- Re: Cingular has a CSD capability

- Re: The Digest V1 # 796 (5)

- Re: Luddite Upgrades (DSL)

- To WiFi or not to WiFi...

- Screen dimmer

- P910 - GPS & JOT

- really a 7book?, Keyboard Crack, Luddite Upgrades, P910i for satnav,

- Re: Luddite Upgrades (Broadband v dialup)

- Re: Luddite Upgrades

- Jad and Jar files on 9290

- Luddite Upgrades

- Re: Luddite Upgrades

Date: 1 Sep 2005 15:07:39 +0100
From: Rolf Brunsting <address truncated>
Subject: Re: Cingular has a CSD capability

Dear Bob,

<< CSD-I have to remember what it stands for you have CSD and HCSD--- your provider has to have this, from what I understand, to use a 
phone like the 9290 that uses a Modem number as its access point and 
to use the fax facility >>

Mentioning that Cingular has CSD capability is akin to saying that a 
dog has four legs. Cingular uses GSM mobile network technology and 
CSD - Circuit Switched Data - is the standard technology for data 
communication via a GSM network.

The term Circuit Switched refers to GSM being designed in such a way 
that the digital network behaves as if it were an analog landline 
network. As a GSM network has to handle more than one caller it 
divides its 'attention' by giving out time slots. Make a voice call 
and you get one uplink slot (phone to network) and one downlink slot 
(network to phone). Having an up- as well as a downlink slot means 
that you can respond to what's being said while the other party is 
still talking. These time slots are rotated so that the 'Xth' slot is 
always yours. Think of a freight train going round in circles and one 
boxcar being your time slot. And the rotation of slots is fast enough 
for you not to notice any difference between a call via GSM and one 
via a landline.

CSD works the same way, but with one difference. Make a voice call 
and the spoken word is digitised by the phone's voice encoder. That's 
not needed for data communication as computer data is already 
digital. Meaning that the voice encoder of your Nokia 9290 is 
bypassed when you make a data or fax call. HSCSD is the high-speed 
variant of CSD. The use of a  single time slot for CSD means that a 
data link is limited to a 9600 bps. HSCSD breaks through this barrier 
by allowing the use of more than one time slot, treating them as one. 
What's more, CSD proved to be over engineered regarding the 
robustness of the wireless (phone to network) link. Using more 
relaxed parameters it proved possible to get a reliable 14,400 bps 
link using a single slot. The reason why two-slot HSCSD offers a 
28,800 bps connection (2 x 14,400).

The thing to note with HSCSD is that you're not always given a high 
speed connection. The time slots you're given remain yours for the 
duration of the data call. Read the web page you've just downloaded 
and you don't use these slots. Networks are therefore a bit careful 
when giving out slots for an HSCSD connection as a number of HSCSD 
calls on a busy network can crate bottlenecks. The network operators 
therefore use predictive algorithms to see whether its wise to accept 
an HSCSD connection. If not, you're simply given one up- and one 
downlink slot - a plain CSD connection.

Another think to note is that CSD isn't only designed for connection 
to remote modems, fax/modems or fax machines. GSM was an initiative 
of the European telephone companies who wanted it to link into an 
earlier initiative that was up and coming - the ISDN digital phone 
line. The reason why CSD (and HSCSD) can make connections with ISDN 
dial-up nodes right from the start. They're more convenient in the 
sense that the connection with a remote modem takes between 30 to 40 
seconds before the link is established. While the link with an ISDN 
node is established between 3 to 5 seconds.

Coming back to your original question - where to find maps to 
download - I trust you understand that the 9600 bps of a CSD 
connection isn't really suitable for the purpose. Most maps are 
supplied in the form of JPEG bitmaps as these can be viewed on almost 
all systems. Though JPEG uses data compression it's still true that a 
fairly detailed map - think of a city's street map - will be rather 
large. It won't be a pleasant experience to download (say) 350 kByte 
of map down a 9600 bps CSD connection.

---
Kind Regards,
Rolf Brunsting - Beilen - Netherlands

Date: 2 Sep 2005 08:01:50 +0100
From: "tony.napier" <address truncated>
Subject: Re: The Digest V1 # 796 (5)

To Jim re broadband
I can't claim to be an expert but I unreservedly recommend broadband. 
You  have predictable expense as you only pay the regular fee despite 
usage. It alters your pattern of use as you are no longer conscious 
of hogging the line or spending cash while you surf. The connection 
is fast and reliable, you can use two machines simultaneously 
although whether that changes speeds etc I do not know. I have an 
apple mac ethernet wired to a modem which is also wireless so I can 
carry and use my netbook (cisco aironet 340 card) around the house. I 
could not seem to get an S7 with netbook upgrade and buffalo card to 
work for some reason) E mail with broadband seems to have some 
quirks, I can pick up messages fine but sending them is problematic 
and for that I dial up as before. If anyone has ideas about this 
problem I would be grateful. Please mail me direct if you wish. Kind 
regards.
Tony Napier

