Wireless Muse: Reiter's Wireless Internet Weblog

My "Internet Evolution" column: What's the truth about municipal WiFi?

It hasn’t been a good 12 months for the proponents of municipal WiFi.  Many publications are writing about the “death” or, at least, the failure of many municipal WiFi efforts.

Earthlink’s abandonment of the business — for which it created a specific venture and won multiple city contracts — has helped to spark the large number of articles.  It’s a complicated issue, and there isn’t one specific reason why large-scale WiFi systems have had problems.

I wrote about the problems in my weekly mobile communications column for CMP’s “Internet Evolution” Web site (see below).  Municipal WiFi systems have had to face such challenges as cost overruns, in-building penetration, underestimating the number of hotspots required and trying to satisfy too many target markets.

However, this isn’t the end of WiFi for cities.  There are potential opportunities in smaller cities, for vertical market applications and also as a component of other telecommunications networks.

For more information, check out my column, including some of the interesting links to other articles provided in the comments.

Asus Eee PC 701: First impressions - Everything's fine except keyboard, touchpad

This afternoon I received my Asus Eee PC 701 (see below; BlackBerry Curve 8320 photo).  Although there are so many reviews and discussions about this subnotebook, I’m adding my initial impressions after using it for about an hour.

I read so many reviews about the Eee PC before I ordered and received it that there aren’t any surprises.  Although I have only spent an hour with it, I’ve used so many computers (desktops, laptops, subnotebooks) that an hour is fine for me to have a good idea about what I like and dislike.

I got the $400 “4G” version.  No, that has nothing to do with cellular.  It means it has 512 MB of RAM, a 4 GB Solid State Disk (SSD) and a built in video camera.

What I like

1.  Nicely constructed.  Feels solid and sturdy and looks good — not at all cheap.

2.  The seven-inch screen is fine.  Bright enough.  Sure, the relatively low resolution of 800 x 480 means I have to sometimes scroll to see entire Web pages, but that doesn’t bother me.

3.  It connected very quickly to my WiFi router and the signal remained strong and fast.

4.  I’m a keyboard fanatic and the keys feel good.  The tactile feedback is fine.  However, more about the keyboard in the next section.

5.  The Linux-based OS and bundled applications software are fine.  With OpenOffice, Firefox, Gmail, etc., I have no problems using the Eee PC for most, if not all, of what I typically do with a computer.  Also, I’m a fan of using “the cloud” for many applications, as I’ve written.

6.  The speakers, albeit tiny, are better than the crappy speaker on my much more expensive and larger IBM/Lenovo X41 Tablet PC.  I was listening to music from Pandora while several Firefox windows were displayed, and the music sounded just fine. (I really like Pandora.)

7.  The charger is, as others have written, closer in size to a cellular phone charger than the typical large, heavy power brick of laptop computers.  Also, the prongs fold into the charger so they don’t stick out when traveling.

8.  When I plugged my Microsoft wireless optical mouse transceiver into a USB port (see the photo), the Eee PC immediately recognized it.  I use the Microsoft mouse for another computer, so I might get a Logitech wireless mouse that seems to have received good reviews.

What I don’t like

There are many more things about a Eee PC that I like than I don’t like.  However, one or two of the “don’t likes” might cause me to return the computer.  As with the “likes,” I had read about the dislikes in the reviews and user comments, but there’s no substitute for spending time using the computer.

1.  The touchpad is small, but that’s not a problem for me.  However, I really dislike the responsiveness — or lack thereof — of the single, silver mouse button bar directly below the touchpad, as you may see in the photo.  The mouse bar is narrow, of course, but the main problem is it’s really stiff and difficult to press.

However, this isn’t too much of a problem because I can use a travel mouse.  Carrying a mouse is a bit of a pain because it’s an extra device to carry, but it isn’t a big deal.  I can live with it, and the Microsoft mouse I plugged in works well.

