Ever wondered how we answer so quickly, all the A'vanny emails we get whilst still on the road? We use the little usually free digital Nokia 5110, a special data cable and infrared modem aimed at our little Revo handheld computer. The modem/cable kit cost us almost $500.00. So far as we could work out this simple cable probably cost us $200.00! Hate to work out the cost per inch! That was a year ago. My how technology changes overnight! Nowadays just about all laptops come with an inbuilt modem. These are usually a software type, but nevertheless still work great on emails. All you need is a data cable and a suitable mobile and you can send and receive emails on the move. Our Toshiba Satellite is one such beast.

Enter the LG-800W CDMA phone with data capability and wait for it - the data cable is only $99.00. Speed is up from 9.6kb for the Nokia to 14.4kb. We use both CDMA and GSM and if you read our travel stories you will see that coverage is not all that brilliant. However, it is improving ever so slowly. So the trick is to compose your emails  offline and stop and send as soon as you get at least two bars. In our experience it is a waste of time trying to transmit/receive whilst on the move as drop outs kill emails stone dead. Below is a small extract from the LG website - not a particularly helpful website if you don't already know a little about data transfer as none of this is explained in layman's terms. The Nokia site is even worse if you want to research their data cables. Well worthwhile looking at if you are interested in going down this path. Possibly the cheapest option at present if you already have a laptop.

Bob Eustace

The LGC800w uses advanced design and technology to produce excellent performance of battery talk time and standby time. This CDMA mobile phone also has a Personal Information Manager to enable you to make daily schedules, record memos and maintain anniversaries. The LG800 makes life simple!