(A) Relay Access

(1) Instant Messenger (IM) Based
(2) WAP (mobile web browser) Based
(3) Software Based

(B) TTY Access

(C) Fax Access

(D) Voice to text/text to voice Access

(E) Programs for your Pager

(1) BlackBerry (RIM)
(2) Treo (Palm)
(3) Sidekick (T-Mobile)

(F) Sync Software

(1) Windows-based PC

(1.1) BlackBerry
(1.2) Sidekick
(1.3) Treo

(2) Macintosh

(2.1) BlackBerry
(2.2) Sidekick
(2.3) Treo

(G) More information

(1) BlackBerry
(2) Sidekick
(3) Treo

(A) Relay Access

Relay services allow you to send text to a relay operator who then will call a voice number for you and speak your text for you, and type what the hearing person says to you.  Outgoing relay service is the most common, but there are some services that offer incoming relay service where a hearing person can contact you via your pager.  There are several different ways you can access relay from your pager:

(1) Instant Messenger (IM) Based

These relay services are accessible using any device that can connect to AOL Instant Messenger (AIM).  Some devices may need additional third-party software in order to be able to connect to AIM.  All you need to do is send an instant message with the number you want to call to one of these screen names, and you will be able to make outgoing relay calls for free:

(1.1) HipRelay (Hamilton Relay) on AIM

http://www.hamiltonrelay.com/internet/wireless/index.htm

HipRelay allows you to receive incoming relay calls by registering your AIM Screen Name with Hamilton, then you can have hearing people call Hamilton's toll free number and ask for your AIM Screen Name or mobile phone number, and they will be able to contact you via AIM.  Currently, it does not seem that there is any way to leave you a message if you do not respond to the call through AIM.

(1.2) i711relay (GoAmerica) on AIM

http://www.i711.com/aim/

i711relay currently does not have the ability to receive incoming relay calls.

(1.3) My IP Relay (Verizon/MCI) on AIM and Yahoo! Messenger (Yahoo! access is temporarily unavailable.)

http://www.ip-relay.com/myiprelay.htm

My IP Relay also offers incoming calls when you sign up for their free "My IP Relay Number" service.  This means you get a free phone number you can give to hearing people to call and connect to you DIRECTLY via your AIM or Yahoo! Screen Name.  If you're not available, they will be able to leave you a message via e-mail.

(1.4) siprelay (Sorenson Communications) on AIM

http://www.siprelay.com/

Siprelay currently does not have the ability to receive incoming relay calls

(1.5) SprintIP (Sprint) on AIM

http://www.sprint.com/business/products/products/wirelessRelayServices.jsp

SprintIP currently does not have the ability to receive incoming relay calls

(1.6) AIM Software for Pagers

If you have a BlackBerry (with BlackBerry OS 4.0 or higher) or a Treo 600/650, there is some free software that will allow you to connect to AIM:

(1.6.1) BlackBerry - Ramble IM (can be downloaded directly from BB's web browser)

http://wireless.sra.com/ramble/

(1.6.2) Treo - Toccer (can be downloaded directly from Treo's web browser)

http://www.atomiccog.com/products/toccer-for-treo/

(2) WAP (mobile web browser) Based

These relay services are accessible using any device that can connect using a mobile web browser also known as WAP.  WAP is a special standard designed for small portable wireless devices such as cell phones to enable them to access services like a web browser.  There are some companies that offer WAP-based relay service, which does not require any additional software to be installed on your device.  Go to the internet addresses below in your pager's browser to make outgoing relay calls for free:

(2.1) http://www.hamiltonrelay.com/ (Hamilton Relay) for any pager with a WAP browser

Hamilton Relay also allows you to receive incoming relay calls by having the hearing person call Hamilton's toll free number and giving the Hamilton Relay Operator your pager's email address.  The operator will then send your pager an email with the information you need to receive the incoming call via your WAP browser. More information is available at Hamilton Relay's Wireless page: http://www.hamiltonrelay.com/internet/wireless/index.htm 

(2.2) http://www.iptty.net/ (Lormar Logic Co./Hamilton Relay) for any pager with a WAP browser

This link is usually accessible via http://www.lormarlogic.com/ , and it appears that Hamilton Relay has bought out Lormar Logic Co.'s WAP services.  Apparently, if you go to Hamilton Relay's site with a WAP browser, it will redirect to this page.  

