Re: Palm Software

[Brad Knowles <brad.knowles@skynet.be>]

At 11:17 AM -0500 2001/1/15, Bennett Samowich wrote:

>  With that said... the next part of my quest is to get the appropriate
>  modules (e.g. Ethernet, Wireless Network, etc.).  This brings me to my next
>  question.

	Are there any Springboard modules to handle wired Ethernet or 
802.11 wireless LAN networking?  I know about the various Springboard 
modules for wired and wireless WAN networking (see 
<http://www.handspring.com/products/springboard_news.jhtml>), but I 
don't see anything there for wired or wireless 802.11 LAN networks. 
Could you enlighten me?

	Also, have you seen the TRGpro?  It seems to me that this device 
is better positioned for handling standard CompactFlash cards, of 
which I believe that there is a much wider array of devices available 
(albeit perhaps not officially certified to work with the TRGpro).


	Myself, I was rummaging through some of my old boxes last night, 
and came across some of my old Newton stuff.  It occurred to me that 
the ideal handheld computer would seem to be something like a 
MessagePad 120 or a MessagePad 2100, what with the standard PCMCIA 
slot, etc....

	Indeed, the 2100 has decent grey-scale display, a fast processor 
(not really equalled or surpassed by anything I know of, perhaps 
excepting the new Compaq iPaq) Since I've got one of each (although 
the 2100 needs to have the power switch repaired), it finally has 
decent handwriting recognition, but of course can be retro-fitted 
with an on-screen keyboard (including something like the FITALY, 
which is designed to minimize stylus movements), and a whole bunch of 
other features.

	Man, who knew how far advanced Apple really was?  Anyway, does 
anyone know how they fare with the more modern PC Cards that are now 
available?  Can you use a Lucent WaveLAN card in them?  What about 
high-capacity CompactFlash cards?

>  Is it possible/is there software that can be run on PalmOS that makes the
>  handheld into a bit of a network diagnostics tool?  Thinking ping,
>  traceroute, packet capture, that sort of thing.  Perhaps that stuff comes
>  with the module.  The thought is to use the Visor to check a new network
>  node installation or debug a faulty one.

	If you wanted to go that route, I might be inclined to install 
Linux on the thing.

--
   These are my opinions -- not to be taken as official Skynet policy
======================================================================
Brad Knowles, <brad.knowles@skynet.be>