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    Internet Connection With Cellphone or PDA

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by ucathinker, Sep 7, 2006.

  1. ucathinker

    ucathinker Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a Thinkpad R50P and would like to be able to connect to the internet via a cellphone or PDA when I have no access to any other method. Can anyone tell me if this is viable and if so suggest the best way to go about it? I'm a total novice on the subject so please be kind. :)

    My laptop is Bluetooth-enabled if that helps. Thanks!
     
    ucathinker, Sep 7, 2006
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  2. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    qhn, Sep 7, 2006
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  3. jimc

    jimc Notebook Consultant

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    jimc, Sep 7, 2006
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  4. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    you need

    1. a data plan for your cel account
    2. connectivity between notebook and phone (bluetooth is ok, cable works too)
    3. dialup software to make the phone act like a modem

    you need to contact your cel provider; they will be able to point you in the right direction

    i bought a cable and software off ebay for my previous phone and laptop

    be warned, the connection (at least a couple years ago) is pretty crappy and really slow; i had tons of disconnects and crashes. it may be better now, but i don't connect that way anymore so i wouldn't know
     
    drumfu, Sep 7, 2006
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  5. root

    root Notebook Consultant

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    If you have verizon you already have a data plan.

    What is your provider?

    And no you dont need any software to make it into a modem.
     
    root, Sep 7, 2006
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  6. ucathinker

    ucathinker Notebook Enthusiast

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    Right now I'm with Cingular/AT&T but willing to switch if a different outfit would be better. Is Verizon the better way to go?
     
    ucathinker, Sep 7, 2006
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  7. root

    root Notebook Consultant

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    For mobile data? Yes. If you have americas choice you automaticly have use of the 1xRTT network, and that has a speed of 144kbps. Mind you this does cost minutes, but no per KB charge.

    If you live in a major city, you can pay an extra 60 a month and get the unlimited usage EVDO network, and that is 1.5mbps.
     
    root, Sep 7, 2006
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  8. ucathinker

    ucathinker Notebook Enthusiast

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    Here's a wrinkle I forgot to mention. I can connect to my office network via a free 800 number dial-up connection when I have access to a regular phone line. It's only 56k tops but the price is right. Would a cell phone connection work for that just as well? It would probably still cost minutes but with an unlimited long distance plan it might be workable. What do you guys think?

    Thanks for the links, by the way. Very good information.
     
    ucathinker, Sep 7, 2006
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  9. root

    root Notebook Consultant

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    Well you can do it that way but only in QNC mode.

    oh. did i tell you that QNC mode = 14.4k
     
    root, Sep 7, 2006
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