The Iridium AxcessPoint is a game changer accessory for Iridium 9555 and 9575 EXTREME users with iPhone, iPad, or Blackberry devices as well as Windows computers. Simply follow the instructions and the setup is amazingly easy. The AxcessPoint Mail and Web software lets one or more users simultaneously access the internet via the Iridium phone -- anywhere anytime.

Ann Price, one very pleased AxcessPoint user, recently gave this description of her experience in Nepal: " I can't tell you how pleased I have been with using my Iridium Extreme with AxcessPoint and iPad. It's just so easy and simple! At first, I thought, that can't be it, it just seems like sending data and pictures across the planet should be more complicated. I have sent over 35 emails to a friend who posts my blogs to my website."

Are there any downsides to the AxcessPoint? Though the AxcessPoint Email software is an excellent tool for basic email or email-based reception of weather maps or key file transmissions, in the opinion of this writer, the Iridium 2400 bps data rate is simply too slow for browsing the web -- even with the powerful compression tools included with the AxcessPoint Web software. So, unless a particular website is critical for you, Outfitter Satellite suggests you focus on the AxcessPoint Email solution.

Also, if you are an Android user, unfortunately no AxcessPoint Mail and Web app has been developed yet (as of the writing of this blog). This means that Android users can use the AxcessPoint for accessing the internet but will not have any of the compression benefits of the AxcessPoint Mail and Web software.

You can use the AxcessPoint device without the benefit of the AxcessPoint Mail and Web software but be careful. By default the AxcessPoint device initiates a data call when it is connected to the Iridium phone. If you are using the AxcessPoint Mail and Web software, the software stops the data call immediately until it is needed again. Without the software, this automatic call control is not available -- which could easily lead to excessive airtime usage. For this reason, Outfitter Satellite strongly recommends that users use the AxcessPoint Mail and Web software and avoid other types of applications.

Power Issues: The AxcessPoint has an internal battery and comes with an AC wall charger. The Iridium 9555 does not charge through its USB port, but the Iridium 9575 EXTREME does charge itself through the USB cable connection to the AxcessPoint. Obviously, the EXTREME will discharge the internal battery of the AxcessPoint fairly quickly. The AxcessPoint can be connected to external power while in use but does not have to be.

Recommendations: We recommend that users that do not have a conventional AC "wall" power source carry a portable battery and an AC inverter.