(3) Software Based

These relay services are accessible using specialized software that you need to download on your pager.  Outgoing relay calls are free, but some other features may require a paid subscription.

(3.1) i711 Wireless (GoAmerica) for Sidekick

http://www.i711.com/wireless/

i711 Wireless allows you to dial relay calls from your Sidekick's address book.  You will need to download this software via the "Download Fun" application on your Sidekick.  There is no charge for this software.A paid upgrade to the "Wireless Toolkit" gives you access to TTY calling, voice to text messages, AAA access, and pager to pager chat.

(3.2) Wireless IP-Relay.com Application (Verizon/MCI) for Sidekick

http://www.ip-relay.com/sk_wireless.htm

You will need to download this software via the "Download Fun" application on your Sidekick.  There is no charge for this software.

(3.3) Wireless IP-Relay.com via Terminal Client (Verizon/MCI) for Sidekick

http://www.ip-relay.com/faq_wireless.htm

<<This is put here for information only.  Instead, we encourage you to use the Wireless IP-Relay.com application that is FREE.>>

Download "Terminal Client" for $9.99 via the "Download Fun" application on your Sidekick.  Set your host settings inside Terminal Client to:

Name: IP-RELAY.com

Host: wireless.ip-relay.com:2510

Protocol: RAW

Then you need to select "Save", and then you can choose "IP-RELAY.com" from the Terminal Client menu to make a call.

(3.4) Wireless IP-Relay.com (Verizon/MCI) for BlackBerry

http://www.ip-relay.com/wireless_bb.htm

Download this software directly from your BlackBerry's browser here: http://www.ip-relay.com/iprelay.jad Your BlackBerry must be running BlackBerry OS 4.0 to use this software.

(B) TTY Access

TTY services allow you to send messages or chat live with another person who is using a TTY/TDD.  Unlike Relay services which are free to use, you must pay for access to TTY services.  There are two major providers of TTY services for pagers:

(1) Lormar Logic Co. for any pager

http://www.lormarlogic.com/

Lormar offers WAP-based and AIM-based TTY access.  It appears that their WAP-based service "Lormar FREE Mobile TTY Direct" is now free to use.  Visit http://www.iptty.net/ to connect to a TTY from your pager's browser.  Better performance may be gotten by using the AIM-based TTY service, "Lormar Instant TTY" after paying a subscription fee.  See below for more details.

(2) Lormar Instant TTY

http://www.lormarlogic.com/realtime_service.htm

This is Lormar's AIM-based TTY system.  You will need to subscribe to Lormar's services before you can make a pager-to-TTY call via AIM.  An one-month subscription is $6, and an one-year subscription is $54.  There are additional set up fees as well.

(3) i711 Wireless (GoAmerica) for Sidekick

http://www.i711.com/wireless/faq.php

http://tinyurl.com/hqnm8

Downloading this software via the "Download Fun" application on your Sidekick gives you free access to relay, but you need to pay a $9.95 monthly subscription fee for the "Wireless Toolkit" feature which gives you the capability to make outgoing and receive incoming TTY calls on your Sidekick.

(C) Fax Access

Any pager that can send/receive email can also send and receive faxes.  There are many email to fax services out there, and most of them can deliver faxes as email attachments in TIFF or PDF format.  Almost all devices will be able to read one or the other type of format.  We have listed a couple of major email fax services to get you started.  (Sidekicks will not be able to read TIFF or PDF files attached to email.  Other devices may require third party software.)

(1) eFax

http://www.efax.com/

eFax is one of the oldest and most reliable email fax services.  Their rates start at $12.95/month, and you are issued your own fax number in a local area code.  Toll-free (800) area codes will cost more.  There is no cost to receive faxes, and outgoing faxes cost $0.10 per page.

