Look Mac, I'm just gonna tell you once - you have to back up to the web with XDrive Try it free
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Miss your computer while away from home? Cheer up, GoToMyPC lets you access it from anywhere.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Review
Created: June, 2000
Wireless phones have become a way of life for the urban dweller.
Cellular phone access has become widespread. But for those who
live and work off the beaten path, wireless conveniences are
less accessible.
Satellite-based communications are becoming more cost-effective,
however, and could help change that. Globalstar's GSP 1600 satellite
phone is case in point.
Once upon a time, satellite phones required a portable dish
or port-a-pack to provide go-anywhere voice communications.
Globalstar's GSP 1600 phone provides that service in a handset
that slightly longer than two cellular phones stacked together.
The phone is in what's called "tri-mode." That means
it works with an analog cellular network, a digital cellular
network (the so-called PCS, or personal communications services)
or Globalstar's satellite service.
It can be set up to work with a cellular provider when a signal
is available and otherwise use Globalstar's satellite connection.
The phone switches automatically between providers or you can
assign them manually.
The device has a traditional cell antenna that can be put up
and down, but when satellite service is accessed you have to
rotate a cigar-sized antenna skyward to get reception. It locks
into one of two 45-degree-angle positions so that when the phone
is held to the ear it points to the heavens.
The phone requires line of sight to the satellite, so it won't
work indoors, under the cover of trees or, in some cases, in
the shadow of a building. But out in the field, where there
are no obstructions, the phone works marvelously. The sound
quality is comparable to analog cellular service.
This coverage extends across North America and in a total of
39 countries around the world. Globalstar says it plans to introduce
service in more than 80 countries this year.
The system uses 48 satellites, which act as mirrors that reflect
the call signal back to land-based gateways. The service will
also work at sea, up to 300 miles off shore. Beyond that, the
gateways are out of range.
The phone, which is built with Qualcomm technology, has a LCD
(liquid crystal display) screen with a variety of settings that
most cellular users have come to expect from their phones.
An on-screen phone book, call history and messaging facilities
are built in. When available through a cellular service provider,
voice mail and Short Message Service text mail can be accessed.
It also comes with a charger that handles 240-volt power systems
for global travelers.
Aimed at workers in forestry, mining and other remote field
industries, the phone bears a hefty $1,499 US ($1,995 Canadian)
price tag.
That's heart stopping compared to cellular phone prices -- but
this phone demonstrates how far satellite phone technology has
come.
Reviewer's rating: 4 / 5
Comments: The Globalstar GSP 1600 satellite phone isn't
for you if you don't work remotely, but for those that need
communications outside of urban areas, it is a viable product
that works as advertised.
More info: http://www.globalstar.ca
Canada: 1-877-GLBLSTAR or 1-877-452-5782
US: 1-877-728-7466 or 1-877-SATPHONE
Price, handset: $1,499 US, $1,995 Canadian.
Canadian airtime: Three packages are available, starting
with a basic fee of $29.95 per month with an airtime charge
of $2.49 per minute. A top-end package costs $275 per month
and includes 120 free minutes, after which a $1.99-per-minute
fee applies.
U.S. airtime: Four packages are available, starting with
a basic fee of $29.99 per month with an airtime charge of $1.69
per minute. A top-end package costs $369.99 per month and includes
150 free minutes, after which a $1.39-per-minute fee applies.
Roaming charges outside North America average $2 US ($3 Canadian)
per minute.
|
Adding RAM is easy, 