A Core Competence Product Evaluation

Sounds Great, But Does It Work?

That's pretty much what I said when given the opportunity to try out GoAmerica services in early June. Now a seasoned wireless veteran, with two months of service behind me, I can emphatically answer Yes!

I chose to trial the service on my Micron Millenia Transport Pentium laptop, outfitted with a USR (Megahertz) AllPoints™ Wireless PCMCIA modem. I could just as easily have chosen a Windows 95 Pen computing palmtop such as USR's PalmPilot, a Windows CE hand-held PC such as Novatel's CONTACT, or a ruggedized industrial strength subnotebook such as the Melard SCOUT. I believe that one of GoAmerica's biggest strengths is computing platform independence, meeting the needs of virtually any industry with a mobile workforce - from truckers to telecommuters. Can OS independence be far around the corner?

GoAmerica's suite of AirBoss™ applications rely on physical and link layer connectivity supplied by a commercial wireless data network provider. I chose access through RAM Mobile Data's Mobitex network. RAM claims that Mobitex networks cover 93% of the US urban population, and as many as sixteen countries worldwide, from Chili to Sweden, Australia to Nigeria. I've been content to test out RAM's connectivity within the continental US, including Boston, New York, Charlotte, Dallas, and my own home town, Philadelphia.

My connectivity results have improved with experience. After struggling with early loss of signal problems, I finally concluded that there are two secrets to success: stay still, and use a newly-charged battery! Wireless modems gulp power; keep a fresh battery supply handy and make the best of the rechargeable battery supplied with your modem. "Stay still" may sound like an oxymoron for a mobile data service, but let me explain. If you're racing down the Garden State Parkway, driving under bridges and passing by tall buildings, you're going to be adversely affected by "pockets" of unreachability. Don't expect miracles, and you won't be disappointed if none occur.

Do visit RAM's web site to check out coverage in your area. If RAM doesn't do it for you, don't fret. GoAmerica's suite of services also operate over CDPD networks - visit Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile's web site or that of any other national CDPD service provider for more info. (Click here to learn more about RAM, CDPD, and other wireless network alternatives.)