2.  The keyboard’s space bar isn’t as responsive as I’d like.  I seem to have to hit it harder and perhaps more in the center that I’d prefer.  I have been running words together when I type because the space bar isn’t recognizing my touch.

Perhaps I could get used to that.  All the other keys seem to be sufficiently responsive.

3.  The keyboard is cramped and I make many more mistakes than when using a full sized keyboard.  Of course I knew it was a small keyboard, but I needed to test it.  I need to spend more time using it to see whether it’s acceptable.

The right shift key is small — the same size as the other letter keys — and it’s more difficult to hit than the larger left shift key.  I knew about this, too, and I think I can get used to it.

I don’t have huge hands, but I found my fingers were getting a bit cramped when typing.  However, I found that that when I sat at desk using a chair that was the proper height, it was much much.

3.  Wireless modems require hacking the Linux OS or installing Windows XP (Asus includes drivers for XP).  As a wireless data consultant I test a variety of tethered handsets and standalone cellular modems.  Again, I knew all about this and I certainly can install a copy of Windows XP that I already own.

Perhaps I shouldn’t even place this in the “don’t like” section because installing XP should eliminate the need to hack Linux to recognize the modems; all manufacturers include drivers for XP.

Return for updated model, new manufacturer?

Some time between April and this summer, Asus is slated to offer the Eee PC 900 that features an 8.9–inch screen at a resolution of 1024 x 600, either Linux or Windows XP installed, more RAM and a larger SSD.  Again, I’ve read and seen a lot about this.   The jkkmobile video notes the touchpad and mouse bar are slightly larger, and the mouse bar might be more responsive.

Those certainly are significant upgrades.  However, the keyboard is basically the same size.  So if I can’t get used to my Eee PC’s keyboard, the 900 isn’t going to make a difference.

By this summer, supposedly, HP will be introducing its Eee PC “killer” — the 2133 (see left).  If the rumors are correct, the 2133 will feature a keyboard that is 95 percent of “normal” for a laptop.  The HP subnotebook will weigh a few more ounces (2.5 pounds) than the two-pound Eee PC or the two-pound-plus (I haven’t seen the exact weight) of the Eee PC 900.  Also, the 2133 is expected to be more powerful.

Looking at competitors

I don’t need a more powerful subnotebook than the Eee PC.  But a larger keyboard would be a huge advantage — perhaps the deciding factor — assuming the 2133 isn’t heavier than 2.5 pounds.  For me, once a notebook computer gets close to three pounds, it’s no longer a take-without-thinking-about product.

I really want to like the 4G.  I might take it to the CTIA’s Wireless 2008 conference in Las Vegas next month, which is a major reason I purchased it now rather than waiting for the 900.

But if I can’t type fast enough on the keyboard without making too many mistakes, I’m going to return it to Costco — that has a 90–day return policy (that’s reason I bought it there!).  I’ll wait to see what HP and any other competitors have to offer.

2008: The year to buy a cellular/WiFi phone

If you’ve never had a cellular phone that also includes WiFi, you are missing something. And, 2008 is likely to be The Year of Cellular/WiFi phones….if handset manufacturers are smart.

Why do you want WiFi in your phone:

1.  It’s faster, probably, than your cellular connection.  Yes, 1xEV-DO and HSDPA are good, but in many cases WiFi is significantly faster, upstream and downstream.  That means surfing the Web and retrieving e-mail, as examples, can be a much better experience.

2.  It’s cheaper.  For many applications, you pay nothing — if you’re at a free WiFi hotspot — or a modest amount for unlimited use.  Compare your monthly cellular airtime bill to, for example, a $20–per-month WiFi bill to use T-Mobile’s hotspots.

3.  VoIP.  This is going to be very, very important.  If you have VoIP peer-to-peer software on your cellular phone via WiFi, there’s a good chance you won’t be paying extra for your calls.  No cellular airtime. 