Date: 2 Sep 2005 08:04:48 +0100
From: Marcus von Cube <address truncated>
Subject: Re: Luddite Upgrades (DSL)

Hi Jim,

>Although I was the first in my engineering group to have a computer (I >bought my own Radio Shack Model 100 and upgraded to an 8086 DOS >machine that I built myself), I have always been a luddite.  I >resisted moving from DOS to Windows and was the final hold-out >wordstar user when the company forced a move to MS Word for >standardization.

That reminds me too much of myself, having started with a Video Genie which was a TRS-80 clone from Taiwan, later upgraded to faster TRS-80 clones for which I wrote some software. We used to smile about the flickering CGA screens back than. My first word processor software was Scripsit, later replaced by CP/M Wordstar.

>That being said, I have been holding with 52kb via telephone lines
>since day one.  Now my wife is complaining that I'm hogging the line
>(we're both on GMail, our first web based mail system) and that I
>should put in another tel line.

Here in Germany ISDN is very common, it's a digital variant of the telephone system, providing 2 independent channels at 64Kbit/s each. You need special equipment (a PBX or special phones) to be
able to use this system. Dialling into an ISDN enabled provider is much faster than with a modem (2 to 3 seconds) and you only hog one of the channels. The transmission is error free and slightly faster than a good 56K modem connection.

>The question is whether to bite the bullet and go broadband (DSL???)
>or simply add a second line.

I migrated to DSL at 786KBit/s when it came available here (I live 30 km north of Frankfurt/Main in a rural area) and I'e never regretted. Now I'm on a 2 MBit connection. The trouble with the evolution of technology is that you need to keep up if you want to participate: Modern Internet sites cannot be reasonably enjoyed without decent (fast) access. Having DSL or cable is a must for increasing
portions of the Internet, nowadays. Be aware that DSL is a separate connection, not blocking phone access while you are online.

>If I go broadband, can I simultaniously operate two computers (I
>assume a minny server would be required), should I consider going the
>whole package with TV (we normally go basic service when we have cable
>- no cable at present).

I can't help you with your TV question, things are organized a bit differently here. ;-)

If you connect to the Internet with modern technology (Cable, DSL, even ISDN) access is typically
made by a dedicated box, called a router which dials on demand. You computers are essentially permanently connected to the Net. There is no need to configre a dial up connection on your PC, just use the standard wired or wireless network setup. The router will assign adressses and routing information to your PCs. Any number of devices can use the Internet concurrently as long as they are connected to you local network.

>And should I even consider going wireless and perhaps WIFI?

Wireless *IS* WiFi ("Wireless Fidelity"). This is just a matter of how you connect your computers to the router. For fixed PCs, a wired connection (using CAT5 cabling) is often more suitable than installing and configuring a wireless card. That's different for mobile devices; here wireless is in many cases easier to obtain and to handle. Many broadband routers double as a WiFi access points and
there are WiFi access points that double as broadband routers; you can have seperate boxes, if you prefer.

>Being a Scotsman (father born in Aberdeen), I worry about an
>open-ended cash flow while solving this equation.

In Germany, ISDN is more exensive than a standard phone line, but you get the benefit of two
channels. DSL is possible with either technology and the costs are independent from the phone bill (even if the same wires are used: my 2 channel ISDN + DSL setup runs just two wires to the public exchange!) Here, you can't get a flat rate with dial up, the latter is always billed for the time you spend online; broadband ist typically bundled with a flat or a volume rate. Depending on your surfing pattern, broadband can be significantly cheaper than dial up!

>For WIFI considerations I have a WIFI enabled Tungsten C and both my
>wife and I have Malay Books with WIFI cards.

Once set up correctly, they should both work flawlessly.

Marcus

http://www.mvcsys.de

Date: 2 Sep 2005 09:48:54 +0100
From: ian chapple <address truncated>
Subject: To WiFi or not to WiFi...

Jim,

>>That being said, I have been holding with 52kb via telephone lines since day one.  Now my wife is complaining that I'm hogging the line (we're both on GMail, our first web based mail system) and that I should put in another tel line.

The question is whether to bite the bullet and go broadband (DSL???) or simply add a second line.<<

I imagine that the cost of getting a second phone line is not much cheaper than taking out a DSL subscription; by the time you add in the cost of phone calls and the general annoyance of using a slow dial-up connection, the DSL option is very much the better route.

