Motorola Pagewriter 2000
From: Edward M. Zabrek, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. (stork@flash.net)
Thu, 08 Jan 1998 12:49:52 -0600
I still have been unable to physically get my hands on the Q-phone. When I
do, I'll let you know. (It should not be long.) I did want to share my
experience with the new Motorola 2-way pager known as the "PagerWriter
2000". (Available only for purchase from Skytel (http://www.skytel.com). This is a
2-way pager (which means that you can receive and transmit messages
wirelessly without a modem or cell phone directly from the pager.) Unlike
previous 2-way pagers, this unit has its own QWERTY-NUMERICAL keypad in a
clamshell design. It's pretty slick, and not all that large or weighty.
The price, however, is close to $400.00 for the unit, PC link software and
cable, charger-stand, and one NiHyd battery. (I asked about purchasing an
additional battery, but they are currently unavailable and the price is not
known.) I have gotten about 4-days out of a charge. The manual claims
that the charger will not cause a battery memory effect that will shorten
battery life. Only time will tell. The monthy rate will cost you between
$30.00 and $60.00/mo, depending on which services you elect and how often
you wish to send messages back from your pager.
Given the size, weight and cost of this unit, I am even more excited to try
out the Q-phone. I have just been informed that the price should be right
around $500.00 to purchase the unit, plus monthly service of your choice
from the carrier. At this cost, the Q-phone should be very competitive in
cost with the Pagewriter 2000, and give you infinitely more flexibility.
I'll let you know after I have been able to try it.
(see also http://www.mot.com/MIMS/MSPG/Press/PR960906_27046.html and
http://www.mot.com/Page Writer)
