HandSpring Offers Free GSM/CDMA Springboard Phones

Posted By: Ryan Tuesday, October 15, 2002 8:11:44 AM

Handspring is now offering the Sprint PCS Wireless Web Digital Link CDMA springboard for free. One simply needs to pay the cost of shipping and a service plan with Sprint PCS. The springboard turns any visor with a springboard slot into a fully functional mobile phone with wireless web access. In addition the Visorphone, which operates on GSM networks, has also been available for free with serice activation for some time.

The Digital Link phone/modem, which is made by AirPrime, was touted as third-generation-ready. When launched, Sprint highlighted the fact that a software upgrade would allow this module to take advantage of high-speed, always-on access to the Internet.

This update was never released and now the phone is listed as not compatible with the new Sprint PCS Vision plans and must be used with a Free & Clear plan.

The similar Handspring Visorphone module has been available for free with a service plan since the introduction of this model.

To sign up for a new plan or to transfer service to your Digital Link module users must contact Sprint directly. There is a $34.99 activation fee for all new accounts. It is available at the Handspring Store.

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Old hat.

Fly-By-Night @ 10/15/2002 8:59:09 AM #

Yipeee, an empty comment board; just like fresh snow and a full bladder!!!!

I think I'll stick with my free T68i thanks Handspring!

FBN

RE: Old hat.

markgm @ 10/15/2002 9:18:22 AM #

I just got one of those too, the T68i! I must say though, with the high value rebates around, I did consider a setup like this, but for now, I still like my palm and phone to be seperate.

RE: Old hat.

swinginjonny @ 10/15/2002 9:42:19 AM #

I just got a T68i too. How do you do the set up to use the data mode on the phone with a browser on the Palm OS? (I have been able to bond the devices but can't set it up right to switch the phone to data mode.)

(Self-confessed Palm Geek)

RE: Old hat.

Fly-By-Night @ 10/15/2002 10:05:27 AM #

Palm provide some info at this URL: http://www.palm.com/be/ie/mobile/gprs2.html

Failing that, try the forums at sites like www.tsixtyeight.com.

Handspring Visor users to my knowledge won't be able to use IR to connect with the phone (hence the need for a VisorPhone I suppose). Start saving for that Tungsten...

FBN

RE: Old hat.

dboehme @ 10/15/2002 10:28:10 AM #

This is sorta related...what service are you using with your T68i phones? I think the options are AT&T and T-Mobile (Voicestream).

Thanks,
Doug

RE: Old hat.

huggy @ 10/15/2002 10:30:41 AM #

not true; visors with OS 3.5 can connect to an IR phone without any problem. Visors using OS 3.1 (mainly visor solo and deluxe) need an extra app called IRLINK to route the sync port to IR so that the OS knows how to send/recieve data other than beamed files over IR.

-------------- huggy ---------------

RE: Old hat.

Fly-By-Night @ 10/15/2002 11:19:25 AM #

Sorry, meant to say Visor DLX. IRLink still doesn't seem to work with T68i, don't know why... Old Nokia's do.

RE: Old hat.

Juno017 @ 10/15/2002 2:32:25 PM #

Fly-By-Night, where did you get a free T68i?

RE: Old hat.

Fly-By-Night @ 10/16/2002 5:06:16 AM #

I live in the UK where a lovely company called Carphone Warehouse promise to refund 110% of the difference if you see a phone cheaper elsewhere. When first launched they were selling for £190, but I saw it on the web for £10 (www.smalltalk.co.uk) -- they actually owed me £6 for taking a brand new T68 off their hands! Your profile doesn't say where you live, so I don't know if that helps.

Biggest phone ever

KRamsauer @ 10/15/2002 10:16:02 AM #

I'll stick with my Treo, thanks. This monstrosity is bigger and older. Okay, so it's free. I still love my Treo. :)

RE: Biggest phone ever

Mead Lawson @ 10/15/2002 10:58:54 AM #

Heck, my Treo 180g is bigger than most phones. If I had a Visor and an older cell phone, I'd certainly consider this offer. Sure it'd be bigger than most phones, but overall it's a better device. I'd be especially inclined if I already had service from this same provider. Let's look at the upgrade costs: Hardware = $0.00, software = $0.00, change of service contract = negligible. Unless you have to be on the cutting edge, this is not a bad solution. Many folks w/o the funds to keep up with the latest gadgets (e.g.: students) should consider this workable and ultimately enabling solution.

Best,

Mead

RE: Biggest phone ever

Fly-By-Night @ 10/15/2002 11:21:34 AM #

Or go into you local mobile dealer and get a free phone with free connection and free goodies.

Quality

kempokaraterulz @ 10/16/2002 6:38:41 AM #

Well if they are giving them away, they must have sold wonderfully(joke). I wonder if there are major problems with them

_______________________________________
Long live the "T" Series!

RE: Quality

msmasitti @ 10/16/2002 3:46:37 PM #

This is almost like offering people old Amigas or Apple IIe's. Who can really make use of one these days? :p

------------------------
Mario
O/T Mod
[url]http://www.wc101.com[/url]

Have to try and appease the old customer base.

Palmcicle @ 10/17/2002 1:37:38 AM #

This free giveaway may be a bit of market strategery:
1. Give the 'let-down' HS users something for free after ditching the springboard slot.
2. Get current HS users to gravitate towards the PDA/Phone form factor.
Will it work? Hmmmm...we will see.

_____________________________
Phew! Whats that smell!?! Did someone Zire in here? Buy Palm stock...it's only a nickle.