lefei
23rd March 2004, 04:23 PM
Introduction
The Bluetooth hype is the talk of town. Every mobile phone manufacturer has their own Bluetooth handset. So do the handheld manufacturers. Palm(TM) has the Palm Bluetooth Card (http://www.palm.com/products/accessories/expansioncards/bluetooth/) for handhelds with SD slots. Users of Palm V series handhelds, the handheld that brought Palm(TM) much fanfare, now have the Bluetooth option too! The WAVEclip from Sunderland Technologies provides wireless connectivity to Bluetooth compliant devices for Palm V/Vx/IBM Workpad c3 handhelds.
Bluetooth-enable your Palm V handheld with WAVEclip
WAVEclip brings the wireless Bluetooth connectivity to Palm V handheld users. Think of Bluetooth as a wire replacement technology and think of WAVEclip as the socket for the handheld.
The WAVEclip comes as a clip-on Bluetooth adapter for Palm V series handhelds. Applications range from synchronizing wirelessly with PC/notebooks, data connection with phone, file transfer with another Bluetooth-enabled device within the proximity or the unit, or even chat wirelessly with another user across the room. Accomplish these without cables that are limited by direct line-of-sight.
Connecting to Mobile Phone
The WAVEclip can be setup to establish a GPRS / GSM data link with a Bluetooth mobile phone. First, the mobile phone and the WAVEclip have to be paired (one-time setup) through the provided WAVEctrl application. The handheld then connects to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) by making a Dialup connection through a Serial-to-Modem configuration under the Preferences-Connection menu on the handheld.
Once a connection is established, checking email, updating AvantGo content and running ICQ for Palm are just some of the possibilities even with your mobile phone nicely tucked away in the bag or pocket. Line-of-sight is the issue here, which is a requirement for Infra-red connections to mobile phone (a popular option tech-savvy handheld-users choose to link up with their mobile phones).
Though the mobile phone is hidden away from sight, it somehow bothered me that I'm now carrying additional weight on my wrist, "away from sight", under my handheld. After all, it is a one-piece solution and I have my other hand free to hold a stylus, or onto a support bar on a travelling bus.
Size
WAVEclip takes upon the size and shape of the Palm V modem (12.5 x 8.3 x 1.5cm). Weighing slightly less than the handheld itself, I wish that WAVEclip could be smaller and lighter.
Just how far can you "roam"?
For Class 2 Bluetooth devices, as in the case of the WAVEclip -- up to 10 meters (conditions apply). And when you're behind concrete walls and do not have line-of-sight, it gets less, and that's technology's limitation. Think of it as a low-power requirement (compared to mobile phones) and you'll appreciate it better. Anyhow, it does well if you're trying to connect to a mobile phone tucked inside your trousers pocket, or backpack.
Power consumption
As Bluetooth communication draws more power than wired-communication, Sunderland designed WAVEclip with its own power source so that the handheld's battery power can be better used for mission-critical applications and data. WAVEclip was designed to accept commercially available rechargeable batteries (two AAA sized). Fully charged batteries are expected to last eight continuous hours of transmission, enough to match that of the handheld alone.
How well does it work?
The WAVEclip works fine with the WAVEcard (available separately from Sunderland). I was able to perform a HotSyncŪ via Bluetooth after the necessary drivers were setup.
The WAVEclip was tested to detect a Palm Bluetooth Card too. The Palm Bluetooth Card was detected successfully by the WAVEclip. However no service connection was made, as no Bluetooth-capable application was available at review time.
How fast does it connect?
Inquiry scan takes only 8 seconds (configurable). Up to 7 devices can be detected during scan. Once a device is detected, selecting and connection does not take up much time.
What's the data transfer speed?
Unfortunately, Palm V series handhelds can only reach a maximum speed of 115kbps through its serial port. WAVEclip connects to this port, and so inherited the bottleneck to speed of data transfer. But 115kbps is sufficient for GPRS / GSM data communication.
However, Bluetooth HotSyncŪ feels marginally slower compared to serial HotSyncŪ. If only communications with a PC / notebook could be faster.
Other Features
The WAVEclip features a HotSyncŪ button, Low-battery indicator, and Charging Indicator lights. Pressing the HotSyncŪ button automatically connects the handheld with the default PC to perform a HotSyncŪ operation.
The WAVEclip has a power socket capable of accepting the 5-pin socket that comes with the Palm V series handheld. While recharging the WAVEclip batteries, any handheld connected to it will also be recharged!
