Zipit Wireless IM finally gets your teenager off the phone
By Ryan Block 
posted Sep 28th 2004 6:55AM
posted Sep 28th 2004 6:55AM
It's going to have some stiff competition amongst the
IMfree,
Ogo, and, of course, the
Sidekick II in the increasingly crowded arena of teenage
handheld wireless-texting gadgets, but everything about the Zipit Wireless Instant Messenger—from the 802.11(b, we
presume) with WEP, to the integrated firewall, to the full QWERTY keyboard and 4-8 hour battery life—should ensure it
will be in good company. So yeah, you could say it's pretty good for a Benjamin, considering it's 4 x 3.5 x ¾-inches in
size, and also supposedly downloads plugins for updating IM protocols and streaming music. We'll see though, we'll see,
we're trying not to get our hopes up too much.
[Via Popgadget]
I contacted Target and the size listed is the package size. The size of the Zipit device is about 4"w by 3.5"d x3/4"h. It also only weighs about 8 ounces.
I was thinking the dimensions may have been in centimeters, which would have made it comparable in size to the Sidekick and OGO, but I guess this is the deal. Sure makes a lot more sense than a cheap messaging device that's bigger than most notebook computers.
Ralph,
I issued a correction based on your information (it'd better not be wrong! jk). Thanks!
Ryan
Can anyone tell me how this works? do you have to plug it into a phone?
This device does not connect to phone or PC, it connects through a wireless network in the home or a public wireless access point.
I ordered a OGO last week because I mainly wanted the IM capability. It seemed decent for the price. I then (it wasn't planned) purchased a Side Kick II. Turns out that the price of the Side Kick was actually cheaper than the OGO. Because of all the rebates that are offered with it, it was free. It's quite an amazing device.
Does anyone know which is better - The Zipit or Motorola's IM Free?
The Zipit supports essentially unlimited chats on AOL, Yahoo & MSN. Is a True Wi-Fi device which means that it can work anywhere there is an open, wep or free hotspot. It does not require a PC. It will also be upgradeable to do streaming music in Q1 (SW feature that can be purchased). It comes in 6 different colors. It blocks unwanted pop-ups and messages. The IMFree supports 6 chats through AOL only and requires that the PC be on. That is all it does. You decide :-)
Can it login to my Airport network with WEP enabled? Or does all security need to be disabled on the WiFi network and just be open?
Can it login to my Airport network with WEP enabled? Or does all security need to be disabled on the WiFi network and just be open?
Hi Danny. It supports 64 bit and 128 bit WEP keys as well. Happy Holidays.
Hey, I just picked up one of the new Zipits.
I'm a computer / electrical engineer (first year) at Rutgers University. I'm a self-proclaimed, if not labeled, techno phile, aka geek. The Zipit is wireless based and is compatible with both 802.11(b) and 802.11(g) networks. I love this so far. I've been messing around with it for a bit. To tell you the truth, the wireless interface in the Zipit is pretty strong. I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 laptop and the computer doesn't pickup a couple of the networks that my Zipit is picking up. So kudos to the makers of Zipit for putting a decent wireless interface in. However just let it be known that Dell's laptops don't have too strong of wireless cards in the first place. I had to use Netstumbler to pick up a couple of them. (Windows Service Pack 2 messes up the wireless configuration, and so you can't pick up certain networks).
At any rate, with new updates, for those of you who are script kiddies, this device promises to deliver some really cool capabilities. I'm assuming, though don't quote me, that the OS on the zipits is closer to unix/linux style than a DosBox. so that means a form of EttercapNG, ethreal, let your imagination roam here :-D.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions, I'll be more than happy to try and help where I can.
Sincerely,
Macbeth
stringbean_er@hotmail.com
My setup went alright, but when I punch the "MyFriendz" key, it doesn't display anyone being logged on. Yet when I log on through a PC, it shows many people being logged on. Then I went to the "Delete MyFriendz" option and it showed that I could delete some people who were logged on, but who were not displayed in the "MyFriendz" display box. I can't start conversations! It displays NO ONE being logged on, and I know that they are! Help!
