The Ricochet WebConnect! modem connects PCs, laptops or palmtops, via a serial or USB connection, to a 128 kbps wireless service. Now mobile users have true, high-speed access to the Internet, without tying up their cell phones. Since this access is “instant on”, mobile professionals now have secure access to information in both corporate networks or anywhere on the entire Internet, when they need it. Since the speed is over twice as fast as the mythical 56K land-line via dial-up connection, mobile users now have a much better connection than the majority of dialup users.

This 128K service is currently being provided by Metricom. Wireless WebConnect! has recently announced customer support for entire Metricom nework in the major metropolitan markets of Dallas, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Phoenix, San Francisco, San Jose, Atanta and San Diego. While Chicago (Reviews Online's closest metro area) isn’t amongst these supported cities yet, we have found out that Chi-town will get access by early 2001.

Now wireless access is making more sense. At 128K bps, “road warriors” now have fast, ISDN-rate wireless access, unlike the previously available 14.4 cellular and 28.8 wireless Internet connections that some of my business associates rave about. These slower speeds always seemed far too slow to get any real work done, unless it was for a specific task, using customized software applications that would efficiently utilize this limited bandwidth - not general purpose use. Now full screen graphical applications can more easily be used in the field, away from the office, since this 128K service will provide sufficient bandwidth for information gathering, order transmission and E-mail traffic WITH attachments.

Features

- Wireless 128 Kbps modem
- $300 (depending on service contract)
- $60 to $100 per month
- Instant-on, Always-on
- 5.125" x 3.5" x 0.875"
- Weight: 9.3oz, 13 oz w/ charger
- Areas served:

Copyright © 2006 Rick Smith All rights reserved.