Today's question comes from James (NOTE: James indicated that he uses a Pocket PC device. Despite that, this information is useful for all PDA users):

Hi, just a quick question!!! do you know if I can connect my PDA to my mobile (via serial cable, IrDA, whatever?) and send/recieve email via WAP! thus not requiring a modem!!! if so where can i get info?

I'll start at the top. The first part of your question asks if you can connecto your PDA to a mobile phone via cable, IrDA, or whatever. To the first two yes, and no. By yes I mean that there are a number of cable solutions. IrDA is sufficient for small transfers but I would not expect a lively internet connection through one.

By no I mean that not all wireless phones can be used as host modems for connected devices. The phone itself must have a modem built into it to operate as one. Likewise, you often need special cables to connect a device with an internal or external modem to a phone. Check with Hello! Direct and MobilePlanet to see what's available for your combination of devices.

Now for the WAP part. The easiest way to handle your email from a WAP capable wireless device is through the Mail2WAP service. Even easier is the PDA version, Mail2PDA. These services are provided free of charge, there is no need to register, and all information is deleted when you complete your tasks. We use it all the time.

Hope that's helpful. If you would like to Ask The HandyMan, drop us a line!