Hey elizabeth. It could be something with your buddy list setup. First of all for anyone to help you, We (as in everyone else) will need a bit more information. What protocol (AIM, Yahoo, MSN) are you having the problems with?. Check your buddy list on aIM and you will see that there is a buddy group called "zipit". Any more information would be appreciated. Once you get it working, you won't stop :-P
Chris
We too are having trouble seeing others when they are online. We are using the yahoo protocol. Anyone that can help us figure out what we need to do so we can see everyone, please leave a post here and we will check back or email us at cindy45133@yahoo.com. We have three anxious TEENAGERS waiting to see their friends! Thanks for any help you can offer! Happy Holidays!
hey,
everyone..i am looking forward in buying this but i need more info on how this gadet work?.........will i need any extra equpiment?..wat r the thingz i need to get this thing running?also is there any other wirless im that uses the msn protcol that u wont have to pay a subcripiton to it..like ogo or the sidekick.............plz if anyone can ..give me a reply back or email me at Evildragons136@aol.com.......thank u very much....HAPPY HOLIDAYZ
Got 4 as Christmas gifts and are full of bugs!
-All of them freeze after a couple of minutes of use.
-NO support (I have tried http://www.kbytememory.com/ and http://www.zipitwireless.com/)
-Sometimes it doesn't display anyone being logged on.
-Can't comunicate with another zipit on the same network.
Version 1.08
Hope they have a fixed firmware soon.
You need a wireless network. I know this Zipit does not require that you pay anything, just have an account on the different protocols, all of which to my knowledge are free...
Chris
Hi ALX,
Before you return your units, I would recommend that you upgrade the firmware on your router. Your routers firmware may not support all of the new features available in the Zipit Wireless Messenger. There are many units in the field that are not exhibiting your problem. Go ahead and update your firmware according to the instructions in your router's manual or webpage and see if this resolves your problem.
To: Zipitwireless technical support, Creators/Developers(all those responsible for making of this product), Kbyte technical support.
Note that this review will be sent to the makers of Zipit, technical support kbytememory, and zipitwireless.com, Technical support will likely be contacted before you receive this, perhaps in future once the freezing problem is solved, your technical support will mail free products(as others do) if the executives finally are unable to solve the problem, for example, a user gives their serial number etc., and technical support tries to solve the problem, technical support either receives the current product by mail and fixes it, or another product is sent (with all updates). Please respond immediately within 24 hours, as this review may soon be posted on all known information sites of this product, due to lack of reply.
*It is strongly suggested that you pull this product off shelves, perhaps, as this product is with too many flaws.
zipit wireless Instant Messenger
Full REVIEW *Msn messenger only however probably true with others, anyways msn is most massively used in my view. You should thank me for this advanced review.
*An update needs to be made, or users will continue to return their products. using a silver/gray zipit.
Software version 1.00, I have heard there is a new software upgrade is this true? Mine has not-automatically upgraded if this is the case.
I have excluded other information for safety reasons, as I am not sure what I should not give out.
I am not completely satisfied with your product. Your website http://www.zipitwireless.com is incomplete. It should have a forum added for users to add suggestions and problems.
Problem 1: Zipit freezes when viewing friends nicknames, friends nicknames are long, and as it scrolls and nickname letter by letter, it freezes sometimes. A possible solution to this is to get closer to the connection. NOTE THAT FREEZING HAS BEEN REPORTED BY ONE OTHER USER IN REVIEWS, Making a total of 2 so far.
Problem 2: Zipit friends list doesn't refresh. I see nobody online, and yet on msn by computer shows 7 contacts online, while Zipit shows 1 or 2. Friendz list needs better refreshing.
Suggestion 1: add manual update.... Create update with a fix for the freezing by perhaps slowing down the software.
Suggestion 2: Since the product is NOT in color, this makes it difficult to read messages, for example a long nickname such as: Hi I am bored I cant believe this. Or whatever, can fill up the screen making it difficult to read messages, in addition scrolling up only goes so far to the history. IDEA*: make nicknames take up just a few characters, or just displayed as e-mail addresses.
A more comprehensive (complete) help guide, preventing calls to technical support, would include instructions on how once connected to prevent problems like freezing (although freezing does not seem to be prevented easily: mine barely lasted 15 minutes the longest without freezing). FREEZING HAS BEEN A BURDEN TO ME AS PEOPLE BLOCKED ME, BECAUSE I HAD TO KEEP SIGNING IN AGAIN. (restarting the Zipit by pressing and holding the power button), and then reconnecting to the network, and then logging into msn)
Also hints such as getting closer to the router if connection seems to cut off, or not refresh.
Problem 3: Users can block me and still message me, or message me when my window where I normally type chat says, Your ZipitFriendz is offline. While I still receive messages from them.
