Replacing a Cell Phone: Report on a Treo 700wx for RV Use
Replacing a Cell Phone: Report on a Treo 700wx
for RV Use
Source: http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Rec/rec.outdoors.rv−travel/2008−01/msg02588.html
• From: Steve Wolf
• Date: Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:36:21 −0500
Like many, I used my Motorola E815 cell phone in the RV to connect to the Internet. The charge port on my
E815 began failing. I went to Verizon, telling a tale of how I might be stuck half way through another contract
should I renew my expired contract. Was Assurion's $50 replacement my only option? Was a smart phone an
option? I'm familiar with Blackberry devices. I did not want to deal with MS servers. That brings too many
limitations.
I learned that one can obtain and use a phone from a friend. I found a "friend" on eBay, one who sells many
phones, having a couple thousand positive feedback responses. I bought a Verizon Palm Treo 700wx. I use a
Dell Axim Windows Mobile device in my work and life. I wanted the operating system I was comfortable
with. The phone cost me $167. They are $400 new. The phone is like new.
I called Verizon and in about five minutes I had a like−new working phone. The lady at Verizon suggested
that should I like to try data, they'd be open until 11 pm. She knew. After playing with the phone and getting
all my applications running properly, I couldn't resist. I changed my plan from a $40 450 minute plan to a
month−to−month $80 450 minute and data plan. I cannot envision myself going back.
My whole outlook has changed. I am not keyed on the need to get data to the PC. I don't really need the PC.
My email address is on all my web pages, my USENET messages and my email. That results in a lot of spam.
I see none of it on my phone.
I use Popfile, a free Bayesian email filter to tag spam on my personal email and web server that is in
continuous operation at home. Thunderbird puts the spam in its own directory. I also use it to tag various
newsletters I need to read and Thunderbird puts those in another folder. I use Popfile "magnets" to force
known good domains and addresses into the inbox. My inbox is left with valid, important messages. Each
inbox message is forwarded to another email account I set up to serve my phone. The phone sucks the valid
email off that account.
Rather than have email be tied to a computer, it becomes much closer, of much more use. Once in a while I
can connect up and check my spam folder, read my newsletters and take care of long responses. I read
USENET. I can also do all that remotely −− using the phone with or without a keyboard. I don't really need a
PC.
I had no clue that my Palm Treo 700wx would completely redefine the experience. It is obvious that this
change is more significant than I now understand it to be. There is more potential here than I recognize.
Cool.
Replacing a Cell Phone: Report on a Treo 700wx for RV Use 1
Replacing a Cell Phone: Report on a Treo 700wx for RV Use
Recommended.
Steve
www.wolfswords.com under the motorhome link
.
Replacing a Cell Phone: Report on a Treo 700wx for RV Use 2