Cirond PocketWinC

By , posted Friday, Jun. 3rd, 2005
Reader Comments: 18

SOME ISSUES TO CONSIDER:

1.) PocketWinc likes to have access to your Wireless Adapter when it is initially run, so please make sure that the WiFi adapter is enabled PRIOR to running PocketWinc. Otherwise you'll see an error message (as shown on the screenshot to the right).
2.) When you initially "minimize" PocketWinc, it appears as only the radio-wave icon (which you can see in the pocketWinc screenshot to the right, just above the error message balloon). Clicking on this icon causes PocketWinc to provide only a minimal or partial info bubble. If you wish to go on to the full screen version, just click on the hyperlink to "pocketWinc". Otherwise, click on "Hide"
3.) Previously resolved issues like the measure of RSSI (Radio Signal Strength Indicator) showing 0%, or not detecting certain types of Wireless WiFi Adapters were resolved with the current Version 2 (Build 986). Please make sure you have the most up-to-date version available.

HOW TO CREATE A NEW PROFILE FOR YOUR HOME NETWORK

For the purposes of this section, I have configured my WiFi network with the SSID (Service Set Identifier) name "Homenetwork", on Channel 8, in "B" Mode.

1.) Click and hold on the SSID shown in the main window that you wish to connect to. This will produce a context sensitive menu, as is shown in the image to the left. In this case, the SSID is "Homenetwork".
2.) Choose Connect. If the owner of the SSID does not have WEP enabled, you will likely be connected within a few seconds and you are done.

3.) If WEP is enabled, you will need to know what size KEY the owner is using, as well as the actual KEY
4.) Choose the size of the Key from the pull down menu. Adjust the Key type (ASCII for clear text or HEX for Hexadecimal Code BEFORE you move on to step 5.
5.) Enter the Key in the Key field provided.
6.) Check box "Use for Network Authentication".

TROUBLESHOOTING GENERAL NETWORK PROBLEMS

· Following are some random thoughts on troubles that I have seen in the past, and how they will register or readout on PocketWinc:
· For most configurations involving a Router or Wireless Access Point (WAP), the Address Type should always be set to "Assigned by DHCP Server".
· If your IP Address is ever shown as 169.254.nnn.nnn and you are using DHCP assignments, then your iPAQ is NOT able to communicate both ways with the DHCP server. In such cases, most of the other entries will likewise be blank.
· For most configurations, the Subnet Mask should be 255.255.255.0
· The Default Gateway, DHCP Server, and WINS Server should present the same IP Address as your Router.
· Most often your DNS Server IP Address will be the same as your Default Gateway/DHCP Server/WINS Server IP Address, but can sometimes be different.
· For more troubleshooting tips and considerations for General WiFi Connectivity issues, please see this link. For a good list of Troubleshooting questions for PocketWinc, please see this link.

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You can still DOWNLOAD THE 30 DAY TRIAL HERE:

http://www.download.com/PocketWinc/3000-2178_4-10383474.html

Posted by doberman, Sunday, Aug. 7th, 2005

I may be wrong but it looks like the trial version is accessible via CNET.

http://cnet.search.com/search?chkpt=astg.cnet.fd.search.cnet&q=PocketWinC&tag=srch

Posted by rrusa, Sunday, Jun. 5th, 2005

Sorry GeekNJ, but you're not blind. They have apparently removed the free-trial version of the software. In a conversation with the one of the executives, it turns out a lot of people were hacking the trial-version, so my guess is that they got rid of it entirely, but to make the leap more bearable, they also dropped the price by MORE than half...

Posted by , Sunday, Jun. 5th, 2005

Maybe I'm blind (definitely possible) but I don't see where you can download the program to try for 30 days. Can someone reference the URL to download it or the page that has the download link on it. Thanks!!

Posted by GeekNJ, Saturday, Jun. 4th, 2005

Thanks for the Update Bulldog! We have updated the review to include this new pricing information!

Folks, if you haven't purchased a copy yet because you thought the original price too high, now there is NO reason not to buy!

