Cell Phones and PDA's
(Click here for ScoutPalDB hardware requirements)

ScoutPal can be used with any web-enabled cell phone or wireless PDA.  Here are some tips for choosing one:
 

• Your current cell phone is probably already capable of using ScoutPal!  Check with your cellular service provider to get instructions for web browsing with your phone. Then try browsing to:

  http://waptest.scoutpal.com ("waptest" instead of "www")
  http://www.scoutpal.com/waptest (alternate test site)
  (Note that these URL's can only be used with a cell phone browser.)
  
  If you have a PDA, use the following test site: http://www.scoutpal.com/pdatest

  You will be asked to Enter and Send your Amazon Marketplace Seller Nickname.
  [Click here to find your Marketplace Nickname]
  [More help on how to test your cell phone or PDA]

• When shopping for a new cell phone or PDA, ask for a working sample that has web browsing enabled. Write down the test URLs given above and bring them with you when you are shopping. Try the phone or PDA with the test website, while you are in the store.
   
• Some PDA phones are compatible with ScoutPalDB.  With these phones, you can get instant database lookups as well as live real-time lookups, and with most new PDA phones you can use a Bluetooth scanner like the Bluetooth ROV.
   
• MOST IMPORTANT: When considering a cellular carrier, make sure that it has good coverage in your bookscouting locations. Ask to see a map that describes these locations. Be wary if your bookscouting locations are on the fringes of their coverage area.
  • Coverage maps for major cell carriers
  • More coverage maps
     
• Comparison resources on the Web:
  • Search Google for "compare cell phone"
  • ZDNet.com - phone and carrier reviews
  • Point.com - compare carrier wireless plans
  • Phonescoop.com - compare phones
  
   
• Information links for major carriers:

  IMPORTANT: Cellular carriers constantly change their information websites, phone offerings, service plans, and prices, so the data and links below are subject to change.  Always check with a cell company directly to be certain that you can get the right web service at the right price.
   

  Sprint/Nextel	Web service options vary in price, most have unlimited data.  Browse Nextel plans.  (For example, select the basic plan and select any ixxx Mortorola phone, you will then see an unlimited web plan option.) ScoutPalSE scanner phone systems are available for certain Nextel phones.
  T-Mobile	The "t-zones" T-MobileWeb service provides unlimited web browsing.
  Verizon	Mobile Web by VZW with MSN  Warning: Unlike other carriers, and depending on your phone and your plan, Verizon may charge airtime minutes as you browse the web.
  AT&T	Some of their web services are billed by the megabyte, others are unlimited.  Each MB of data is good for about 500-700 ScoutPal lookups.
  BoostMobile	BoostMobile offers "pay as you go", no contract, basic service. Unlimited internet browsing with Boost is a bargain: 35c/day, that's it. Boost phones operate on the Nextel network, but they are sold and billed by Boost. You buy a phone online from Boost or at retail outlets like Walmart, and then you pay ahead for Boost service, as you need it.  Some Boost phones are under $50, and they all have GPS. Be sure to specify that you want web services when activating the phone. The cost is so low that some ScoutPals get a Boost phone just for bookscouting. If you only want to use the phone for bookscouting, and you don't want to pay for phone calls, no problem: don't call anybody, and don't answer the phone. :) Scanner phone option for Boost...