So, how was I able to accomplish this magic? It's really pretty easy.

Using a Palm device with a cell phone
In my last "The Internet in your Palm Device" column, I discussed using a PalmModem to access the Internet. This time I'm going to talk about wireless Internet access using a cell phone.

Everything I mentioned in my last article can also be done wirelessly using a cell phone. I recommend that you go back and read the article (at http://www.palmpowerenterprise.com/issues/issue200102/modem001.html) before attempting to use your cell phone to connect to the Internet.

There are a wide number of cell phones that can be used with a Palm device to provide wireless Internet access. As I said, everything you can do with a PalmModem, you can also do with a cell phone, although it's usually a little slower. This is due to the fact that most cell phone-based wireless communications take place at 9.6K or 14.4K, while the PalmModem communicates at 33.6K.

Does your carrier support data calls?
Of course, for all this to work, your carrier needs to be able to support data calls. Today, virtually all wireless carriers do. You may have to change your carrier service plan to enable data calls. My carrier, Sprint PCS, charges an extra $10 a month to allow my airtime minutes to be used for either data or voice.

Will your cell phone work with a Palm device?
For your cell phone to work with a Palm device, it needs three things.

First, it needs data capability. Your phone must have the ability to place data calls. Not all cell phones do. Check your phone's manual, with the phone manufacturer, or with your wireless carrier.

Second, you need an IR (infrared) or data cable interface. Your Palm device needs some way to communicate with your cell phone. This is done using either a data cable or through an IR "beaming" interface. Right now, only a few phones used in the US have an IR interface. All other data-capable cell phones require a cable.