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WIRELESS INTERNET FOR PORTABLE COMPUTERS

How many times have you been in a taxi, on a train or some other location where a phone jack was not available and you really wished you could go online? Or maybe you've never been in a scenario where being online was imperative but wouldn't it be nice if you could get access just about anywhere? Think of the extra work you could accomplish and time saved if you could access the internet during those incommunicado periods. Well the folks at Smith Micro Software have come up with a solution. Basically, their QuickLink Mobile 2000 software converts your ordinary digital cell phone into a wireless modem.

Since there are no standards when it comes to the cable that can interface a cell phone to a computer, QuickLink Mobile 2000 currently works with a limited number of cell phone makes and models. However, if you're lucky to have one that's supported by the program, setting it all up is pretty simple. And if you think this is something you really need, what better justification to get a new cell phone.

The CD includes an installation wizard that prompts you for obvious information such as your name and the phone number to access your Internet service provider. Once it's all set up, make sure your cell phone is powered on. QuickLink Mobile 2000 does everything else. It dials the number, logs you on and establishes your online connection. QuickLink Mobile 2000's "dashboard" screen display shows how much phone battery life remains and area signal strength. Once you're online, all of your Internet applications such as the browser and email become active. You perform your work as you would with any other Internet connection. Currently, QuickLink Mobile 2000 operates at a 14.4 connection speed. While this is considered to be extremely slow by today's standards, QuickLink Mobile 2000 does allows you to turn off graphic images to speed things up. Remember that this is not intended to replace your land based Internet experience. Rather it's a convenient way to get online when access is otherwise not available.

Requires Windows and is available directly from Smith Micro for $149 including the cable. If you purchase QuickLink Mobile 2000 at a computer store, call a toll free number and Smith Micro will deliver the proper cable for your make and model cell phone via next day delivery. Check their web site for a list of supported phones as Smith Micro plans to have more additions as the product matures.

www.smithmicro.com (800) 964-7674

Internet programs remote control

Universal remotes are supposed to be able to control most any electronic device that uses a remote control. The idea is that instead of juggling six or more to watch TV, control the VCR, DVD and whatever, just one remote control lets you operate everything. The main problem is setting up the remote control in the first place. I've seen some that would make an engineer run for cover. Remote units are either pre-programmed or learn by reading the transmissions from another remote. But pre-programmed are useless if they don't have the codes for your system and learning remotes are useless if you don't have a working original. So enter Gemini's ProMote that learns codes from the Internet. To program the ProMote, simply log onto Gemini's web site and enter your particular make and model device. Then face the ProMote towards your computer's screen. Your screen will flash a digital light bar code and in 2.5 seconds, that's it! The ProMote has been programmed to operate your device. This clever system allows Gemini to maintain a large database of past as well as an up to date listing of new devices. Even the remotely interested will like this remote. $49.95.

www.gemini-usa.com