Moreover, if you can’t get cellular coverage in your house or if the coverage is poor, you might be able to use VoIP on your phone, such as via T-Mobile’s $20–per-month UMA-based Hotspot@Home service.  I know one technology consultant, Jim Opfer, who wanted GPS on his cellular phone more than WiFi, for which he didn’t see much use.  But he couldn’t get cellular coverage — except on his deck — from any cellular operator.

He signed up with Hotspot@Home and now his cellular phone is usable inside his house.  He’s completely changed his tune.  He loves WiFi on his phone.

Update (1/2/08):  Jim writes about his love of WiFi on a cellular phone with Google Maps’ new location feature (see left) in his most recent blog post.

4.  Greater Web functionality.  Sure you can use your handset to access the Web, but in many cases that functionality is crippled.  Let me give you one example:

I listen to lots of technology podcasts, that I typically download to my computer via iTunes and then transfer via a cable to my BlackBerry Curve 8320 (or other cellular phone).  The Curve can download and play mp3 files,  But if I use EDGE, the files are often too large and a message pops up on the handset that indicates the file can’t be downloaded.

This afternoon I was listening to one of my favorite technology podcasts, Mobile Technology RoundUp, while I was eating lunch at Panera (that has free WiFi).  One of the podcasters mentioned another mobile tech podcast. 

I tried downloading that 66 MB podcast via EDGE, but it was too large.  I turned on the Curve’s WiFi and tried streaming it, but I couldn’t do that.

However, when I clicked “save,” I was able to download and save the audio file to the Curve’s 2 GB microSD card.  (I’m deciding whether to purchase a 4 GB card or wait until, perhaps, this January when I can update the Curve to accept 8 GB cards and purchase one of those).

Consider a cellular/WiFi phone!

Mark my words:  WiFi on cellular phones will be a killer app for some users.  I wrote more about this in my “Thinkernet” column on CMP’s “Internet Evolution” Web site.

The big deal of WiFi on cellular phones

I'm a huge fan of cellular phones that incorporate WiFi.  Once you have WiFi in your phone you're unlikely to want to purchase another phone without it.

Firstly, Web based applications are generally much faster than over cellular.  Yes, I know, sometimes WiFi connections aren't particularly good, while sometimes HSDPA and 1xEV-DO provide better data rates than WiFi.  I also am well aware of the local coverage "islands" of WiFi versus cellular's wide area coverage.

These issues notwithstanding, using WiFi for access the Web often trumps cellular for speed.

WiFi rocks with cellular

Secondly, WiFi will be a very big deal for VoIP.  For consumers and businesses, WiFi will make a significant difference for decreasing costs and enhancing coverage compared to cellular.

Thirdly, we are becoming so dependent on wireless communications that having a second wireless network as a back-up is a good idea.  Want a useful example?  T-Mobile's cellular network in my market, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, sometimes crashes for data services.

As a result, I can't get my BlackBerry e-mail via EDGE.  But my BlackBerry has Gmail software, and copies of my e-mail are forwarded to multiple e-mail addresses.  If EDGE goes down, I can access e-mail on my BlackBerry (and other cellular phones) via WiFi.

More on "Thinkernet"

I write much more about this in my latest "Thinkernet" column, "Wi-Fi Calling," (see above) on CMP's "Internet Evolution" Web site.

RIM BlackBerry 8320 Curve WiFi works well at public hotspots

Ever since I received Research in Motion's new BlackBerry 8320 Curve at the company's Industry Analyst Summit in early September I've been playing around with its WiFi capabilities.

I've been using it more for consumer-type rather than business oriented environments.  For example, I've used the 8320 in homes using WiFi with DSL and a cable modem and have had no problem connecting quickly after the BlackBerry scanned for networks and I entered the security code (such as WEP).

I also connected at several public hotspots, including Panera.  At Panera, as with many public hotspots, you have to first open your browser that then should default to Panera's WiFi log-in page.

Necessary to turn off EDGE

Although the 8320's browser doesn't display the Panera page well, it does a good enough job so you can scroll down to the required check box and also the connect bar.  If I remember correctly, when the 8320 was set to access both GSM EDGE and WiFi, it did not default to the Panera page.  It connected via EDGE instead of WiFi and opened a Web page I selected from my bookmarks rather than Panera's.

