Can my Blackberry be used to get internet on a netbook?

[TubeTote]

I have a Blackberry curve with service from Verizon. I am looking at buying a netbook (Lenovo S12) for my business, but this particular model doesn't have an expresscard slot like previous S12's (my Verizon network adapter is expresscard). I'm wondering if it's possible to connect to the internet via the Blackberry, connect the Blackberry to a netbook and use the web in this manner. Why pay for 2 connections if I only need one? Any thoughts?

 

[Rifter]

i believe this is possible yes with a cable from phone to netbook as long as you can get the drivers to make the netbook see the phone as a modem. Just make sure your blackberry has a decent data plan or you will be paying for data transfer.

 

[ViviTheMage]

IF you have tethering option enabled with your BB @ Verizon, you can tether your BB up via USB.

 

[TubeTote]

Hey thanks to those who responded...got it working on my desktop of all things, and surprisingly it's pretty quick. I can't get it working on my laptop for some reason...doesn't surprise me as it's the Vista OS (which I have always hated). My desktop is XP and there were zero issues. Luckily, I will be replacing this laptop with a new one having Windows 7.

For anyone else interested in this, there is a 5 GB data transfer limit. I don't really know what this translates to in my business use, but the first month is free so at least you can try it first. I wouldn't recommend it as your primary connection though. The cost is a flat $15 per month with Verizon, which is a lot cheaper than having my expresscard device line at $60 per month. When you are using your phone as a modem, you can still take calls, but will be temporarily disconnected from the web. So...it has its limitations but I'm impressed with the speed and the convenience.

Peace~

 

[Madwand1]

Bluetooth tethering is another option, provided of course that you have it on your phone and netbook. You can get a small USB Bluetooth adapter if one is not built into the netbook. Bluetooth comes with a battery and potentially performance penalty for the wireless convenience.

 

[Gillbot]

I use my blackberry tethered often and for business use, you'd be surprised at how fast you can gobble up 5GB of transfer.

 

[minendo]

Yes. You'll have to install VZAccess Manager and service costs ~$15/month.

 

[teddyv]

I have a Blackberry account through T-Mobile, just upgraded from a Pearl to the 3G 9700. Unlimited tethering is included with T-Mobile, and Blackberry just made it simple with the newest desktop software by adding a 1-click button to use the BB as a tethered modem. Just open the desktop manager, plug your blackberry to the laptop with a USB cable, then click the tether button. Works like a charm and the 3G speeds are more than double the typical 100k to 300k or so EDGE speeds.

 

[TubeTote]

Hmmm, well when I was paying $60 per month for my dedicated and unlimited line, it just seemed like I was throwing money away. I use the connection, on average, probably about one week out of a month.

It's discouraging to hear that 5 GB can go quickly, but keep in mind that I do almost all of my work on my desktop with a DSL connection. This would only be my secondary / travel connection. Plus, there is a tool that allows you to see your actual usage. Most places that I travel to have some sort of wireless connection that I can use, so this secondary connection is literally for my vehicle, clients' homes or offices, and hotel rooms that don't offer internet.

While I dislike the idea of being limited on data transfer, this just seems like the best solution for me at the time. I'm glad to hear that other companies are offering this service, since my contract has less than a year to go...but I really do like Verizon's dependable coverage. Guess I will see how it goes.

 

[Gillbot]

Well, if you use it for regular type surfing and such it should be ok but for my work 5GB wasn't nearly enough.

 

[TubeTote]

May I ask what you need to do on your computer for work, and how much time you spend on the computer on an average day? Maybe this would give me a little perspective. I already know how bad Verizon screws people on overage charges.

 

[kornphlake]

Last month my household used 11gb, since the first of this month we've used 5gb, that includes my wife spending several hours on facebook throughout the month, lots of internet radio, kids playing games, internet shopping, email, paying bills on line, etc. I'm pretty sure if it were just me and I was only using the internet at home for home use I could stay under 5gb pretty easily.

 

[TubeTote]

Wow, that's a lotta Gig-adge! I would hate to see the bill. I feel pretty comfortable that I won't be using over the 5 GB limit, at least I know I will have my eye on the usage meter.

 

[Emulex]

yeah lay off the pr0n and you would be amazed at the reduction in bwidth