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    Integrated WWAN or use BlackJack Phone as Bluetooth Tether Modem

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by wolfego, Feb 10, 2008.

  1. wolfego

    wolfego Newbie

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    I am buying a Lenovo T61. I currently own a Samsung Blackjack phone with AT&T data plan. I want to have Wireless WAN but I believe I have two options.

    1) Get integrated, USB or Express Card Wireless WAN card along with a subscription to Veriozon or AT&T.... OR

    2) Use my Blackjack phone as a tether modem via bluetooth or USB and use my existing data plan.

    Questions:

    A) Is option 2 above a viable option?

    B) Will option 2 have speeds similar to option 1 or will it be dramatically slower?

    C) Any thoughts or suggestions as to which way to go?

    Thanks,
    Bernie
     
    wolfego, Feb 10, 2008
    #1
  2. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    You need a tethering plan to use your phone as a modem, they're usually about $30 on top of the data plan, but it's still cheaper than to buy a broadband plan ($60-70) and a USB/Expresscard, which can run into the $200's.
     
    Lithus, Feb 10, 2008
    #2
  3. jeme

    jeme Notebook Evangelist

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    Whatever you do - get an unlimited teathering or mobile plan - that way you will ahve the peace of mind about usage.
     
    jeme, Feb 10, 2008
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  4. sfausch

    sfausch Newbie

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    I use my Motorola Razr2 V9 as a tethered 3G modem...works just as fast as an aircard, and the unlimited (5GB?) plan costs just as much tethered as does the card ($60/monthly).
     
    sfausch, Feb 10, 2008
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  5. kingstu

    kingstu Notebook Consultant

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    I got integrated wireless on my dell with AT&T and i love it. With 3G i really don't need to pay for internet service at home. It is sooo much better than an external card, and much sexier also.
     
    kingstu, Feb 11, 2008
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  6. 93Akkord

    93Akkord Notebook Consultant

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    is this true? you need a tethering plan? I hooked up my moms phone to her laptop and tethered via USB just fine. Is there something I'm missing? She just has the unlimited usage plan.
     
    93Akkord, Mar 25, 2008
    #6
  7. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    No, you don't need a tethering plan with AT&T. You can get the cheapest data plan and tether with no other charges. I tether all the time and have no problems at all. Of course, I had to insist I wanted the cheapest plan, because sales will try to get you to spend $60+ per month for something you can get for $20 per month.
     
    kegobeer, Mar 25, 2008
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  8. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    It's $30 for the data plan or $60 for data + tethering.

    Tethering will work with only the $30 plan, but is a violation of Terms and Conditions.
     
    Lithus, Mar 25, 2008
    #8
  9. 93Akkord

    93Akkord Notebook Consultant

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    ahhh...so what they dont know, can't hurt you?
     
    93Akkord, Mar 25, 2008
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  10. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    They can easily find out if they track your data usage. Gives them the right to cancel your plan...etc.
     
    Lithus, Mar 25, 2008
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  11. 93Akkord

    93Akkord Notebook Consultant

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    track my data usage? What if I just surf a lot on my phone? I've acutually downloaded stuff from my phone before...just for fun.
     
    93Akkord, Mar 25, 2008
    #11