Suggestion 3: Allow users to open a chat window with an e-mail address regardless if on my friendz list. This is because my list rarely showed everyone online only on 2 out of 6 times it showed a full listing.
Question 1: When do you plan to make your next update? And will you continue to make necessary hardware and software updates?
Question 2: Do you plan to release a new zipit hardware upgrade of some sort, or a whole new zipit?.
Problem 4: reported by another user is that the battery is a non-standard type, thus making difficulty in replacement.
Problem 5: I leave zipit on, come back in 5 minutes, and find it frozen with a message from a friend, a short one: Briana rose channel 3 is bak
_________@hotmail.com: who are you
Suggestion 4: allow current models to receive microphone conversation, if possible.
Suggestion 5: compare you products msn to the current msn, and consider speeding up the machine so it does not freeze, as this of all problems, seems to be a major one, possibly fixed by stronger broadcast receiving of 802.11.
TEMPORARY SOLUTION 1: For the msn list not showing up, I seem to have temporarily solved this by deleting contacts that dont go online much. There is a limit of around 200 contacts, I deleted some, as I noticed in the delete menu there were many contacts available to be deleted, which would use up memory, or resources.
This product has supposedly been released too soon. I would expect a free software upgrade to fix these problems, which make Zipit a burden. You should be aware that cell phones are capable of using msn, perhaps consider a more compact version of msn, or allowing WAP internet access, somewhat like a labtop with intel centrino technology the 802.11g. This product has a long way to go, once established fully, it will be good. You apparently plan to charge for streaming music, now if you plan to do this, fix the freezing problem with an update, or step by step instructions(which highly likely wont fix problem).
Dear Major Problems.
Please contact K-Byte Tech Support. Give them your serial number, name, phone number, router brand and firmware version. Also reference this post that you have made on Engadget. I will contact them and arrange to work through these issues with you. Most of the problems that have been reported by other users have been addressed by updating the router to the latest version of the software. Please try this first.
Creator.
Zipit Review:
Zipit is a new product, undergoing updates, which make it a great
product. The wireless technology was developed by company
'Aeronix'(hopefully spelled correctly). This product has amazing potential,
especially as upgrades are made. Despite a few problems at the start (due to
router settings, and possible phone interference), Zipit now seems to be
working flawlessly. The tech support team, is truly the greatest, very
helpful, calling to see how my product is doing after. They are a very
hardworking team, very committed compared to other technical support
where... "your call is important to us...please hold for a moment and wait
for the next available operator..thank you.." This product is
recommended for users of instant messengers of Yahoo, MSN, and AOL. This product
is better than its competition IMFREE, and others such as Blackberry
which charge a connection fee. Why would you buy Zipit? Because it free
updates fixing problems, enhance features, and the best part is...its f!
ree updates, a one time-fee and you get some great stuff! You
basically pay the one time fee, $150 CDN. At first, I doubted the products
connectivity because I tried it in one place, it didn't work. This product
could actually work for me, without me even having a router, or an
Internet connection for that matter, because of nearby network.
im about to buy a zipit wireless and i dnt have a wireless router or anything.... do i need one to be able to use my zipit or can i just catch a signal from another router? Email me at jk_0987@yahoo.com
I am about to buy a zipit wireless and i wanted to know when the new music and other updates are going to be avalible
i was wondering. How far from your pc can it get? and What all does it work for? ex: AIM, MSN, yahoo
Hey Ive read all the problems does anyone know if they have been fixed plz e-mail me if u know
Any body want cool chat from me can pm me on
radhakrishnau@gmail.com
Hey...I was interested in this Zipit product, but I have a little dilema. I see a lot of great reviews for the product but I have seen a couple reviews saying it freezes and blah blah blah. I was just wondering if they all freeze and cause many problems for people....If not then I will definitly buy one...please respond!! thank you
Hey...I was interested in this Zipit product, but I have a little dilema. I see a lot of great reviews for the product but I have seen a couple reviews saying it freezes and blah blah blah. I was just wondering if they all freeze and cause many problems for people....If not then I will definitly buy one...please respond!! thank you
We just bought 2 of these for our kids for christmas. We have linksys wireless network using comcast internet. We cannot get either unit to connect to the server. It reconizes there is a server but failes to connect. We went to a free WiFi spot and were able to connect. We currently support 2 computers and a laptop on our internet so I know the internet is working. I went on the zipit web sit and cannot find any tech support what-so-ever. If someone can email me suggestions or even a phone number for tech support I would be forever in your debt. Thanks for any help.