If you run through the entire trial period and find yourself agreeing that this is a great program, you should really buy a copy!

NOTE: If you are in need of a utility that supports WPA-PSK/TKIP, you might want to hold off and read an upcoming review I am working on for another product.

Posted by , Saturday, Jun. 4th, 2005

Went to PocketWinC web site and they have it for sale at $9.95 right now, bought mine for that!

Posted by Bulldog, Saturday, Jun. 4th, 2005

Hey - this is such great info - I keep seeing people refer to this product. It's SO great to see it reviewed like this . THANKS !!!!

Posted by Laura, Saturday, Jun. 4th, 2005

I'll be doing a review of another product that does support WPA-PSK/TKIP shortly. I think everyone will be really impressed with their GUI.

Posted by , Saturday, Jun. 4th, 2005

Nice review. Look like a good program. I use WiFiFoFum, though not as extensive of a program as this but it's free and get my job done.

http://www.aspecto-software.com/WiFiFoFum/

Posted by lvlolvlo, Saturday, Mar. 12th, 2005

Sadly, my router is not WPA capable, so I was unable to test that aspect. However, you are correct that it should have been posted as an item under the CON category.

For what it is worth, I am having some problems with WEP of late, and in working with the VP of Marketing on this topic, they admitted to the lack of WPA coverage. However, he indicated that they are working hard at implementing WPA for their next release...

Posted by , Thursday, Mar. 10th, 2005

I have tested the software but was quite disappointed, that it does not support WPA key, which is already standard for WLAN. That's a clear 'con'! R!

Posted by Ricardo777, Tuesday, Mar. 8th, 2005

Elrendhel, your input and time is much appreciated. Thanks to people like you whose advice and comments make understanding these gadgets a little easier.

Posted by Gleaner, Monday, Feb. 21st, 2005

Well, there are some differences that appear during a comparison:
1.) The Canary is instant-on, whereas PocketWinc loads on your PPC (takes as long to load as your PPC takes to wake-up).
2.) The Canary is a separate unit & requires batteries, PocketWinc is loaded on your existing PPC and doesn't require more battery power than you are already using for WiFi.
3.) The Canary has a monochrome non-backlit LCD, PocketWinc uses your PPC screen in multiple colors (and backlit if your PPC has backlighting capabilities).
4.) Both offer Network ID, Signal Strength (although PocketWinc can measured in dBm or in a percentage format), Encryption Status, and Channel.
5.) PocketWinc will also REMEMBER all of the WEP keys for various Routers/APs that you program it with.
6.) Lastly, PocketWinc also provides the following data when connected to a Router/AP:
a.) Adapter name,
b.) MAC Address (of the PPC and Router),
c.) Address Type (DHCP/Dynamic or Manual/Static)
d.) IP Address,
e.) Subnet Mask,
f.) Default Gateway,
g.) DHCP Server,
h.) Lease (obtained-date and Expiration date).
i.) WINS Servers,
j.) DNS Servers,
k.) Host Name (if any)
l.) Domain Name (if any).

Additionally, PocketWinc can detect Internet Access capabilities of the Router/AP (about 50% accurate), and connection mode (Infrastructure or Ad-hoc).

Posted by , Monday, Feb. 21st, 2005

Thanks for the review. Any thoughts on the Canary Wireless product compared to this one? Thanks

Posted by Gleaner, Monday, Feb. 21st, 2005

Thank you all! It was a real joy writing the review, as I really believe in this product.

BLACKSPOT - If you simply download the most recent version available on their website and install it on your Host PC, the next time you synchronize with your PC it will download and install the necessary files on your PocketPC.

Posted by , Monday, Feb. 21st, 2005

Great review. I have been using this for a long time. It's excellent.
How can you upgrade though? My build is 980.

Posted by blackspot, Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2005

Thanks Elrendhel...This was a huge amount of work and was very informative!

Posted by Jack Cook, Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2005

Great review elrendhel!

Posted by David Ciccone, Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2005

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