I have wanted a wireless module for my Handspring, but I always thought those things were really expensive.
I have been setting up a Mac network at home so we can share printers and a big drive full of MP3s, so I fantasized about a common Handspring sync point too. The network cradles are pretty expensive---$300. That is more than I paid for two Handsprings combined.
I really wanted the Xircom Springport wireless module ever since I saw Rael Dornfest using it at one of the P2P conferences. Most of the online retailers were selling them for $299. That is still too much, even if they are cool toys.
Today I stumbled across the Handspring web site again, so I did a little window shopping. They listed the Xircom wireless module for $99, available directly from Intel. Amazon lists it at $209 after a $93 markdown, and the lowest used price is $93. A few other retailers had it for $299. The price direct from Intel is about the same I pay for a dinky Airport card.
Since $99 is a good price point for what I will get out of this, I bought it. I expected the confirmation screen or email to show a real price to confirm my suspicious that the first web page must have been a misprint, but they all agree that I spent $112 after tax and shipping. Now I only have to get by a possible apologetic email explaining the error and asking to charge me $200 more dollars.
If this actually arrives, I solve one of my biggest problems---getting out of the front door without a phone number because I forgot to sync my handheld.
And, although I am not a war-walker, I might give it a try.
