vB Easy Archive - Does a PDA access Internet overseas?

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Does a PDA access Internet overseas?
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Posted by: Crucifixion

Hello,

I also posted this in the PocketPC forum as I wasnt sure which one to post to.

I dont have a PDA, but I want to get one. Also, I will be travelling to India for about three weeks, and I was wondering is there anyway that I can access my email by using a PDA? I know there are some PDAs with built in WiFi, but I dont know what to get or what to do.

I really dont know much about PDAs and getting the Internet over in India, so any detailed help will do.

Thanks,

cXn

Posted by: karibOS

depends on how you would like to acces the NET... WiFi, GPRS, Wireless LAN...

Posted by: Crucifixion

I dont know.

I just want to hold a pda in my hand and be able to go to aol.com, espn.com, etc.

So tell me which of those you mentioned will accomplish that, and if there is any special modification or whatever I need to do since I'll be in India, if that matters

cXn

Posted by: kerbor

You have two basic options.

1. Get a PDA that has built-in wi-fi/bluetooth capability With wi-fi, you should be able to find a hotspot and browse away. With bluetooth AND a compatible phone, you should be able to use the phone (GPRS) to browse.

2. Get a Treo600 (GSM). This is a PDA with a built-in phone. You can browse using the phone and the carrier's GPRS service.

In both cases, you still need: hotspots (check in google for hotspots in India)--and most are subscription- or pay-based, or with phones you need to find a suitable Indian carrier and pay for the subscription. So both ways, you pay, and you may end up paying a lot. At this point, based on your responses, your chances of actually using a PDA in India like you want is pretty slim. Knowing what cities/towns you'll be in and searching for hotspots, or finding Indian carriers that offer GPRS service AND finding a compatible phone (to the carrier and your PDA--BT/IR/Cable) shoud be your first step. This will determine what kind of PDA, or if you actually need one.

Your best bet may be to check out the many internet cafes--they're cheaper. You may not be able to sit outside in a green terrace and check your e-mail while sipping darjeeling (many TV commercials show these kinds of things, and they are mostly BS), but you'll be able to do what you need quicker and cheaper.

Edit:
You should get a PDA for the PDA-functioanlity (address, schedules, etc) first, then think about options like wireless. Otherwise, you may end up with an expensive paperweight.

Ex: I bought a Sony PEG-UX50 to keep my schedules synchronized with my comapny's scheduling software, to keep track of my contacts, to keep track of projects. I use the camera to take quick snapshots or noteworthy stuff while travelling on business. And yes, I use its wi-fi and BT to browse websites/check e-mail while I'm in the crapper--beats lugging my laptop into the bathroom.

Posted by: Crucifixion

Thanks kerbor that was really informative. Yeah I guess the first thing I need to do is contact some Indian carriers and work that way, instead of getting a PDA here and working with the US Carriers for their worldwide service.

I really wont be an option for me to do the internet cafes because where grandparents home in India, is in a village...They just recently got a telephone in their house and there isnt any tech spots near by. In fact, the major city is an hour away. And thats gonna make it hard for me to keep in contact with my girl in the US.

So yeah, Ill work from the Indian carriers and see what I can do.

Thanks alot

cXn

Posted by: zoostar

Hey, I am from Bombay India and i dont think there is any WiFi network at all that u can use for surfing. There is some plan from Orange to access the internet via GPRS but that will rip u off. Go to www.orange.co.in