iPod touch is a PDA (according to BtOpenzone)

[tucker61]

Today I tried to access free wifi at a Roadchef service station, when I opened safari I got a btopenzone/o2 screen asking for my o2 mobile number.
I do not have a o2 number, and could not see how to access the site any other way so I phoned the btopenzone support line. I explained about the ipod touch and it looked like the system thought it was a iPhone and then it got confusing.

Operator Quote"so you have a iPhone"
Me "no, it is like the iPhone but without the phone"
Operator "oh right it is a PDA isn't it"
Me "no it is a iPod touch"
Operator "no our support files say it is a PDA, and PDA's are not compatible on our system so we cannot help you"
Me - "so are you saying I cannot use the free wifi you are advertising all over the service station"
Operator "yes that's right it does not work on PDA's"


What is the point of free wifi but only for selected devices...

[dasikes]

Today I tried to access free wifi at a Roadchef service station, when I opened safari I got a btopenzone/o2 screen asking for my o2 mobile number.
I do not have a o2 number, and could not see how to access the site any other way so I phoned the btopenzone support line. I explained about the ipod touch and it looked like the system thought it was a iPhone and then it got confusing.

Operator Quote"so you have a iPhone"
Me "no, it is like the iPhone but without the phone"
Operator "oh right it is a PDA isn't it"
Me "no it is a iPod touch"
Operator "no our support files say it is a PDA, and PDA's are not compatible on our system so we cannot help you"
Me - "so are you saying I cannot use the free wifi you are advertising all over the service station"
Operator "yes that's right it does not work on PDA's"


What is the point of free wifi but only for selected devices...

That's... dumb.

[Apple Ink]

OK... I have no idea about UK but.... why should O2 give you free Wi-Fi when you're not paying them a penny??? And in a crude way, that tech support guy is correct in saying that its a PDA. (Actually Apple itself has regarded the iPod touch as a 'Wireless Platform'!

[tucker61]

OK... I have no idea about UK but.... why should O2 give you free Wi-Fi when you're not paying them

So if I use my laptop I can log on and get free access. if I use my iPod touch it will not work

[dasikes]

So if I use my laptop I can log on and get free access. if I use my iPod touch it will not work

hence it being ridiculous. What's their reasoning for not allowing PDAs?

[muldul]

Very very odd, i use it all the time, i just give my BT address as i use them at home

[4DThinker]

What is the point of free wifi but only for selected devices...It's only free in exchange for your phone number. They obviously find value in knowing your number, and are willing to exchange some wifi for it.