Avantgo Brings the Web to My iPAQ - Even Without a Modem
Written: Nov 04 '00 (Updated Dec 05 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: offline web content, free service and software
Cons: none
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| amykhar's Full Review: Avantgo |
Helping Hands Write-off Submission
I recently blew a large sum of money on a toy for myself – a Compaq iPAQ handheld computer. By the time I purchased the iPAQ, the expansion sleeve, and an extra memory card, there was absolutely no money left for a modem or Ethernet card for my new toy. Consequently, I assumed the Pocket Internet Explorer that comes pre-installed on the iPAQ would lie dormant for a while. Thanks to Avantgo, my assumptions were incorrect.
Avantgo is both software and a service that brings Internet content to owners of handheld computers. Currently, Avantgo supports the Palm OS, Windows CE, and web enabled cell phones.
There are two ways to use Avantgo – browsing the web with a handheld device connected to the web or browsing offline content specifically designed for handhelds. Because I do not have an Internet connection for my iPAQ, this review will cover the offline content provided by Avantgo.
Avanto has two components: software that is installed on the handheld device, and a subscription service for web content. The software is basically transparent for the user. It provides two services. First, it acts as a local, offline web server for content that is stored in the device’s memory. Second, it helps to tailor web content to suit a handheld’s special needs. Avantgo software filters out large graphics and certain types of content that will not work in the Pocket Internet Explorer browser. Consequently, users are able to browse websites without worrying that a single web site will consume the handheld’s meager memory store.
The visible side of Avantgo is the service that allows users to select from over 400 channels that are specifically designed for handheld devices. News, weather, sports, entertainment and more are all available for convenient browsing wherever you happen to be.
Personally, I synchronize my iPAQ with my PC each morning, and then read through my channel content whenever I have a few minutes to spare. I can read the daily news while sitting in a doctor’s waiting room. Television listings are downloaded each day too. Each evening, I simply check out my local listings and plan my television viewing accordingly.
Best of all, Avantgo’s software and services are free. The software took mere seconds to download and install, and registration and channel selection was fast and easy. Even without a modem, I have more Internet content than I can read in a day right in the palm of my hand.
This review is part of the Helping Hands Write-off organized by bgoodday. All money earned by this review will be donated to charity. Please help increase our earnings for this worthy cause by checking out the reviews of my fellow participants:
alwaysstubborn, argonut, bgoodday, bluehawg, bluesky2, bmcnichol, bops_mom, broadwaybaby, bunnyjav, caleo, canne, ceeJay62, cntaur5, conradd, cutie_pi, cyndiA, dani257, dannyzmom, darkmistress, diverpam, dreamcatcher39, dunkjam, emeleel, francesca57, frani49, gracef, grumpifrog, gypsyrose75, jcellis, jenni1396, jimdaisy, jo.com, joubert, katetpz, kelly60, kimmiekg, kristennc, kyhiera, lildev, maddi, meanbeast, merlot, mimi369, mmounsey, monicaL2me, mskills, mspooh5, pantazis5, pianomam, prepoia, rmartin_cpa, roadiem, shanny21, soxfan, sugarbugg23, suzig, taurusmoon, thinkerlady, tipu, viper1963, wavesandshells, wickedgood, and wildbillm.
Recommended:
Yes
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amykhar
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Member: Amy
Location: USA
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