Laptop Internet access over a cellphone?

[evilroot]

I've finally decided to take the plunge and go get a cellphone, after being stuck in traffic for more than an hour straight, wishing the whole time I could call to let someone know to pick up my younger brother from school (as it was he waited outside the whole time).


One of the main reasons I'm willing to pay for a cellular service, aside from that, is that it'd be very nice to be able to get internet access on my laptop while on the road. I've been hearing good things about new digital wireless networks that allow up to 144kps access, but I've seen very little on cellular provider's websites that give many details. Does anyone have experience with such plans, and if so what advice can you give me? All I really want are the occasional call or two for emergencies or arranging to meet people, and (preferably unlimited, NOT charged per meg) internet access during non-peak times (I know many places offer free nights/weekends). My budget is rather limited, so if anyone has gotten good deals I'd love to hear about it!

 

[Shadow07]

Well, you can always get any cell type service, and purchase a Laptop kit for the phone. Then, when you connect the laptop to the phone, it'll act just like a modem. Or, you can look into the Sprint 3G wireless services. I haven't seen the recent price list, but it's just a PCMCIA card that plugs into your laptop. It really doesn't provide any cellphone type services.

If it's Internet Access and Cellphone you're after (browsing to small sites), then check out T-Mobile. They have the PocketPC device that is a phone and wireless internet device. You can browse the Internet, then make a phone call. The unit can be buggy at times, but I believe T-Mobile has that resolved.

 

[vortix]

SprintPCS offers unlimited high-speed wireless net access for $10 extra a month. They don't sell data cables to connect the phone to your laptop, but you can get one through a 3rd party company.

 

[JackMDS]

Regular inexpensive Cell phone is widely available. (For your need you can get a basic service for $15 -$20 a month).

Unfortunately getting Internet Connection through the Cell phone is a different story. It is not just an issue of getting the Hardware. Most regular cell phone providers are not capable to deliver the Internet through the hardware. You need to get a Web Enable Cell service.

The best info I ever found on the issue is here:

Verizon - About Mobile Office Service

 

[andrey]

I'm using Verizon with my Motorola v60i for wireless web. The good thing about Verizon is that they don't charge extra for internet access. All you do is dial #777 and you're instantly online. The only price you pay is that the online time goes out of your minutes, but since Verizon offers unlimited nights and weekend on pretty much any plan now, using minutes shouldn't be a very huge issue.

As far as speed, it is 14.4. Not the fastest thing in the world, but for checking e-mail and browsing AT it is perfectly fine

For the hardware all you need is a cable (I'm using USB Motorola cable, but the serial port version is available also) and phone sofware drivers, which can be downloaded from Motorola's site. Simple and easy!

Feel free to PM me if you'll need any additional info.

-- Andrey

 

[evilroot]

Thanks andrey, that sounds like exactly what I want!

 

[Santa]

You may want to check into the 3G services instead of limiting yourself to the older 2G digital networks which were 14.4 maximum throughput.

The new 3G networks begin around 30-50 and ramp up to the current max of 144 Kbps. Most services average around 50-60 Kbps so this is much better and much more usable than the old 14.4 hook up.

I use Sprint PCS and love the speed. The odd thing is they use #777 also. Weird huh.

Take a look around..

 

[jvang125]

Santa:

with your connection, are you using a serial cable to connect the phone to the serial port on the laptop or could you use the usb cable? i've been trying to connect my vision pcs phone to a laptop for wireless internet access but havent been successful. any ideas?

 

[Santa]

when using my cell phone I use a USB cable. I have a Sanyo 5300 (camera phone) and it works beautifully. I get about 128-144K of bandwidth (don't tell Sprint )

I also have a PC card version and account that I get upwards to 200K+ and its wonderful.

3G is hear to stay in my mind and it can only get better.