What do I need to do to use the wifi or bluetooth

[will813]

Hey guys! I got a X50 for christmas and have no experience using any type of handheld. I've been learning little by little. I was wondering if anyone can direct me on how to use the Wifi and Bluetooth and what I need to get connected to the internet. Example: if I have to pay to get this, service and how I can go about getting it. I am currently using Verizon DSL at home and have a T-Mobile samsung E-715 phone GPRS. If you can let me know what I can and cannot do I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks to all

[Drifter]

Hi.

Their appears to be a misconception that having a PDA with WiFi means you can surf anywhere without additional hardware. This is not the case.

To use WiFi., you will need to be in a place, home, hotel etc that has a Wireless Router installed. It is from this that your PDA will pick up a signal so it can connect to the WiFi.

So, for example, at home, you would need an internet connection and a Wireless router, both of which you would need to buy. When you are out and about, Places like starbucks can be free, or their may be a pay as you go arrangement. Plus you would need a normal Internet account if you wish to receive and use it for Emails etc.

Once you are in a place with WiFi services, you can do (almost) exactly the same on your axim as you could with a standard internet connected PC and at very good download speeds

For bluetooth, would would need a telephone that also has Bluetooth on it if you wish to use it for communication. If you have this, then their is a process that you need to go through to get the two devises to connect. Once this is carried out, then you could connect to the internet by using the BT connection to cause the phone to act as a modem for the PDA.

You will obviously then have to pay standard mobile call rates whilst connected. BEWARNED. The connection speed is very low, so download rates will be slow and costs very high.

It is possible to use BT at home for internet connections instead of a WiFi router, but then your PC needs a bluetooth connection also and always needs to be switched on so that the two devises can talk.

I hope this starts to point you in the right direction..

[will813]

Thanks for the info. Just 2 more question. When you say that when I'm in a location that has Wifi ( ex Starbucks) all I would need to connect is to have a normal internet account? What do you mean by normal? Could I connect using my Msn account? Also do I need to set anything else up to use the Wifi ( Ex. settings on my X50) ? Thanks again

[Drifter]

Hi.

Yes, MSN is perfectly OK, what i ment is that you would need some means of collecting emails. My apologies if i perhaps went a little too basic.

You would need to change some settings on your X50, for example you would have to switch on the WiFi. If all goes well, the Axim should detect the WiFi setup and ask you if you wish to connect.

I don't know about starbucks etc, but normally each WiFi Router will have a code name that you will need to enter to connect ( this is reffered to as the SSID). I think however the Axim will tell you that information. Then its just a case of Are you allowed on the network ???. In theory, WiFi routers should be password protected to stop anyone just using them ( Starbucks may not be), but in practice, many people do not switch this no.

I you want an idea of how the system works, switch on the axim and WiFi and then go for a walk, chances are the Axim will detect quite a number of WiFi sets ( this is a problem for people using axims in cars with GPS as they keep on warning of networks if you do not switch off WiFi).

BUT DO NOT try to connect to other peoples network if you do not have permission, this would be bad form and also breaching WiFi etiquette. Forum users would also stop helping you

[dude55]

I am not sure I agree with you Drifter. "BUT DO NOT try to connect to other peoples network if you do not have permission, this would be bad form and also breaching WiFi etiquette. Forum users would also stop helping you " . I purposely leave my wifi open for others to use and would like to see others do the same. If someone doesn't want others in then they can turn on WEP, turn off DHCP or many other ways to lessen/prevent others from using network. Many cities are installing free wireless (Tampa,Fl has just joined the growing list) as well.
Will813 : Concerning Starbucks they use T-mobile for the hotspot connection. There is a charge for that service. Browser will bring up the T-mobile login screen when connected. Panera Bread is one of many coffee shops that offer free access. We have around me Rally gas stations with free access as well.
If your phone is bluetooth enabled you can us the GPRS feature for access as well. T-mobile has an unlimited internet plan for current cell customers of $20 a month. Be advise that speed will be around the 56K or less. They are supposed to be anouncing a change to the internet access sometime this quarter. I hope it is an increase in speed and not an increase in price.
WiFi On!!

[Drifter]

Dude55,

An interesting thought and perhaps worthy of a form all of its own.

I would argue that if you leave your car open infront of your house and leave the keys in it, this does not make it right that you can drive it away if you do not have permission.

Same principle with WiFi I would argue

I stay with my comments , that you should not connect to a WiFi network if you do not know you have permission. If like your good self, someone leaves their WiFi open for all, then you are giving permission. So is any town, area, or building that install open systems.

but

we both know a lot of people leave settings on default and unintentionally leave their network open for all to use.

Unfortunately, as this is a global site, not everyone reading the forums will have unlimited internet connections, that is they pay for the volume downloaded. . If someone was to log on to such a connection, they are costing the owner money. True it is their own fault, but refer to the analogy of the car !!!!

That is the reason for my comment regarding connection.