Hi...I have questions about email and the Zire 71

[redpaint76]

Very new to this...so bear with me! Just ordered the Zire 71 and I would like to know about sending and retrieving email with it. I understand there is a program called Versa Mail.... is this all I will need to be able to use email functions? I guess the bottom line question is, what all do I need to buy in order to send and recieve email? Is it something I download off of the internet? Or do I need to purchase a little card?? Sure do appreciate any and all help I can get here!!
Thanks!!!

[106112909]

Hi

In order to use the Zire 71 for e-mail purposes, you will first have to connect to the internet. There are several options for this:

1) IR to your mobile phone
2) Cable to your mobile phone
3) Palm Modem to a land-line
4) Bluetooth to your mobile phone
5) Wi-Fi

The cheapest of those options is 3) as mobile networks tend to charge more than fixed-line networks for data calls. After that comes 1) provided your handset has IR. I find that IR to a mobile phone is not very convenient as you have to hold both devices in line-of-sight. There currently is no Bluetooth card available for the Zire 71 so 4) is out. That said, there are rumours of one coming out soon. The same goes for Wi-Fi and anyway you can only use Wi-Fi if you are in a "Hot-Spot"

Once connected to the internet, you are free to use any e-mail client you wish.

Good luck

Patrick