>>If I go broadband, can I simultaniously operate two computers (I assume a minny server would be required), should I consider going the whole package with TV (we normally go basic service when we have cable - no cable at present).<<

If you go for broadband, using a router (which are both dead cheap and provide some protection) will enable multiple computers to go online simultaneously.

>>And should I even consider going wireless and perhaps WIFI?<<

Absolutely. The cost of WiFi equipment has come right down, and the convenience of not needing a wired connection combined with the high-speed of a WiFinetwork/DSL Internet connection is superb. I've been using a netbook on a WiFi network for the last 2 1/2 years, and would not recommend anything less. In fact, having used a Series 7 for about 5 years for email (with the Psion IR travel modem), I only bought the netbook because we wanted to install a WiFi network at home.

One word of warning; in the past, people have assumed that using a netbook magically protects you from snoopers. This is NOT the case, but setting up a WiFi network properly (ie. enabling the security features) can be a hassle; hwoever, it is definitely worth doing properly, both in terms of security and peace of mind.

>>For WIFI considerations I have a WIFI enabled Tungsten C and both my wife and I have Malay Books with WIFI cards.<<

I think you have perhaps answered your own question....

****************

Tom,

>>I have installed 1.05(450) Release 158 but when I try to hit the ethernet button in the control pannel i get 'not found'. does this mean my machine is not a 7book and thus not compatible with wi-fi? i take it ethernet is needed for wi-fi!!<<

It could be that this panel is not available if no settings have been defined previously AND no ethernet/WiFi card is inserted in the PC card slot. However, I am not 100% certain that this is the answer...

I hope this helps, Ian.

Date: 2 Sep 2005 11:57:58 +0100
From: Ealasaid and Simon <address truncated>
Subject: Screen dimmer

We are suffering eyestrain from working for long periods at a netbook screen in dim environments. We hoped that one of you would be able to suggest a product that we could buy, something like a tinted sheet to lay on the screen to cut out some of the glow but still allow the screen to be tapped. Something like those screen protector sheets we've discussed here before but tinted is what I am thinking of. Any ideas?

PS I had a fun trip to Ireland recently and impressed colleagues by doing my email etc. in the pub and at breakfast on 5mx and nokia 6210e phone... it's great fun to still be able to impress with 6 yr old technology.

Simon

Date: 2 Sep 2005 12:29:33 +0100
From: Arabbitte <address truncated>
Subject: P910 - GPS & JOT

To: Stephen Convery
Subject: GPS On  P910i

I don't know too much about this myself but there is lots of information available in various threads in the My-Symbian UIQ forum: http://my-symbian.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=21f688717469baf30d0b4b8e5d44624b

You can also click here for a review of Route 66 on a P910i: http://download.my-symbian.com/2/uiq/Route66review.pdf

To: Ian Chapple
RE: PXXX users Jot Characters

These are also available in the P910's Help system:

From the main system screen: Edit -> Help -> Handwriting Recognition

All the best from Dublin Ireland
Alan Rabbitte

Date: 2 Sep 2005 13:26:02 +0100
From: Itamar Engelsman <address truncated>
Subject: really a 7book?, Keyboard Crack, Luddite Upgrades, P910i for satnav,

Answer to: Tom Robertson

Re.: really a 7book? - Without being an expert in this field, if you get the option in the Control Panel for "Ethernet" it means you have the 7Book as the original S7 did not have this option. I suppose for one reason or another your OS cannot find the settings for the Ethernet function. Could it be something went wrong during the installation of the OS ? My mBook has got version 281 of the software but I don't think that would make a difference. Hopefully someone else will be able to help you further.

Answer to: Arabbitte

Re.: Keyboard Crack - Thanks, and pleased to say indeed I do not have the problem.

Answer to: Jim Watson-Gove

Re.: Luddite Upgrades - Well, what a choice to make !  My strong choice is to go over to Broadband, you wll never look back. The speed is utterly amazing, specially with a WIFI card. Yes, you can use multiple computers at the same time over one broadband line if you install a router with it, no need for a server. Each computer connects separately to the broadband line via the router. And if you will do this, install Wifi as well. It is juls another connection to the router, and with it you can sit anywhere in the house with your mBook on your knee, table, pillow, bed, etc. even on the toilet and connect. It is really a great improvement in your home. Oh, and no, personally I did not take a TV package with it, who needs this nedless stream of different channels in your house ?  We need some time for communicating between family members as well, not just watching the screen !

Answer to: Stephen Convery

Re.: P910i for satnav - Ah, now that is a good question. I am looking at this for some time already as I still use my mBook in the car, which has the disadvantage of being very big (which is also an advantage) and that the screen is hardly viewable in bright and/or sunlight. According to 3Lib Wayfinder is the only program available which is expensive as you need to subscribe on a yearly basis. However, Route66 has now come out with a UIQ package as well and I think that is the one to go for. You can choose between either UK only or Europe. Go to my-symbian.com where you can find a review of this program. An additional nice feature is that you can update yourself while traveling with the latest traffic situation via the GPRS function on your phone, currently for free from the Route66 internet. Let me know what you decide as I am interested in hearing different opinions.

