PPC2k2 -> PPC2k2 PE upgrades?

[brntcrsp]

Anyone know or hear if there will be ROM updates to convert existing PPC2k2 devices to the Phone Edition? I would think it would be simple matter of just flashing the ROM, but I am uncertain if there are any hardware requirements needed to run the PE OS.

On a related note:
I know there are some GSM/GPRS PC Cards out there. If you have a device with PPC2k2 and a PC Card Adapter would you be able to connect to your phone provider and have data and voice access (without PE of course)?

[R0B]

[brntcrsp]

True, but I'm looking at this as a scenario.



I have a Jornada 568 with the PC Card adapter. I'm planning on picking up ATT's mmode service (GSM/GPRS). Would I then be able to use this combination to use the 568 as a phone? Could I use this and the mMode data service to get online?

[sponge]

You really won't need the phone edition, you will be able to do anything the PE can one way or another. PE is just MS stepping into another embedded market. You'll still have internet access, phone, etc if properly set up.

[Jadam]

plus, i think you would rather want CE.Net. Also i think you can. I know The Audiovox Thera doesnt use PPC2k2 PE, it uses plain old PPC2k2 with some extra software to make voice calls. And The Loox doesnt use PPC2k2 PE either, but it can do phone calls via the GPRS module

[sponge]

I doubt you could upgrade to CE.net though, as Merlin was just a shell upgrade, without huge underlying changes in comparison to a new os like .net. As for the PE, of course you'll be able to make calls, and do everythign else PE can, but it just won't be as integrated (although addon software can help the phone software integrate into the OS more)

[brntcrsp]

of course. I am planning on waiting until there is a PPC based on the CE.Net architecture before my next PPC purchase. There are a lot of strengths that will come out of the new OS.

I'm looking at the interim solution. while keeping costs down, yet giving the greatest freedom...

My other option would be to purchase a Ericsson T68, and a Socket (or Anycom) bluetooth CF card. is that another useful solution? What sort of data rates would I expect? I know that ATTWS is only around 56k, but since I am in Portland, OR (one of their test beds) I can eventually expect true 3G speeds (probably by 1Q next year.) Would I be better off waiting until the full 3G network is in place? Or do you think that the proposed equipment would scale well to the 3G network?

Finally, what is the data rate for bluetooth?

lots of questions, but hopefully something good will come of it.