(2) MaxEmail

http://www.maxemail.com/

MaxEmail offers 200 incoming pages of faxes at a non-local fax number for $14.85 per year for its basic service.  Costs go up as you add features such as local fax numbers, toll free numbers, higher volume, etc.  

(D) Voice to text/text to voice Access

This used to be an important service for those with pagers.  Now these services (which were similar to, but not like relay) have been pretty much replaced by relay services that are accessible directly from your mobile pager.  Verizon/MCI's "My IP Relay Number" is especially useful in this regard.

(E) Programs for your Pager

Do you want your pager to do more for you?  There are many more programs available for your pager, either free, shareware, or commercial.  Below are a few major download sites for your specific device.  You will need to know how to install software on your pager.  

(1) BlackBerry (RIM)

BlackBerries have a small but growing library of software.  You can install software on your BlackBerry in two different ways.  The easiest way is using Over-The-Air (OTA) installation, where you download a program directly via the BlackBerry Browser.  Another way to install software is to use the BlackBerry Desktop (or similar software) with your computer.  OTA is probably the easiest way to install programs on your BlackBerry.  However, you are limited by the memory on your BlackBerry, because they do not have an external memory card.

(1.1) Recommended Software

This is a short list of popular and useful software for your BlackBerry.

(1.1.1) Avvenu

http://www.avvenu.com/

Access files and pictures from your Windows PC at home directly from your BlackBerry (models 7290 and 8700c) anywhere!  Free.

(1.1.2) BBToday

http://sourceforge.net/projects/blackberrytools

A "home page" for your BlackBerry that shows you various information about your BlackBerry and from other sources at a glance, such as your appointments, missed calls, how many new emails you have, your stock quotes, and today's weather.  Free.

(1.1.3) Google Local

http://www.google.com/glm

Access Google Local from your BlackBerry!  Free.

(1.1.4) Mobipocket Reader

http://www.mobipocket.com/en/DownloadSoft/DownLoadReaderStep1.asp

eBook reader, Free "Lite" version, and a "Pro" version that they charge for.

(1.1.5) Ramble IM

http://wireless.sra.com/ramble/

Free AIM client.

(1.1.6) VeriChat

http://www.pdaapps.com/verichat_bby/

Multi-service IM client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo!) for your BlackBerry.  Free Trial, but must subscribe ($34.95/year) to continue to use this service. 

(1.2) BlackBerry Forums Aftermarket Software Section

http://www.blackberryforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=14

BlackBerry Forums is a popular message board for those who use BlackBerries.  One of their sections is dedicated to discussion of various software options for the BlackBerry.

(1.3) Handango

http://www.handango.com/

Major online handheld software retailer.  Many demo programs.  Click on "BlackBerry" on the left side then choose your specific model on the next screen.  This will help Handango recommend the correct programs for your BlackBerry model.

(1.4) Rim Road

http://www.rimroad.com/software.html

Nice download site with categorized lists of BlackBerry Software.

(2) Treo (Palm)

Treo's have a huge selection of software, because they run the popular Palm Operating System (Palm OS).  Basically, any Palm program will work on a Treo.  It is very easy to install software on your Treo - in addition to the two install methods already mentioned in the BlackBerry (OTA and Sync), there are other ways to install software on your Treo.  You can beam most programs via infrared (IR) or Bluetooth, you can receive a program file through email as an attachment, and you can load programs on a SD memory card connected to your computer then put the SD memory card in your Treo and run it from the card.  SD memory cards make it possible to have almost unlimited software on your Treo.

(2.1) Recommended Software

This is a short list of popular and useful programs for your Treo

(2.1.1) Avvenu

http://www.avvenu.com/

Access files and pictures from your Windows PC at home directly from your Treo anywhere!  Free.

