posted on April 2, 2001 12:17:23 PM new
I am looking for any input from anyone who has seen or especially used those cell phones that supposedly have access to the internet. I tried posting this in ebay, but no one responded. I can't tell you how many times I have been at Goodwill or a rummage sale and passed by a bargain because I didn't think it would sell, or bought a useless collectable. I would love to have access to ebay from the store so I could look it up. From what I've read you can access "certain web sites in text format", but it doesn't say which ones. I don't want to buy a laptop, but since I need a cell phone anyway for my job (auction stuff is not my full time job) I thought I could kill 2 birds with one stone. If anyone has a thought PLEASE let me know.
posted on April 2, 2001 01:39:47 PM new
There are a few aspects you will need to consider about using a web-enabled phone.
First, I think the most annoying to you would be the incredibly long time it takes to enter text and the extremely small screen you have to read the results from. Yes, ebay's mobile version of their site does work. I had the web access turned on for my Motorola StarTac 7868. That lasted one month. I tried doing some searches and decided it wasn't worth the hassle.
The keys of the phone are generally assigned 3 letters each. This takes a very long time to enter a search string. I have Verizon and every minute that clicks along entering text is taking from my minute allotment for my account. Yes, Verizon (at least in this area) takes the web browsing time off the minutes in the plan where the CellularOne carrier in this area charges a flat rate.
The results you get back are extremely truncated. You'll get the front end of the results lines but not enough to give you an informed opinion of what the item is or how much it is currently bid at because that is at the end of the line. So, you'll end up having to click and view every search return to see what it is.
I ended up going to a Compaq iPaq handheld PocketPC. I can now use regular web browsing and things are much more readable with much faster text entry.
posted on April 2, 2001 01:55:39 PM new
You are better off going for a PocketPC like avaloncourt, or a Palm Vx with OmniSky Wireless modem like me. I also have an Ericsson with free pre-defined web access, but text input on a phone is ridiculously cumbersome.
The upfront investment is costly, but you'll profit because you can perform real time searches. Either that, or call your friend up that has DSL/Cable available. And take him/her out to dinner often.
posted on April 2, 2001 02:06:40 PM new
I appreciate the replys. I don't necessarily mind the upfront cost so much as I hate having yet another monthly bill. As it is I pay $40.00 a month for my cable access modem (which I love), my husband doesn't want to shell out another $20.00 a month for internet. I assume that's what it will cost. Although we could have bought a heat transfer T-shirt press at a rummage for $30.00 - we passed it up, and by the time we returned home and realized we could have resold it on ebay for over $200.00 ..it was gone....that would have made it worthwhile.
Let me know if anyone else has any favorite handheld PC's that they like..maybe I'll shop on ebay tonight
posted on April 2, 2001 02:33:44 PM new
It would definitely be a more enjoyable experience to get away from the internet in a phone concept. There's quite a few handhelds out there right now. I own the Compaq iPaq as well as a Handspring Visor. I started out with the Visor and figured it would be all I needed. 7 months later I ended up with the iPaq. Right now the iPaqs are very popular and are in extremely short supply. They are difficult to find. Compaq is also releasing a new model (this week I think) which has double the amount of memory. Mine has 32Mb and I have a 128Mb compact flash memory card. The new one will have 64Mb built in. Things can get quite pricey very quickly. I have an Ethernet card for the home network and a regular modem for traveling. Along with the cases and foldable keyboard I have well over $1000 invested so far.
posted on April 2, 2001 03:11:18 PM new
I use my Samsung 8500 cell phone to access eBay through Sprint's Wireless Web Service all the time (mostly at Goodwill btw). Its not all that burdensome if you master it and I've made some good buys as a result (bought one shirt for $1.75 and resold for $310.00). Most web enabled cell phones come with a data entry method called T9 whereby you only hit each key once and it defaults to the most commonly used word based on those keystrokes (works great for common words). I use mine to mostly search through completed auctions sorted by highest prices first to get an idea of an items potential. You can use the full eBay search language to craft your query and narrow your search.
Sprint PCS Wireless Web costs $9.99/month and the minutes are deducted from your talktime, which is a bad thing. I'm thinking of switching to AT&T PocketNet and their unlimited access.
I used to use a Casio E-125 PocketPC cabled to a cell phone, but it really proved to be too cumbersome and slow loading graphics on Pocket IE. I prefer the speed of text based WAP access and being able to flip open my phone and search one-handed while skimming the racks.
When high speed wireless IP access hits my area though I'll probably switch back to a PocketPC.
[ edited by bemused on Apr 2, 2001 03:15 PM ]
