Having problems connecting to public networks

Spaceman Spiff · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 03:52 PM

Hi, I have X51V which has been great to me except trying to log on to wireless networks in public spots like hotels. My laptop gets the networks right away and connects with no issues. Meanwhile the Axim just sits there finds them the odd time but never connects. It just keeps searching and searching even if it finds a network. It has no problems connecting to my home network. Any ideas?

Cheers

Spiff

blue_93_jeep_yj · #2 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 08:08 AM

More than likely more and more people will experience this problem as they move about. The problem lies with the AX itself. Dell only built in a wifi B network adapter into it's handheld line. Therein lies the problem. With the proliferation of more and more public networks, network providers are useing the latest and greatest access points meaning the much faster G, and N protocols. Your AX will see these networks but will not be able to connect to them. We can only hope that someone will manufacture a CF or SD wifi card with these protocols, but i'm not to optomistic about that with the dwindleing PDA market. GOOD luck.

Spaceman Spiff · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 11:27 AM

Thanks for the reply. Does anyone make a pocket PC that has g or n adapters?

Spiff

dahawthorne · #4 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 01:53 PM

HP iPaq 214 (and no doubt many others, but this one is very similar to an X51V) :
Wireless –
Integrated WiFi – 802.11 b/g with WPA2 security, Bluetooth v2.0 with EDR
Microsoft Programs included - Office Mobile, Office Outlook Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile, Windows Media Player Mobile

KimChee · #5 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 12:14 PM

I haven't run into that problem yet..I checked ebay really quick looks like there are a couple of cf cards that support b/g wifi..not thrilled about using a cf card though one of the reasons I upgraded to x50v. I'm never out with my x50v tho if I need to do some work I take my subnotebook or Eee PC now..

mbloof · #6 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 08:24 AM

Before you go run out and buy a B/G card.....

Next time your at the hotspot location with your laptop, make note of the connection speed. Most of the ones that I've sniffed out are using 'B'. Given that once connected they are going to limit you to 1MbPS or less, chances are that those 'B' transmitters are never going to be swapped out.

With that said...

there is another hidden hurdle for handheld users to overcome. Our Browsers.

Most of these spots assume IE6 or above and Java. The last free hotspot I tried, I connected, got the introduction/rules page and that was about it. Even with Opera it did not like my ax51v. I gave up.

KimChee · #7 (**permalink**) 03-24-2008, 04:14 PM

I was hoping you wouldn't say you had Opera, I have Opera and the new NF 3.5 on my x50v, I'll test it out next time I'm a public hotspot. I wonder if the new Opera will have that problem..What version of Opera are you using?

mbloof · #8 (**permalink**) 03-25-2008, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimChee

I was hoping you wouldn't say you had Opera, I have Opera and the new NF 3.5 on my x50v, I'll test it out next time I'm a public hotspot. I wonder if the new Opera will have that problem..What version of Opera are you using?

I don't have my 51v in front of me. I rebuilt it a few weeks ago, using a fresh version from the Opera website. (8.6?) I liked Opera so much I bought it a few x.x ago.

While it won't help you, I just opted for bluetooth tethering with my cell phone and don't bother with the hotspots anymore.