Supported Applications
<DIR><DIR>
Bluetooth HotSyncŪ
Dial-up Networking to Bluetooth-Enabled Mobile Phone (eg. Erisson R520m and T39)
Wireless Printing to SPP printer through 3rd party applications
</DIR></DIR>Supported Bluetooth Profiles <DIR><DIR>
Generic Access
Dial-up Networking
Serial Port
Service Discovery
</DIR></DIR>Bundled Applications <DIR><DIR>
AvantGo 4.0
Enotate (Trial Version 1.21)
Eudora Internet Suite 2.1
FAX Application for Palm OSŪ (Evaluation Version)
Acrobat Reader 4.0
</DIR></DIR>Requirement <DIR><DIR>
Palm V / Vx / IBM workpad c3 handheld
Palm OSŪ 3.5.2 and above
Another Bluetooth 1.1 compliant device
</DIR></DIR>Ease of Use
The WAVEclip comes with several driver applications. WAVEctrl provides an interface to connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device. Functions are represented by icons lined across the screen. The icons represent (from left to right):
<DIR><DIR>
Add device,
Remove device,
Find Bluetooth device,
Connect to device,
Disconnect,
Get service
</DIR></DIR>Although sophisticated Bluetooth technicalities have been hidden from user, I felt that the operation can be made simpler and the software can be more user-friendly. Take for example, before selecting a function (icon), the device has to be highlighted -- even though there may only be just one obvious device on the list. Also, when a new device has been detected by an Inquiry scan, the name of the device is not automatically inquired. On other occasions, applications also caused fatal resets, especially annoying when one of the errors read "General Protection Fault. Null String Error," the result of poor error handling while developing software. The overall impression has been marred by poor software design.
Availability and Cost
The WAVEclip is available from http://www.sunland-group.com (http://www.sunland-group.com/) for $320.
Pro
Connect wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled devices, especially Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone
Longer useable hours with separate power source that does not draw power from handheld
Can recharge handheld and WAVEclip(TM) internal batteries together
Work with 2 x AAA Alkaline battery
Con
User-interface (software) can be improved
Bluetooth HotSyncŪ is slightly slower than Serial HotSyncŪ due to protocol overhead
Most leather cases, protective case do not go well with WAVEclip(TM)
Expensive
Eventually, WAVEclip(TM) needs to be recharged -- by wire-line. How about contact-less charging, or an option to draw handheld power instead? Or even act as backup battery for handheld?
Conclusion
The WAVEclip provides a Bluetooth solution that was previously only available to users of Palm m505 and m130 with a built-in SD slot. However, it is unlikely to become main-stream, must-have item for all Palm V series handheld owner due to the high cost of ownership. Until development and manufacturing costs of the Bluetooth solution is brought down considerably, the WAVEclip remains far from being a low-cost option for many consumers.
Ratings
Review by Ng Pei Sin (psng7@pmail.ntu.edu.sg)
8 Nov, 2002
The Bluetooth hype is the talk of town. Every mobile phone manufacturer has their own Bluetooth handset. So do the handheld manufacturers. Palm(TM) has the Palm Bluetooth Card (http://www.palm.com/products/accessories/expansioncards/bluetooth/) for handhelds with SD slots. Users of Palm V series handhelds, the handheld that brought Palm(TM) much fanfare, now have the Bluetooth option too! The WAVEclip from Sunderland Technologies provides wireless connectivity to Bluetooth compliant devices for Palm V/Vx/IBM Workpad c3 handhelds.
Bluetooth-enable your Palm V handheld with WAVEclip
WAVEclip brings the wireless Bluetooth connectivity to Palm V handheld users. Think of Bluetooth as a wire replacement technology and think of WAVEclip as the socket for the handheld.
The WAVEclip comes as a clip-on Bluetooth adapter for Palm V series handhelds. Applications range from synchronizing wirelessly with PC/notebooks, data connection with phone, file transfer with another Bluetooth-enabled device within the proximity or the unit, or even chat wirelessly with another user across the room. Accomplish these without cables that are limited by direct line-of-sight.
Connecting to Mobile Phone
The WAVEclip can be setup to establish a GPRS / GSM data link with a Bluetooth mobile phone. First, the mobile phone and the WAVEclip have to be paired (one-time setup) through the provided WAVEctrl application. The handheld then connects to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) by making a Dialup connection through a Serial-to-Modem configuration under the Preferences-Connection menu on the handheld.
Once a connection is established, checking email, updating AvantGo content and running ICQ for Palm are just some of the possibilities even with your mobile phone nicely tucked away in the bag or pocket. Line-of-sight is the issue here, which is a requirement for Infra-red connections to mobile phone (a popular option tech-savvy handheld-users choose to link up with their mobile phones).
Though the mobile phone is hidden away from sight, it somehow bothered me that I'm now carrying additional weight on my wrist, "away from sight", under my handheld. After all, it is a one-piece solution and I have my other hand free to hold a stylus, or onto a support bar on a travelling bus.
Size
WAVEclip takes upon the size and shape of the Palm V modem (12.5 x 8.3 x 1.5cm). Weighing slightly less than the handheld itself, I wish that WAVEclip could be smaller and lighter.
Just how far can you "roam"?