However, when I turned off EDGE (and it's very easy to do with the "Manage Connections" menu), the browser defaulted to Panera's WiFi page, regardless of the Web page I opened.

I also tried connecting to a few free public hotspots, such as a hotel's, and I didn't have any problem.  I wasn't able to connect to a couple of free sites, such as at a bookstore, but it's possible the  WiFi service was down.

Faster than EDGE

I read a report on one weblog about WiFi not being significantly faster than EDGE.  Typically that hasn't been my experience.  I use different BlackBerrys to frequently browse the Web, and pages on the 8320 usually load faster via WiFi than EDGE.

I haven't yet used T-Mobile's UMA VoIP service at home.  The 8320 would use WiFi, rather than cellular,  for voice conversations and then switch automatically to cellular when out of range of WiFi.

RIM Industry Analyst Summit highlights WiFi, GPS

I recently attended Research in Motion's (RIM) Industry Analyst Summit at its headquarters in Waterloo, Ontario.  It was a valuable and fun time that combined plenary sessions and break-out panel discussions as well as good food, a Toronto harbor river boat cruise, a day of touring in downtown Toronto and a performance of "King Lear" at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

RIM displayed a variety of new handsets, that I can't discuss because they haven't been officially announced.

However, I can say that GPS and WiFi will be two of the most important new technologies for RIM.  Although RIM certainly is interested in capturing a share of the consumer market, especially with its Pearl (81xx) handsets, the company's focus remains the enterprise.

So, use your imagination about how GPS and WiFi could be incorporated into corporate applications.  Also, if you've been reading "BlackBerry Cool" or the "Boy Genius Report" you have a good idea of upcoming phones from various leaked reports and photos.

Update (9/24/07):  Today RIM and T-Mobile announced the new Curve 8320 that incorporates WiFi in addition to its two megapixel camera that was included on the first, 8300, Curve.  The 8320 was one of the phones on display at the RIM conference and I was fortunate to be able to get one to test.

I haven't written a detailed review of the 8320; I'm sure many others will do that.  But if you're interested in the camera aspects of the new BlackBerry, take a look at the article and photos I've posted on my camera phone weblog.

I also posted photos I took with the 8320 on a moblog (see above).

Suggestions for interference-free VoIP phone?

I'm looking for a corded/cordless phone that can be used with my home VoIP system and 802.11g WiFi router.

I use AT&T CallVantage VoIP service (that I like) that includes a D-Link telephone Adapter (from CallVantage)  and a Linksyn 802.11g router. 

I want a good phone system that combines (1) a corded phone “base station” that includes (a) a phone attached with a cord (duh!), (b) a speakerphone, (c) a headphone jack, (d) a nice-to-have-feature:  an answering machine that can record long conversations -- for when I'm conducting interviews -- and (e) operation on 5.8GHz so it doesn't interfere with the 2.4GHz WiFi system.

Interference problems

AT&T CallVantage tells me that a digital phone won't work well when used in combination with its VoIP Telephone Adapter and a WiFi router.  AT&T says I need an analog phone.

I have been on conversations with several people who use cordless phones with their home VoIP/WiFi network and the voice quality is often poor.  My old analog corded phone works just fine but I want a corded/cordless systems.

I'd consider two 5.8 GHz cordless phones if the quality was superb and at least one phone included a headphone jack and speakerphone.

Not easy to find

Most of the phones I've seen are (1) digital and/or (2) operate at 2.4GHz and/or (3) don't have the features I want.

AT&T doesn't have an acceptable system.  I assume lots of VoIP users with WiFi -- especially home office users -- would love to get a full featured corded + cordless phone system that would work well.

Anyone have any suggestions for such a system?  Are there any phone systems, even business phones from Nortel or other companies, that would work on my simple (non-PBX) home system?