On a recent trip around the United States, Canada, and Mexico, I tried to use my Pocket PC to stay in touch and conduct business, but in some places I was lucky to get dial-up access and many times there was no local number. Unless you’re staying at the biggest hotels in the biggest cities, you’d better be prepared with a dial-up account if you want to get online while on the road.
While there is a plethora of providers, I discovered most are not suitable for use with a Pocket PC. What disqualifies them is that they require software not compatible with a Pocket PC or they do not offer nationwide service. I’ve divided the ones that do work into two categories: The Big Guys (AOL, MSN, and Earthlink) and The Little Guys (Access4Less, Copper.net, and Highstream.net). The Big Guys have big prices—over $20 per month. The Little Guys charge less than half that amount.
Before signing up with a dial-up service, check into the features that each offers, such as spam and popup blockers, the number of free account names, Web site and e-mail storage, and free vs. fee support. Also be aware that some want signup fees, long-term contracts, and hefty cancellation fees.
Another consideration is how many access numbers an ISP has available at remote locations. My only experience with this has been with the Big Guys. I found that I could connect more often with Earthlink, probably because they built their system by buying up smaller ISPs. AOL and then MSN also had good coverage. All of the ISPs reviewed here have nationwide coverage of some kind.
The Big Guys
The Big Guys have widespread coverage and higher prices. They include the following providers:
AOL (http://www.aol.com)
AOL does require special software, AOL 2.0 for Pocket PC 2002, to connect to their service. It is available at Handango.com for $20. I wish they would reconsider charging for this software. As it is, they are scaring away Pocket PC users. Handango warns that the program is “not designed for Pocket PC 2003,” but it worked well for me on 2002 and 2003 devices. The program installs easily and enables the sending and receiving of e-mail, AIM or instant messaging, and Web surfing. It works equally well with a dial-up or wireless connection. AOL has by far the best technical support of the Big Guys, with 24/7 availability for free. What I really like about AOL is that for an extra $4.95 a month they give you voice mail service that delivers messages to your e-mail inbox. AOL does not offer POP3 accounts, but you can access a POP3 account through a Web browser.
AOL for Pocket PC lets you access AOL features from a Pocket PC. Windows Mobile 2003 devices are not officially supported by this program, but I had no problems getting it to work on my 2003 devices.
The regular cost of AOL is $23.90 per month for an unlimited access dial-up account. A reduced rate plan that includes only five hours is available for $9.95 a month. AOL also offers broadband service that includes a free dial-up account, as well as other options, to those already using another broadband service.
MSN (http://join.msn.com)
Unlike AOL, MSN does not require any special software other than the native dial-up networking software already onboard Pocket PCs, both 2002 and 2003. Follow the configuration wizard, put in the local access number, and you’re online.
In Windows Mobile 2003, go to the Start > Programs folder and look for the Pocket MSN butterfly logo. When you tap on it, it takes you to a screen that asks you to stay tuned and promises wonderful things in the fall of 2003, which has come and gone. Two of the promised features are available, Instant Messenger and Hotmail, which anyone can access. Instant Messenger works great on the Pocket PC, by the way. Other features and content are supposedly on the way for subscribers. To check up on this, visit Microsoft’s MSN Mobile Web site (http://sms.mobile.msn.com).
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