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k2man · Jul 19, 2001, 01:26 AM

I was in Starbucks today and noticed some guy using a Ricochet on his Windows laptop. Talked to him about it and decided: I want one!

Anyone have any experience with the Novatel Wireless Merlin PC card modem on a G3 or G4 book? Good/bad? Also, any sense of coverage in the LA or San Francisco area?

Many thanks!

iCartman · Jul 19, 2001, 10:48 PM

Ricochet filed for bankrupcy. I would stay very far away from them.

IceEnclosure · Jul 19, 2001, 11:11 PM

k2man....

I'm pretty certain that a guy on the MacNN forums named 'AlbertWu' uses one in his G3 Powerbook..

One time we were on AIM instant messenger and he informed me he was typing on his G3 from the freeway!!

Go to 'The Lounge' and give 'em a ring

AlbertWu · Jul 19, 2001, 11:25 PM

Hey, I'm here.

Metricom didn't file for bankrupcy. They filed for Chapter 11 Bankrupcy Protection, which as any californian would know (PG&E) is NOT bankrupcy, but rather gives them time to reorganize and pay off debt. Don't worry. Metricom (or PG&E for that matter) isn't going down the tubes any time soon.

I use the standard GS modem, which is the grey thing that velcros to the top of your PB. Don't get it. When you make quick stops in the car, the modem flys off (the velcro gets weak over time) and hangs by the USB cable... Not good for the computer. I don't have any experience with the Novatel modem, although a person at my school has it and it seems to work great for him.

The coverage in the SF area is great. I can go pretty much anywhere and still be online. Although on the freeway at >100 km/h it drops alot...

Good luck!

iCartman · Jul 20, 2001, 12:23 AM

You have more faith in Metricom than even Metricom itself does.

Metricon recently stated in a document filed with the SEC that it will run out of cash by August unless it finds new investors. PG&E was saved by given numerous loans from the State of California, who will save Metricom?

Check out what the industry analysts have to say about Metricom:
http://thestandard.validea.com/thest...=&csnapid=

Here is a quote from the August issue of "Red Herring":

Making matters worse, competition from emerging, and, in some cases, cheaper technologies - usually developed under the auspices of international standards - is now threatening to turn Richochet into the Betamax of the wireless data network world." "It is highly unlikely that the firm will raise much money in the current arid market environment," which means, the company may not get "the funds it needs to stay alive."

I'm betting Metricom will cease to exists in 30 days.

k2man · Jul 20, 2001, 02:02 AM

Thanks for the feedback, all. And good points both ways....

I need to confirm this, but I believe at least one of the Mac service providers offers a 30 day money back deal. If so, I think I'm going to take my chances and go for it...and then keep my eye on Metricom. Honestly, though, i pray the company can stay aloft. I can **seriously** use this service, I'm moving around all the time...

parallax · Jul 20, 2001, 10:14 AM

To Peripherals

chicken_tastes_good · Jul 20, 2001, 10:49 AM

ricochet is wonderful technology. I've used it several times (not on a mac) and each time I'm amazed at the speed and versatility. It is much too fun to use.

The antenna works well on the Novatel Merlin for Ricochet, but makes removal of the pc card necessary when you want to put your laptop in a brief case.

I know that it will run on a Mac, and should run well. And, the more subscribers Metricom has, the longer they will (probably) last. They have thusfar promised to keep the network running, supporting existing clients (and new clients in the existing zones of coverage), but they will not be rolling out into new areas. If you live withing existing coverage, subscribe. You'll love it and will wonder why they are in the financial blues they are.

100kbps + is normal transfer rate. I've seen upwards of 300 kbps.

anthology123 · Jul 20, 2001, 03:46 PM

I am using the original Ricochet (28.8) on a Pismo and also use it on a Ti G4. To use the serial adapter, I hook it up with a Keyspan Serial adapter. The result is: It works great. Sure it's slower than the T-1 I use at work, but it's fast enough to download email and light web surfing. I sue it in the bay area with little or no reception problem. Even if they are having financial problems, I intend to keep on using it. Just buy it on a monthly basis.

jules · Jul 22, 2001, 10:51 AM

Originally posted by anthology123:
<STRONG> I sue it in the bay area with little or no reception problem. Even if they are having financial problems, I intend to keep on using it. Just buy it on a monthly basis.

</STRONG>

You Californians are so litigious!

k2man · Jul 23, 2001, 07:26 PM

Just so you know, I bought it the Merlin (128K) and am loving it in LA. Just hope the company stays in business....

Can't wait to try it in San Francisco as well...

iCartman · Aug 4, 2001, 04:11 PM

Metricom didn't file for bankrupcy. They filed for Chapter 11 Bankrupcy Protection, which as any californian would know (PG&E) is NOT bankrupcy, but rather gives them time to reorganize and pay off debt. Don't worry. Metricom (or PG&E for that matter) isn't going down the tubes any time soon.

I hope none of you guys listened to the uninformed words of Albert Wu:

"Metricom Turns Out the Lights" http://www.thestandard.com/article/0,1902,28467,00.html

They went out of business two weeks sooner than I had predicted!

comparing PG&E to Metricon

k2man · Aug 4, 2001, 11:56 PM

Well, you win some, you lose them. I appreciated Albert's enthusiasm for Ricochet, and also your words of warning, Icartman.

I am incredibly depressed over this, as I had actually planned to work in SF all next week, and was ready to fly there on Friday when I read the web news reports Thursday night. Had to postpone my trip. At any rate, I'll see how the auction goes, but looks like I'll be returning my Merlin modem to my ISP within the 30 money-back period, for a full refund.
It was nice while it lasted, wish I got turned on to this a year ago...

Now waiting for this 3G stuff I'm hearing about...

k2man · Aug 5, 2001, 12:13 AM

Well, you win some, you lose them. I appreciated Albert's enthusiasm for Ricochet, and also your words of warning, Icartman.

I am incredibly depressed over this, as I had actually planned to work in SF all next week, and was ready to fly there on Friday when I read the web news reports Thursday night. Had to postpone my trip. At any rate, I'll see how the auction goes, but looks like I'll be returning my Merlin modem to my ISP within the 30 money-back period, for a full refund.
It was nice while it lasted, wish I got turned on to this a year ago...

Now waiting for this 3G stuff I'm hearing about...