkey just to cart around the "essential" electronics which did not exist 15 years ago!

wombat7

Should have read more closely! Will see if IPASS works with Windows Mobile 5.0 - have a feeling it does not

ahotpoet

Don't know what IPASS and MuVo are. As for connecting, it is all about the settings. You have to tick "automatically connect to non preferred networks" and it will find all the available networks in the area, secured and unsecured. Sometimes it is a matter of launching your browser and accepting the agreement to get you going.
Definitely get one and return if you have that option. Do you have a wireless network at home? You can wirelessly synch with other computers on the network.

Robespierre

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34474486

wombat7

Thanks ahot - might try one out and see how much fiddling is involved. IPASS is the service I use for email when travelling - can connect with a local number pretty much anywhere (well anywhere I have been so far!)

Yes I have a wireless network - was hoping that I could use it to listen to music via the network.

What sort of battery life do you get if you are listening to music/books?

Robespierre

I get about 7-8 hours out of mine. In order to use it on an 11-hour flight (PHX-LHR), I carry a spare battery. I can charge both batteries at once in the charging stand.

ahotpoet

I googled IPASS and see it works with WindosMobile2003 but again I would prefer the latest WM version.
I find the battery life just OK. Robspierre says carry an extra but I do not have nor do I want to carry another one. I plug mine in often but there have been occasions when the battery runs out and I have lost everything. I make a point of keeping it backed up and store as much as possible on the SD card.
BTW It makes a great night light and alarm clock.

wombat7

Thanks - will do a try with option of take back if it doesn't do what I want. It won't be replacing my computer on the road so will be in addition to - but at 6oz plus whatever the charger is won't add too much to the carry on weight.

Will report back

Robespierre

If you leave a single travel guide behind, you've broken even on the weight.

Syl

I now communicate at home with family, friends & strangers via Skype 2.0. I use a simple mic & cheap eyeball camera.In simple layman's English, how can I communicate in this fashion in an internet cafe when travelling?

ahotpoet

Wombat
I am very interested to know what model you get. If you have more software questions, give a holler. Between me and Robespierre and all the other wonderful technophiles, we can get you travellin in style.
Syl
Usually Internet cafes have set ups specifically for chat but if not just bring your own headset.

ahotpoet

Wombat
Saw on another thread you got a pda and are not so impressed. Web surfing is not what this thing does best. Keep the faith baby! Where this thing really shines is on the road.
Metro has a new release. Here is the link http://www.nanika.net/Metro/