MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - PocketSurfer

Jim Gilbert · 05-08-2005, 05:29 PM

I am a REALTOR who has need to access MLS listing information while out and about in a vehicle and/or away from hotspots.

My MLS used to offer WAP access when I used a Palm V. Then they took it away because not enough of us used it.

Then a company named MobileListings offered proxied access to a handheld formatted subset of listing info for $29.95/month. I paid. I used Netfront on my Clie TG50 and sometimes a regular laptop via my Motorola 270C w/ Bluetooth (which I had to find on ebay because Verizon no longer sold them). Then Mobile Listings decided ONLY to work with downloaded applications on Blackberries, Treos, and Pocket PCs. Meanwhile I had discovered I could run the real MLS application on the Clie, but it overwhelmed it (lotsa, lotsa scrolling and delays...). Then the MLS and Mobile Listings both decided to no longer work with older browsers like Netfront 3.01.

I prefer a phone as a phone, a PDA as a PDA, a calculator as a calculator, etc. I do not use my PDA when I want my HP-12C. I upgraded my 270c to a V710 with much faster Internet access via Verizon.

Almost bought a Sharp SL-C3000, but the form factor was a bit big, and after
the "Microsoftization" of both Mobile Listings and MLS I was concerned about
living with Firefox on Linux. Also if I had a Linux box I'd waste too much time amusing myself fiddling with it when I should be selling houses (which is both more fun and more profitable).

Carefully researched the PocketSurfer and concluded it fit my usages well. I had the fast Bluetooth phone. I had a 1st class PDA. I did not really want to spend $500-600 for a top of the line color Blackberry 75xx or Treo 650, and I would be getting for only $9.95 a month access to the full web at good speed
away from hotspots, compatible with full Microsoft browser and add-ons.

The applications I need are very well supported. The device form factor fits my purse/portfolio/pocket uses. And I already insist on having a Bluetooth phone with decent Internet access. I just really prefer to surf on a big thumbkeyboard with a wide display and decent speed (much more comfy than Treo, Blackberry or phone keyboard and display).

PocketSurfer cost $200 US, came within a week, initialized easily. A knowledgeable, helpful human answered by phone or email whenever I had a question. What's not to like?

I am thinking of putting one of these in the glovebox of each of my team's cars, just like a decent digital camera. It is something a serious REALTOR should not be without.

05-08-2005, 05:29 PM	#4
Jim Gilbert Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2005 Device: Clie TG50, PktSurfer,V710	Pocket Surfer Goodness I am a REALTOR who has need to access MLS listing information while out and about in a vehicle and/or away from hotspots. My MLS used to offer WAP access when I used a Palm V. Then they took it away because not enough of us used it. Then a company named MobileListings offered proxied access to a handheld formatted subset of listing info for $29.95/month. I paid. I used Netfront on my Clie TG50 and sometimes a regular laptop via my Motorola 270C w/ Bluetooth (which I had to find on ebay because Verizon no longer sold them). Then Mobile Listings decided ONLY to work with downloaded applications on Blackberries, Treos, and Pocket PCs. Meanwhile I had discovered I could run the real MLS application on the Clie, but it overwhelmed it (lotsa, lotsa scrolling and delays...). Then the MLS and Mobile Listings both decided to no longer work with older browsers like Netfront 3.01. I prefer a phone as a phone, a PDA as a PDA, a calculator as a calculator, etc. I do not use my PDA when I want my HP-12C. I upgraded my 270c to a V710 with much faster Internet access via Verizon. Almost bought a Sharp SL-C3000, but the form factor was a bit big, and after the "Microsoftization" of both Mobile Listings and MLS I was concerned about living with Firefox on Linux. Also if I had a Linux box I'd waste too much time amusing myself fiddling with it when I should be selling houses (which is both more fun and more profitable). Carefully researched the PocketSurfer and concluded it fit my usages well. I had the fast Bluetooth phone. I had a 1st class PDA. I did not really want to spend $500-600 for a top of the line color Blackberry 75xx or Treo 650, and I would be getting for only $9.95 a month access to the full web at good speed away from hotspots, compatible with full Microsoft browser and add-ons. The applications I need are very well supported. The device form factor fits my purse/portfolio/pocket uses. And I already insist on having a Bluetooth phone with decent Internet access. I just really prefer to surf on a big thumbkeyboard with a wide display and decent speed (much more comfy than Treo, Blackberry or phone keyboard and display). PocketSurfer cost $200 US, came within a week, initialized easily. A knowledgeable, helpful human answered by phone or email whenever I had a question. What's not to like? I am thinking of putting one of these in the glovebox of each of my team's cars, just like a decent digital camera. It is something a serious REALTOR should not be without.