You probably won't be surprised to learn that I rebuild and setup devices, a LOT! Sometimes because i'm testing a new piece of software that has caused the phone to do odd things, sometimes because I have a new device that I need to set up for use.

To be honest, I have the process down pretty slick now. I have my T-Mobile operator settings on my microSD in CAB form, I have a directory containing all the applications I use in CAB form, and being an Exchange user (with 4smartphone), I can get my contacts, calendar and mail on the device with ease too. The only thing that is a bit of a pain to set up is WiFi networks, WEP keys etc. etc.

Enter Devicescape.

I actually came across this application today while installing software on my Nokia N800, as that is a supported platform. Yes, Devicescape supports the Nokia N800 as well as Windows, Mac OSX, Windows Mobile (duh!) and various Nokia phones.

So what does it do?

Think of DeviceScape as an online repository for all your WiFi networks. They could be networks at home, work or just about anywhere. They could be commercial networks such as T-Mobile, BT Openzone, Fon etc. Now imagine that as well as storing YOUR networks on DeviceScape, you can also share details with your friends and they can share with you. So my friend Mark has a WiFi network at his house, and he's shared his network details so that I can connect when I visit seamlessly.

Couple this powerful online tool with very slickly implemented clients, and you should never need to manually input your WEP keys again.

An example - I rebuilt my P4550 today. I hard reset, installed my T-Mobile GPRS CAB, installed the Devicescape client, and registered the device on the Devicescape website. I then turned on WiFi and connected - no key input or other configuration required. The WEP keys had been automatically downloaded by the Devicescape client, it's so cool.

So you want to give it a go right? Just head over to http://www.devicescape.com and get started... this is a truly must-have tool for me, so I thought i'd share it with you.

Oh, and it's free! Enjoy!

P

WEP keys!?

Sounds great.
All I need to do now is figure out how to set up a functional network whereby my VarioII can access shared drives, printers etc, rather than just connect to the web via the router
To be honest, I don't find inputting an 8 character WEP PSK too arduous. Will it do anything other than store my WEP key on their servers? Will it automatically install a File Explorer capable of using a network (and map the drives etc)? Will it tell my printer to accept data from my VII via the network?
If it will -- I'm in!!

WEP keys, WPA keys, whatever... point being I have at least 6 networks configured in my phone with various keys, plus this manages my FON account and my T-Mo WiFi account. I like it

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I use Resco Explorer to browse my network drives no problem

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Hmmm.. I don't think the boss would appreciate it if DeviceScape got hacked into and our company WEP / WPA keys were used to get into the network. Sure, it sounds a bit daft to suggest that, but I doubt any manager would appreciate it if you said, "I'm just adding our network details onto this website..."

While that's true, there are plenty of sites out there that hold data that's confidential

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i have signed up and i must admit it appears a very useful service

with regards to company WEP/WPA details, how about abbreviating the Name or entering one that is non-descript???

and with regards to the SSID, arent they generally Router related rather than site/location related??

i kind of took the approach that whilst there is an element of risk to putting details online, it was a bit like finding a front door key when you are on holiday in China !!

just my 2p worth

good find though Paul, i have my home and BTOPENZONE logged in as i am always hard resetting PDA's and always forgetting my wifi hotspot membership!!!

Glad to see someone else rather than me likes it!

P