For Class 2 Bluetooth devices, as in the case of the WAVEclip -- up to 10 meters (conditions apply). And when you're behind concrete walls and do not have line-of-sight, it gets less, and that's technology's limitation. Think of it as a low-power requirement (compared to mobile phones) and you'll appreciate it better. Anyhow, it does well if you're trying to connect to a mobile phone tucked inside your trousers pocket, or backpack.
Power consumption
As Bluetooth communication draws more power than wired-communication, Sunderland designed WAVEclip with its own power source so that the handheld's battery power can be better used for mission-critical applications and data. WAVEclip was designed to accept commercially available rechargeable batteries (two AAA sized). Fully charged batteries are expected to last eight continuous hours of transmission, enough to match that of the handheld alone.
How well does it work?
The WAVEclip works fine with the WAVEcard (available separately from Sunderland). I was able to perform a HotSyncŪ via Bluetooth after the necessary drivers were setup.
The WAVEclip was tested to detect a Palm Bluetooth Card too. The Palm Bluetooth Card was detected successfully by the WAVEclip. However no service connection was made, as no Bluetooth-capable application was available at review time.
How fast does it connect?
Inquiry scan takes only 8 seconds (configurable). Up to 7 devices can be detected during scan. Once a device is detected, selecting and connection does not take up much time.
What's the data transfer speed?
Unfortunately, Palm V series handhelds can only reach a maximum speed of 115kbps through its serial port. WAVEclip connects to this port, and so inherited the bottleneck to speed of data transfer. But 115kbps is sufficient for GPRS / GSM data communication.
However, Bluetooth HotSyncŪ feels marginally slower compared to serial HotSyncŪ. If only communications with a PC / notebook could be faster.
Other Features
The WAVEclip features a HotSyncŪ button, Low-battery indicator, and Charging Indicator lights. Pressing the HotSyncŪ button automatically connects the handheld with the default PC to perform a HotSyncŪ operation.
The WAVEclip has a power socket capable of accepting the 5-pin socket that comes with the Palm V series handheld. While recharging the WAVEclip batteries, any handheld connected to it will also be recharged!
Supported Applications
<DIR><DIR>
Bluetooth HotSyncŪ
Dial-up Networking to Bluetooth-Enabled Mobile Phone (eg. Erisson R520m and T39)
Wireless Printing to SPP printer through 3rd party applications
</DIR></DIR>Supported Bluetooth Profiles <DIR><DIR>
Generic Access
Dial-up Networking
Serial Port
Service Discovery
</DIR></DIR>Bundled Applications <DIR><DIR>
AvantGo 4.0
Enotate (Trial Version 1.21)
Eudora Internet Suite 2.1
FAX Application for Palm OSŪ (Evaluation Version)
Acrobat Reader 4.0
</DIR></DIR>Requirement <DIR><DIR>
Palm V / Vx / IBM workpad c3 handheld
Palm OSŪ 3.5.2 and above
Another Bluetooth 1.1 compliant device
</DIR></DIR>Ease of Use
The WAVEclip comes with several driver applications. WAVEctrl provides an interface to connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device. Functions are represented by icons lined across the screen. The icons represent (from left to right):
<DIR><DIR>
Add device,
Remove device,
Find Bluetooth device,
Connect to device,
Disconnect,
Get service
</DIR></DIR>Although sophisticated Bluetooth technicalities have been hidden from user, I felt that the operation can be made simpler and the software can be more user-friendly. Take for example, before selecting a function (icon), the device has to be highlighted -- even though there may only be just one obvious device on the list. Also, when a new device has been detected by an Inquiry scan, the name of the device is not automatically inquired. On other occasions, applications also caused fatal resets, especially annoying when one of the errors read "General Protection Fault. Null String Error," the result of poor error handling while developing software. The overall impression has been marred by poor software design.
Availability and Cost
The WAVEclip is available from http://www.sunland-group.com (http://www.sunland-group.com/) for $320.
Pro
Connect wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled devices, especially Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone
Longer useable hours with separate power source that does not draw power from handheld
Can recharge handheld and WAVEclip(TM) internal batteries together
Work with 2 x AAA Alkaline battery
Con
User-interface (software) can be improved
Bluetooth HotSyncŪ is slightly slower than Serial HotSyncŪ due to protocol overhead
Most leather cases, protective case do not go well with WAVEclip(TM)
Expensive
Eventually, WAVEclip(TM) needs to be recharged -- by wire-line. How about contact-less charging, or an option to draw handheld power instead? Or even act as backup battery for handheld?
Conclusion
The WAVEclip provides a Bluetooth solution that was previously only available to users of Palm m505 and m130 with a built-in SD slot. However, it is unlikely to become main-stream, must-have item for all Palm V series handheld owner due to the high cost of ownership. Until development and manufacturing costs of the Bluetooth solution is brought down considerably, the WAVEclip remains far from being a low-cost option for many consumers.
Ratings
Review by Ng Pei Sin (psng7@pmail.ntu.edu.sg)
8 Nov, 2002