(2.1.2) Documents to Go

http://www.dataviz.com/products/documentstogo/index_palm.html

This is must-have software if you have a Treo.  It allows you to view and edit Microsoft Office (Word. Excel, and Powerpoint) files on your Treo.  It's so good that Palm included it with your Treo.  Check the CD that came with your Treo to install it.  However, if you have a Treo 600, you can only view MS Office files.  You may want to upgrade to a newer version that allows you to edit files as well.  The Treo 650 comes with a version that you can view and edit, but upgrading to the latest version will allow you to view PDF files too.  Upgrades are not free.

(2.1.3) Genius

http://www.hobbyistsoftware.com/Genius_more.php

Nice program giving you fast access to Google, shopping prices, weather, directions, stock quotes, and more!  Free trial, $9.95 to purchase.  

(2.1.4) KMaps

http://kmaps.ulocate.com/

Free Java application giving you access to Google Maps on your Treo.  Never get lost again!

(2.1.5) Mobipocket Reader

http://www.mobipocket.com/en/DownloadSoft/DownLoadReaderStep1.asp

mobipocketpalm.gif

eBook reader, Free "Lite" version, and a "Pro" version that they charge for.

(2.1.6) Toccer

http://www.atomiccog.com/products/toccer-for-treo/

Free AIM software.

(2.1.7) VeriChat

http://www.pdaapps.com/verichat/index.html

Multi-service IM client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo!) for your Treo.  Free Trial, but must subscribe ($24.95/year) to continue to use this service. 

(2.2) Freeware Palm

http://www.freewarepalm.com/

This site is great because EVERYTHING downloadable from here is FREE!  Yes, it will take some digging to find the gems, but it's well worth it.  Best accessed via your computer's browser.  

(2.3) Handango

http://www.handango.com/

Major online handheld software retailer.  Many demo programs.  Click on "Palm OS" on the left side then you will be taken to a list of Palm OS compatible programs that Handango makes available to you.

(2.4) MyTreo.net

http://mytreo.net/

You need to register to become a member of this site (for free), before you can download anything, but its worth your time because they have listed only Treo-compatible software.  Members have reviewed programs and the editors have rated them as well, making it easy to choose the best program for your needs.  Works well both via computer browser and via your Treo.  Many programs are downloadable directly to your Treo, making for easy installations.

(2.5) PalmGear

http://www.palmgear.com/

One of the largest online reseller of Palm OS based software.  There is plenty of free and demo software here.  There are good ratings and reviews of programs by users here.  For software specific to the Treo, click on the Treo tab at the far right top of the site.

(3) Sidekick (T-Mobile)

The Sidekick has the smallest software selection.  However, your Sidekick comes with more software already on it out of the box as compared to the BlackBerry and Treo pagers.  Software installation is very easy on a Sidekick.  Just open the Download Fun application on your Sidekick.  If you bought a program for your Sidekick, and lose the pager, once you purchase a replacement, Danger/T-Mobile will automatically send the programs to your new pager, so you won't need to repurchase software.  Also if your Sidekick runs out of space, you can delete a program and it will be stored for you on Danger's servers, so that you can re-download it later on.

(3.1) Recommended software

This is a short list of popular and useful programs for your Sidekick II.

(3.1.1) AOL Mail

Available from Download Fun on your Sidekick

Allows you to send and receive your AOL mail on your Sidekick.  Free.

(3.1.2) Avvenu

http://www.avvenu.com/

Access files and pictures from your Windows PC at home directly from your Sidekick II anywhere!  Free.

(3.1.3) Intellisync

http://support.t-mobile.com/knowbase/root/public/tm21921.htm

You will be able to keep your Sidekick's address book, calendar, and tasks connected with your PC wirelessly when you purchase this software for $9.95 from T-Mobile.  See "Intellisync" under "Sync Software" below for more information.

(3.1.4) Time Traveler

Available from Download Fun on your Sidekick

Now you can use your Sidekick as a vibrating alarm clock!  Very useful for those who travel often.  $4.99.

(F) Sync Software

Sync is short for "synchronize" which means keeping two (or more) things updated with the same information.  When used with pagers, this means keeping your computer and pager updated with the same addresses, phone numbers, calendars, to-do's, etc.  Some pagers come with sync software included for specific operating systems.  Other pagers, the sync software is available for an additional fee.

