Pilot: -->> External Modem Setup for Remote Mail

[Derek Smith-EDS014 <Derek_Smith-EDS014@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am hoping there is someone who has figured this one out.

I have been interested in remote syncing for a while now, and finally
purchased a Motorola 28.8/33 external modem for $20. Picked up the
components I needed at Radio Shack, and threw together a nice little cable
that links from the cradle to the modem. Tested everything and it actually
works, PARTLY...

We have two lines at home (I would hate to think about how tough it would be
to test this setup without a second phone line!!!!!). I can dial in and do a
remote sync with no problem. The problem I have is when my DESKTOP system
attempts to check for NEW EMAIL while I am doing the remote sync. The port
is already open, because I am calling in on that line (our computer/surfing
line). I have my Palm desktop set to synchronize email, using Outlook. 

I am using Outlook 97. I know, this is probably not a good choice, but I
desire to maintain compatibility with my mail at work (just not sync there).
(BTW, thanks to everyone who helped out with the quote commenting methods
for Outlook). 

The approach I think would work best would be to leave Outlook open at home
and have it set to automatically check email every 30 minutes or so. This
much is not a problem. Then, I could call in and do a sync, and any outgoing
mail would go into the Outlook Outbox, and new mail would be retrieved. The
outgoing mail would be automatically sent within 30 minutes when the next
auto check is performed by Outlook. Still not sure how to set my mail to
sync, but not to dial up and check for new mail. It seems that is the crux
of the issue right there.

An alternative, is that I could install a second modem in the computer,
hooked up to the main home line. Call in on line two, do a sync, and the
computer dials up my ISP on line one. That means three modems in total, one
with the PalmIII, and two in the computer (now I see what 3Com is up to...
;-)  )

To make matters worse, I was evaluating WinFax Pro which includes an
answering machine for the home computer (we could have the second line set
up as a business line and answer with the computer). I couldn't even get
that software set up to receive faxes and voice mail automatically, and
adding in the palm remote syncing would probably be too much.

Is there a security risk, in that if I could call up and do a remote sync,
could not someone else "hack" in and access my pilot data (ala credit cards
and all) as well? Just trying to be cautious with that one.

Am I just overcomplicating everything? What have others done? Any ideas or
solutions would be much appreciated.

   ...ederek

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