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PRODUCT REVIEW
Was the SpringPort Wireless Ethernet Module worth the wait?
By Ray Rischpater
As a long-time Palm OS device user and wireless software developer, I was thrilled by Xircom's (now an Intel division) announcement and demonstration of the Xircom Wireless Ethernet Module (at http://www.xircom.com/cda/page/0,1298,0-0-1_1-1727,00.html) on the heels of the original Handspring Visor release. Over a year later, I can now answer the question, "Was it worth the wait?"
The SpringPort Wireless Ethernet Module is an IEEE 802.11b, also called WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), wireless network adapter for the Handspring Springboard interface on Visor handhelds. A slightly oversized Springboard module, it protrudes a bit above and behind the Visor case, as seen in Figure A.
FIGURE A
 
The SpringPort Wireless Ethernet Module juts out slightly from my Visor Prism. Roll over picture for a larger image.
With the module, you can synchronize, browse the Web, or check your email wirelessly while within range of a wireless base station. Moreover, any Palm OS compatible application that uses the Palm OS TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) stack should work with the module.
Setup
After I went through a nearly interminable wait while the module was on pre-order, it finally arrived in the typical Springboard packaging. Inside were the module, a thin sheaf of documentation, and a charger. Having set up and maintained numerous WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) before, I promptly set the manual aside and popped the card into my Visor Prism handheld. Figure B shows the SpringPort Wireless Ethernet Module.
FIGURE B
 
Here the SpringPort Wireless Ethernet Module can be seen before it's plugged in. Roll over picture for a larger image.
When you insert the module, it automatically copies the Xircom drivers to the handheld's RAM and runs the SpringPort utility application. Its appearance on screen, shown in Figure C, is anticlimactic.
FIGURE C
The SpringPort application doesn't exactly tax the color capabilities of my Visor Prism.
From here, you first enter details about your wireless network, including the device name, network name, and encryption settings, as shown in Figure D.
FIGURE D
Here's the SpringPort application Client Settings screen.
Next, you set up the Visor handheld's Network Preferences, just as if you're configuring your device to use a modem with an ISP (Internet Service Provider). Finally, you have the option of configuring the Visor to HotSync using the SpringPort module.
A final screen in the SpringPort application, shown in Figure E, lets you check the card's battery and wireless signal strength.
FIGURE E
Here's the SpringPort application Status screen.
This utility lets you check your wireless settings from the get-go, as well as measure wireless network coverage within your network.
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