PDA s and wireless?

[vwlfan]

I know that DVCers can now use wireless at DVC. That's great. Here's my question, I really don't want to lug a laptop on a plane for all the obvious reasons. Add in that IF I have a laptop I might ACTUALLY do work at VWL whilst on vacation and then what was the point of being on vacation in the first place?

But I am an email addict and I do have a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant, otherwise known as a Pocket PC) that has wi fi and blue tooth and can pick up email for me when I am near a wi fi hot spot.

Don't think that I am an expert on these things just because I have this toy. I just like toys.

So, does anyone have any knowledge that a device like this will give me access to email?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[tjkraz]

AFAIK, the only service we receive for free is the wired access in guest rooms. Some Disney resorts have wireless, but it's in very limited areas (i.e. pool and lobby only at BWV.)

Your best shot would probably be picking up an open wi-fi hotspot that someone else has in their guest room. If another guest brings a travel router and leaves it open for all to connect, then you will be able to attach your device.

You could purchase your own wireless router, but I'm not sure that you would be able to fully configure the device and connect via your PDA. The ease of configuring routers will vary from one to the next. Often times you need a wired connection with a laptop to get the device running. Only then can you unplug and roam around the room on wi-fi.

 

[WolfpackFan]

So, does anyone have any knowledge that a device like this will give me access to email?

As far as email, sure you can access email on your Pocket PC via Wifi. I've done it many times. How easy, depends upon what service you use for email. If you use Gmail or something like Yahoo mail you can just access it thru IE on your Pocket PC. Also, you can use Pocket Outlook on the Pocket PC to access your email, but this will require a more technical setup.

Now another matter is using your Pocket PC with Wifi in your resort room. You will need a portable wireless router. Do a search on here and there have been several threads recently on how to use such a router in your room. I have to say, if you don't have any idea what I'm talking about above, you might want to consult your local, friendly geek to tell you in detail what you have to do.

 

[WolfpackFan]

You could purchase your own wireless router, but I'm not sure that you would be able to fully configure the device and connect via your PDA. The ease of configuring routers will vary from one to the next. Often times you need a wired connection with a laptop to get the device running. Only then can you unplug and roam around the room on wi-fi.

I think some folks have reported back that once they setup the portable router at home, that all they've had to do when traveling is plug it in and it's good to go. Should work fine with his Pocket PC.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I think some folks have reported back that once they setup the portable router at home, that all they've had to do when traveling is plug it in and it's good to go. Should work fine with his Pocket PC.

Yes, I just did this with the Linksys Travel router. I set it up at home, works great. I haven't tested it yet at DVC, I won't be able to test until next May. However, I see no reason why it will not work.

 

[tjkraz]

I think some folks have reported back that once they setup the portable router at home, that all they've had to do when traveling is plug it in and it's good to go. Should work fine with his Pocket PC.

Setting aside router concerns, my understanding is that before getting on-line DVC members are still presented with the pre-authorization screen in their web browser. On this screen cash guests are informed of the daily charge. For DVC it mentions the complimentary service, but guests must still acknowledge the web terms-of-use before full access is granted.

My big concern would be whether that could be done via a PPC web browser. I've been using a Windows Mobile smartphone for over 2 years now and have become painfully familiar with the many limitations of Pocket IE.

It may work just fine, but I would stop short of assuming that it would be as seamless as getting a laptop configured properly...particularly for a non-techie.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Setting aside router concerns, my understanding is that before getting on-line DVC members are still presented with the pre-authorization screen in their web browser. On this screen cash guests are informed of the daily charge. For DVC it mentions the complimentary service, but guests must still acknowledge the web terms-of-use before full access is granted.

My big concern would be whether that could be done via a PPC web browser. I've been using a Windows Mobile smartphone for over 2 years now and have become painfully familiar with the many limitations of Pocket IE.

This happens all the time at Hampton Inns. I have an iPhone which I connect via wifi there and I'm always presented with an initial sign in screen where you have to enter a sign in code and agree to their terms, etc. I've connected to these via laptops, my iPhone and my Dell Axim PPC. I really don't see how it would be any different at all at WDW with a travel router. Several folks have already reported back that they've used travel routers at WDW and they work fine. Using a laptop or a Pocket PC or an iPhone should make no difference at all. I know I plan on getting a travel router before our next WDW trip in December.