IBM Workpad Z50

[Cisco03]

I just got an IBM Workpad Z50. I realize it's a pretty old machine, but I was able to install a wireless CF card and browse the internet. However, I noticed right away that certain things don't work, such as viewing a page with a webcam. Everything is there except the webcam image itself (streaming video).

Is there something I need to do to update IE 3.0 that comes with this machine or am I out of luck? Also, it says that the core OS is Win CE 2.11. Can it be upgraded to Pocket PC 2002 or is that not even an option?

Thanks!

[exscentric]

Try ibm.com and snoop around. They have a lot of tech stuff on their site, they may still have this one.

I'd guess that the IE needs some upgrading.

[ktdan1]

You are right, the core OS is 2.11 but the Internet Exporer is 3.0. I an not aware of a flash update for the Z50 but as the erlier post stated it does not hurt to look.

you might want to check out netfront, they have a mips verison of the Internet exporer that might be HPC Pro compabable.

http://www.access.co.jp/english/ppc/

good luck

[zepro]

which cf card are you using for this

[higgins]

More importantly (to me) how did you set up the network connection?? I've been struggling to establish a wired and wireless connection via my Z50, even though the cards are compatible. I can ping my wireless routher, but I can't surf....

[ktdan1]

Originally posted by higgins
More importantly (to me) how did you set up the network connection?? I've been struggling to establish a wired and wireless connection via my Z50, even though the cards are compatible. I can ping my wireless routher, but I can't surf....

1. did you update all hpc pro service pack?
2. did you enter you net work name in the CE device?
3. What file exporer are you using?
4. Can you currebtly get to the web?

[zepro]

can somebody tell me which to buy that works not that theirs is working. I would like to buy one that works.

I do congratulate on yours working but I need to know a compact flash card that works

[ktdan1]

Originally posted by zepro
can somebody tell me which to buy that works not that theirs is working. I would like to buy one that works.

I do congratulate on yours working but I need to know a compact flash card that works

I am speculating you are talking about a CF wifi card?

Ambicom has a generic CF card that works with 2.0 or higher, you can get them at compUSA or even E-bay for around $35-50.

[higgins]

Originally posted by ktdan1


1. did you update all hpc pro service pack?
2. did you enter you net work name in the CE device?
3. What file exporer are you using?
4. Can you currebtly get to the web?

Thanks, but I surrendered over the weekend, hard reset my machine, wiped it, restoring it to factory defaults. Now wireless and wired networking work just fine. But I couldn't get onto the web, didn't upgrade the service pack (I've heard of other people having problems) and believe I had the correct network name listed. Oh, well

As to other issues with the Z50, there's a dedicated, not very active, but helpful Z50 group at groups.yahoo.com.

Then there's the old WinCE City archive, now defunct.
http://www.pocketpccity.com/boards/Ibm-z50/index.html

Both are good for searching on known issues, like compatibility of wireless cards, etc. Some are plug n play (mine were after I went to the factory defaults).

[JoeFabulouz]

I STILL love my z50, even after all these years. Got it just when they were discontinued for about $300+, and have the extra memory, the non-exploding recharger (I still have the "defective" one, too), and the AA battery holder (I figured once the rechargable battery gave out, I'd just get rechargeable AA's and I could still use the machine), and a couple of the ThinkPad briefcases to carry it around it. When I have a long paper to type up, or some extended text for web publication, this is the machine I use. I can take it wherever I go, I can INSTANTLY start working wherever I am, I can actually SEE what's on the screen, and I can comfortably type on it, and I can use it to surf the web & check my email when my desktop crashes. Great stuff!

[Wireless]

I am almost same scenario as Joe. Got one when they were blowing out at $300. Added the Hi Cap battery a while back for $9.99 off EBAY with the AA Battery pack (No typo $9.99 guy had a bunch, shoulda got more, yep the ol "Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda") And just recently got an Aircard 300 CDPD modem off ebay (u guessed it $9.99) and am loving life. (Whats nice about it is I also have a Minstral V CDPD Modem on a Palm V and can switch back and forth Verizon is fine with it, Rember 19.2 kbps beats 0 Kbps hands down!) I can ck email, slow cruise the internet and most important MSN messenger for HOURS and HOURS.And I still can WiFi 802.11 when I get home. Ok enough said. Heres some info and answers:

My 802.11b card is a COMPAQ W-100 .(The latest the W-110 does NOT cover the CE 2.11 FYI) Has CE 2.11 Specific drivers available on their site. Easy install, plug in the card, answer a couple questions and your Surfin.

As to the WEBCAM visibility, the IE Pocket Explorer 3.0 does not support Streaming Video amongst other newer technologies. Ther are several WAP Browsers available for CE, I use Klondikes WAPMAN. Theres also WinWAP for WIN CE.

There is a Service Pack specifically for the Z50 available on IBM WEB site, its a must have updates bugs and improives all the "POCKET" Applications.

The WIN CE OP Sysetm is in the ROM, u cannot upgrade it to anything else. You cannot Reflash the ROM. H/PC 3.0 (CE 2.11) is it. Also do not confuse it with Windows CE 3.0, not the same.

Also, check Microsoft Windows web site, then go to CE and Get HPC Plus! (Includes a game, an Image Viewer, Pocket Paint, Resource Meter, PIM Today and afew other things ) and HPC Power Toys (Pocket Registry Editor and TapLaunch). Both are free enhancements and are still available on the site. AND I almost forgot, go to Microsofts Media Player and get the Media Player for H/PC Pro and you can play MP3s all day long, ecspecially with a CF card that as we know are dirt cheap. Of course its not any iPOD, but it does the job (best with a descent setta EarBuds, but will play outta the speaker under the bottom)

Another site with some info is Chris DeHerra s WIN Ce Page URL]http://www.cewindows.net/[/URL] ttp://www.winceonline.com/
Chris Deherras page has some STEP BY STEP setup pages on getting a z50 configured and setup on the net.

http://www.ruksun.com has a H/PC Pro MSN Messenger client that works great as well as Yahoo UK/Ireland has a Yahoo Messenger for free thats specifically for the CE 2.11 Machines.

Dont forget that Avantgo has a CE Browser for 2.11 that works just great.
Also, mobile phone users, there is several programs that let you use the z50 infra red and let you dial up the internet that way. I have a NOKIA one if interested

In closing, the z50 is far from a throw away yet. At least for me. The convenient size, INSTANT ON/OFF phenominal battery life, PC Card and CF Card slots and excellent construction, INSTANT ON/OFF make this a handy lil bugger for some stuff. AND DID i MENTION INSTANT ON/OFF? Sure I have a new model PALM M series (well kinda new ) and a Full size LapTop, but the z50 still does somethings easier and better.
OK, that was exhilirahating, holler if I can be of any help

Wireless

P.S. I really have never owned or seen a IBM z50. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn last nite.
:D :D

[steveg]

how do you connect to the net with the z50 using a sony ericsson t68i?