Best regards,
Itamar Engelsman
London, UK

Date: 2 Sep 2005 13:59:19 +0100
From: Christopher Holly <address truncated>
Subject: Re: Luddite Upgrades (Broadband v dialup)

Jim, I have to say that I was like you. I found my 56k dialup connection to be as fast as the ISDN connection I had a work a few years ago. But when I got ADSL at home (SBC $29.95/mo), the scales fell from my eyes. Now, I use it mostly for work, and for that purpose (don't tell SBC) would probably pay double what they are charging because I am so dependent on it. Certainly for home use it is worth $29.95 per month (and I may be paying less now). You can talk on the phone at the same time you surf the internet. I can see no slow down when I am on the phone. I got mine with a wireless gateway which includes a hardwired firewall and allows wireless access in and around the house via computers and netBooks with wireless cards. I cannot see any effect on speed when my wife and i are both on the internet doing stuff. And of course immediate access without waiting for dialtone and modem boings is best of all.

For me it was cheaper than cable because I don't have digital services. I suppose if I had DVR, HDTV, and all that nice rot, the calculation might have been different. I would think one ADSL phone connection will cost less than two phone lines. Even if not, I think it is certainly much better that two lines would be.  --Chris



--
Chris Holly
830 S. Fess Ave.
Bloomington, IN  47401-4946
812-339-0938

Date: 2 Sep 2005 18:41:43 +0100
From: Matthew Walters <address truncated>
Subject: Re: Luddite Upgrades

Jim,

I tend to follow your response to the relentless upgrade path, although I do like to 'invest' in Psions...

Concerning your broadband dilemma, I waited an age before jumping to this and finally took the plunge last year - I'm now a really happy 2Mb broadband user with a Buffalo wireless router. My wife & I can sit with a laptop / netBook, watching TV whilst working (wife) and surfing (me). At least now we are in the same room. Other than the speed benefits, we don't get cut off from the phone when spending hours on the 'net. That said, broadband hasn't saved much on the phone bills, as I use the 'net more now than before and also peruse ebay and abebooks for my other hobby - old magic books.

If you do choose this option, make sure the router can handle 802.11b if you go for wireless.

Regards

Matthew

Date: 3 Sep 2005 03:31:23 +0100
From: Bob <address truncated>
Subject: Jad and Jar files on 9290

I am having trouble installing jad and jar files on my 9290.  I get "PC suite was unable to convert because an unexpected error has occurred".  I have Java installed on it and can view java stuff--not sure what this means.

Thanks,
Bob

Date: 3 Sep 2005 16:57:36 +0100
From: Jon Welford <address truncated>
Subject: Luddite Upgrades

Jim,

I have had broadband and wifi router in one box and find it extremely flexible as the offspring migrate between University and Home with their computers. They just borrow one of my usb WiFi boxes and away they go. The Mbook with the Buffalo card works well with  WEP and the speed is great especially for downloads. The only downside is people can now ring me but it has taken them a long time to cotton on as the phone lines were blocked by computers for several years!
You can operate (I believe) up to 256 machines on one wifi router at the same time. The router may also give you a frewall which can help protect your windows machine.
I don't know how broadband would be offered to you but I get an unlimited 1Meg/sec connection for a fixed cost so you know the cost at the outset.

Hope this helps,

Jon Welford

Date: 3 Sep 2005 23:38:39 +0100
From: Alan Morris <address truncated>
Subject: Re: Luddite Upgrades

Jim Watson-Gove <address truncated> wrote:-

> Although I was the first in my engineering group to have a computer (I
bought my own Radio Shack Model 100 and upgraded to an 8086 DOS
machine that I built myself), I have always been a luddite.

I got an 8Kb Commadore PET 2001

> I resisted moving from DOS to Windows and was the final hold-out
wordstar user when the company forced a move to MS Word for
standardization.

I also resisted windows going from Wordcraft to Psion Word.  (How could you cope with Wordstar for so long. Ugh!)

> I have been holding with 52kb via telephone lines since day one.

I had 300 baud with rubber cups on my first modem.  Still got it, sad enit!

> Now my wife is complaining that I'm hogging the line
(we're both on GMail, our first web based mail system) and that I
should put in another tel line.

In the UK broadband (ASDL) is cheaper than a second tel line.  With it I can talk on the phone while online.

> If I go broadband, can I simultaniously operate two computers (I
assume a minny server would be required),

Yes.

But I still use a Psion for all e-mails on dial-up.

Alan Morris