(1) Windows-based PC

(1.1) BlackBerry

(1.1.1) BlackBerry Desktop

http://www.blackberry.net/products/software/desktop/

This is the official software from RIM, the manufacturers of the BlackBerry handhelds.  This software usually is included on a CD that came with your BlackBerry, but you can download it as well.

(1.2) Sidekick

(1.2.1) Intellisync

http://support.t-mobile.com/knowbase/root/public/tm21921.htm

This software is available for purchase/download via T-Mobile's Sidekick Web Interface.  Your T-Mobile account will be charged $9.95 to download Intellisync to your Windows PC.  You will be able to sync your Sidekick's address book, calendar, and tasks with your PC wirelessly.

(1.3) Treo

(1.3.1) Palm Desktop

http://www.palm.com/us/support/palmdesktop.html

palmdesktop.gif

This is the official software from Palm, the manufacturers of the Treo smartphones.  This software usually is included on a CD that came with your Treo, but you can download it as well.  (The download version does not include some third-party extras that are on the CD).

(2) Macintosh

(2.1) BlackBerry

(2.1.1) PocketMac for BlackBerry

http://www.pocketmac.net/products/pmblackberry/

This is a third-party developed program that will sync your BlackBerry with your Mac.  RIM has announced that they will make it available for free download on their site soon, making this the official Mac software for BlackBerry. 

(2.2) Sidekick

(2.2.1) Missing Sync for Hiptop

http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_hiptop.php

This is third-party software that will sync your Sidekick's address book, calendar, and tasks with your Mac's Address Book and iCal applications wirelessly.

(2.3) Treo

(2.3.1) Missing Sync for Palm

http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_palmos.php

This is a third-party developed application that is much more full-featured than Palm Desktop that comes with Treos.  Syncs much more than just the usual contacts, calendars, and to-do's that Palm Desktop does.  Highly recommended and worth the investment!

(2.3.2) Palm Desktop for Macintosh

http://www.palm.com/us/support/macintosh/

This software is included with every Treo and also downloadable from Palm's website.

(G) More information

Want to learn more?  We've given you a head-start for putting your new pager to work with the links and hints above.  The internet has much more information for you, and you will be able to ask others who use the same device as you for assistance at many of these sites if you need it.

(1) BlackBerry

(1.1) BlackBerry Forums

http://www.blackberryforums.com/

The BlackBerry Forums is a great resource on the web for learning about your BlackBerry.  They have some excellent FAQ's too.

(1.2) HowardForums - RIM

http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=221

HowardForums (HoFo) is one of the most popular forums for discussing cell phones on the web.  This is their dedicated RIM messageboard.  You can also find additional assistance in the carrier specific forums at HoFo.

(2) Sidekick

(2.1) Hiptop.com

http://www.hiptop.com/forums/

This is the place to go to if you want to learn about your Sidekick.  They have a dedicated Deaf/HoH forum too!  This message board is owned and operated by Danger, who manufactures the Sidekick and operates the service for T-Mobile and other providers.

(2.2) HowardForums - Danger

http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=263

HowardForums (HoFo) is one of the most popular forums for discussing cell phones on the web.  This is their dedicated Danger messageboard.  You can also find additional assistance in the carrier specific forums at HoFo.

(3) Treo

(3.1) HowardForums - Palm OS

http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=180

HowardForums (HoFo) is one of the most popular forums for discussing cell phones on the web.  This is their dedicated Palm OS messageboard where you can discuss your Treo.  You can also find additional assistance in the carrier specific forums at HoFo.

(3.2) MyTreo.net

http://mytreo.net/

Get all you want to know about your Treo here.  Reviews, news, a knowledge base, and a discussion forum are all available here along with an online store with things that you'll need and want for your Treo.

(3.3) TreoCentral

http://www.treocentral.com/

You can get your Treo news, reviews, software, and discussions here at the one stop site for everything related to Treo.  They even have a store that you can shop for Treo software, hardware, and accessories.  The discussion forum is the place to go if you want to talk Treo!