Gail, I feel like I just read through one of my teenager's instant message posts.   I am feeling rather ignorant, however, based on context I think I'll have whatever you're having.  Please tell me you were a systems analyst in a previous life or  should I consider hanging the license for a while.

Gail you really ought to get that blue tooth checked out by the dentist!

I'm almost sure that if you are using your Treo as a modem, you won't be able to use it with a Bluetooth / VoIP connection at the same time. Cell modems just don't have the "bandwidth" to support all that.

But, you could get a cellular data card for the tablet PC, and using a cell carriers connection plan get "anywhere access" and use a VoIP service. The data cards are usually significantly faster than a cell modem, and can handle most VoIP as well (T-Mobile, one of the slower carriers, works with Skype VoIP). May be slightly more expensive, but depending on who your cell carrier is, maybe not much more.

Very high geek factor question!  Nice!!

Jay, since this is your turf, would you mind explaining VoIP?  

Jeff nailed it down!  I use Sprint broadband with my laptop and get connections virtually anywhere I can use my cell phone.  The card was free with rebate and monthly service runs about $70 for unlimited use.  VoIp is supported by Sprint as well (through Skype) but have never needed (no international calling).  The bluetooth feature is disabled during "modem sessions" using the Treo (I use the 650).  Good luck on your geeky crusade!

Gail,

I just got one of those Blue Teeth. The fillings are actually BLUE! Kinda weird looking. I prefered my first blue tooth at $100. This last one cost me $900 with the root canal.

Todd

I'm with Susan, can anyone, easily explain VoIP? I know it's internet, I know it's replacing traditional phone systems, I know I'm clueless.

Gail,

On my model Treo, even if the bluetooth feature is activated (from main menu item), and you are using your phone as a modem you can not use the phone for calls. Bottom line: you can't talk and gain modem access from the same phone at the same time.  To achieve what you mentioned about forwarding MLS data while the client is being captivated by your conversation you will need a phone to converse and laptop with separate connectivity.  Hope this helps.

The most successful agent I know (easily 25mil plus) has a cell phone - but doesn't give out the number except to clients.  When you call his office you get an answering machine, not voice mail.  You leave a message, he calls you back.  I've known him for a few years, and it was just recently during a deal we are doing together that I noticed a new number for him came up on the caller ID.   I told him I felt privileged to have the great T___'s cell phone number and asked if he minded if I continued to use it, which he graciously said yes.

As for me, I got a new Blackberry Pearl the other day because I want to surf the MLS and email on the road, and for the life of me I can't figure it out.  It looks great though.  

It's a great post. There should be a continuing education class for Realtors, translating all this geekspeak for us.

p.s.  I have managed to live with VOIP (www.packet8.net) in the office for a couple of years, love the pricing, hate the echos and the spotty call quality.

I thought I would voice in. I found it on a great low-tech website.

VoIP means "Voice Over Internet Protocol", in other words, using the Internet to carry the conversation between the participants.

The are currently two largely separate universes of connections between any two points on earth – the telephone companies' systems and the Internet. In some cases, the same physical connections are used and in some cases, they are not.

Pricing for Internet access is not currently based on the amount of data sent and received, whereas the traditional phone companies usually charge by the minute. As a result, VoIP becomes attractive in that it can offer unlimited long distance access.