Motient Prepping 'Always On' Wireless Modem

Posted By: Ed Thursday, August 2, 2001 7:26:07 AM

Motient is close to releasing a new 'always on' wireless modem for the Palm V series, along with a companion wireless Internet service. It allows both wireless Web browsing and sending and receiving e-mail. The modem can receive messages even when not connected to the Palm and can wake the Palm up when an e-mail is coming in.

Pricing and availability have not yet been determined but according to Mike Dawes from Motient, the modem should cost around $400 and monthly charges for unlimited access should be around $40.

The modem is a clip-on sled that is 5.0" (6.4” with antenna) by 3.1” by 0.47” and weighs 5.3 ounces. It has its own built-in battery. A single cable allows HotSyncing and charging both Palm and the modem. They are being produced by Wavenet International Limited of Australia.

The Motient Modem operates on 800 MHz DataTAC, RD/LAP 19.2 kbps, and MDC 4.8 kbps networks. Motient claims to have the most complete wireless network coverage in the United States, including the 500 largest cities and all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Motient also provided wireless access to the RIM Blackberry pager.

Thanks to Greg Gaub for the tip. -Ed

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Motient vs OmniSky

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/2/2001 10:41:39 AM #

I hope they come out with a unit for the m505. Looks like this is a better deal than OS

RE: Motient vs OmniSky

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/2/2001 7:09:58 PM #

Yup, Wavenet are already working on a m50x device... I've seen photos's. Actually it will fit *all* future Palm device's because of the universal connector Palm has moved to.

Gotta say that I'm pretty pleased to hear that an Australian company is doing some great work in the US market! Go guys!

I just can't wait til they start shipping the Wavenet units here in sunny Australia! Got my tax-cheque, ready to spend it! :-)

We've seen this before I'll bet

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/2/2001 1:34:33 PM #

Hey always on is great; however, I'm guessing it's going to be another sled that no one wants to carry around. Might be great when you're traveling, but then $40.00/mo. is too steep. Even if they have a Limited/Lite plan that's pay by character a la Go America and some others, you're still getting killed.

In other words, it won't really sell until it's small and cheap.

RE: We've seen this before I'll bet

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/2/2001 7:15:27 PM #

$40/month - that's cheap man. I'd be more than happy with that for "alway's on" especially with a device that is actually useful - as opposed to those silly little RIM door stops...

RE: We've seen this before I'll bet

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/2/2001 8:01:12 PM #

$40 a month? I guess it's all relative, but that's what I pay for DSL.

RE: We've seen this before I'll bet

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/2/2001 8:52:40 PM #

It's not relative at all. You can't take your DSL connection with you on the bus/train/car/mall etc can u? Comparing wireless pricing to fixed is irrevlevant. I pay a hell of a lot more for my mobile phone than my fixed line at home - but the convenience of being mobile is what I want, and am happy to pay for.

RE: We've seen this before I'll bet

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/2/2001 10:27:43 PM #

That's obvious, I agree; but the mobile phone emulates a land line much better, comparatively speaking, than an ultra slow wireless connection does a DSL/Cable solution. Apparently the market thus far agrees with me too.

RE: $20

I.M. Anonymous @ 8/2/2001 11:26:19 PM #

For me, the magic number is $20. The first time I see an unlimited wireless service for $20, I'll get it. That's phone and data connection. Right now that costs about 3 times what I want to pay, so I don't think I'll get one for a long time.

RE: We've seen this before I'll bet

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/20/2001 7:43:37 PM #

If this add on works like the RIM Blackberries, it will be great. The best thing about the Blackberry is its ability to sync with corporate exchange servers. You can be most anywhere in the US and receive your corporate e-mail without having to dialup. Keep in mind that the speed isn't an issue with e-mail. It's only a factor when you want to browse the internet.