Reviewed by: Davis Chastain

I have been a subscriber to Verizon (Formerly Airtouch) for several years, and a Palm user for several years. It became clear to me that I needed to marry the two, and I have done just that.
I use a Palm IIIc and a Motorola Startac (Model ST7868W). Verizon uses the CDMA system, the Startac phone I use is a tri-mode (two digital systems and one analog, each system accessed as required by location).

Many wireless Palm users have discussed the benefits of using IR to link their Palm to their phone, but I couldn't and didn't want to use this method. The Startac has no IR port, plus I'm in outside sales, and I use my Palm on the road a lot, especially in the car. It works well for me to lay the phone down on the seat next to me, and plug a cable in. No line-of-sight required. So, where to get a cable? Verizon was backordered for 7 months on an interconnecting cable! Motorola sells a kit that includes software for synch'ing your phone with several PIM's (yawn). Not worth the $149.99 for this setup. Besides, it had a connection for the Startac on one end, and a 9-pin serial connector on the other. I would have to buy a null modem adapter and plug that between the Motorola cable and my Palm serial cable. Messy!
A better solution was found at www.syncablesolutions.com where there are custom-made cables (up to 4' long) for Palm-to-Startac for sale. At $84.95 (w/ shipping) the cost is steep, but it's competitive with what's offered by manufacturers (they're all making a huge margin on this right now, I'm sure!). I received the cable within five days of ordering. It was quick and easy.

After receiving the cable, I called Verizon customer service to get connected. There is a group available specifically for Palm connectivity questions. Although the rep was obviously reading from a script, the method worked, and I was downloading in minutes. Later, when I had some technical difficulties, a call in to Verizon yielded an answer that got me going again. So far, there have been only a few times when I couldn't access the internet for whatever reason, and I have been using this setup for about three weeks.
I don't know if there are specific monthly data plans, I am on a simple, minutes-per-month plan, voice or data. Verizon does have an ISP (Internet Service Provider) for their digital phones, so once you're set up, you can go right in and surf or download, without paying extra for another service. For more info on wireless internet access via your Palm, go to www.geocities.com/daveinfopage/palmpilot.html.

If you have a cellphone and a digital plan, especially if it is Verizon, and a Palm device, I highly recommend you go this route. I have obtained weather reports, directions to an address, nearest golf course, and nearest Starbucks, and email, all from the front seat of my car.

I give this rating four needles out of five, the deduct due to the backorder from Verzion and the cable's high cost.

Rating: 4 needles (out of five).