Using a cellphone as a notebook modem

[jdoggg12]

Does anyone have the lowdown on how to do this and which phones support it? I don't want to have to buy a whole wireless internet package ($70/month) I just want to be able to hook my laptop up to my phone for the infrequent times i want internet access and cant be near a hotspot.

FWIW I have an Asus M50VM-A1 if it matters.


Thanks in advance!!

 

[uli2000]

Pretty much any phone can do it, but the problem will be VZW. Im not sure if they have it disabled. I looks like it's a $15/month option if you have a unlimited data plan @$45/month. But remember, even if you can get away with it, if you dont have a data plan, you will pay pay per use data rates of about $15/mb.

 

[jdoggg12]

Ouch, thats really really steep. Do any carriers offer the ability to do this w/o requiring you to justbuy an airport card?

 

[uli2000]

Im with Alltel. They have it as a add on plan for $25/month unlimited tethering. But since they are in the process of being bought by VZW, that may be ending after the merger.

 

[frostedflakes]

Yeah check into tethering, usually these plans are quite a bit cheaper than aircards.

 

[corkyg]

Tethering usually requires a USB-phone cable, and installation of drivers for the particular phone, then installation of connection software downloaded from the carrier.

 

[frostedflakes]

With Alltel and Verizon I think Windows DUN can manage the connection. With my Alltel connection, all I have to do to connect is create a dialup connection to #777; no username or password is needed. Alltel sells a driver/software/data cable package for like $60, which is a rip. jdoggg12, what I'd recommend is first getting a data cable on eBay and try setting up the connection manually before buying one of Verizon's tethering packages (which I'm sure are as overpriced as Alltel's).

You can also tether over Bluetooth if your phone and laptop support it. No wires to worry about, but it'll run your phone battery down quick.

 

[jdoggg12]

Originally posted by: frostedflakes
With Alltel and Verizon I think Windows DUN can manage the connection. With my Alltel connection, all I have to do to connect is create a dialup connection to #777; no username or password is needed. Alltel sells a driver/software/data cable package for like $60, which is a rip. jdoggg12, what I'd recommend is first getting a data cable on eBay and try setting up the connection manually before buying one of Verizon's tethering packages (which I'm sure are as overpriced as Alltel's).

You can also tether over Bluetooth if your phone and laptop support it. No wires to worry about, but it'll run your phone battery down quick.

Great info, thx! I'm going to look around for that stuff, i'm also shopping for a phone too.

 

[MadAmos]

As far as I know all the new Verizon plans charge $1.99 /MB and DUN is no longer possible to avoid a big!!! suprize bill make sure you do your home work and check out the forums at Cell forums for the final word it would be worth a call to VZW customer support before you commit to anything.

Amos

 

[Pepsei]

sprint pcs, htc mogul ($300 with 2 year contract) with the right program (i want to say wifirouter?) will turn it into a wireless router for your laptop, you can get internet anywhere with sprint service.
(if you have powerpack @$25/month unlimited data)

you can also wait until august 17ish, sprint will have htc touch diamond, should be about $199 with 2 year contract. it is suppose to be a very nice phone.

 

[jdoggg12]

Originally posted by: Pepsei
sprint pcs, htc mogul ($300 with 2 year contract) with the right program (i want to say wifirouter?) will turn it into a wireless router for your laptop, you can get internet anywhere with sprint service.
(if you have powerpack @$25/month unlimited data)

you can also wait until august 17ish, sprint will have htc touch diamond, should be about $199 with 2 year contract. it is suppose to be a very nice phone.

I'm really trying to avoid leaving verizon, but thats a good plan... hmmm

 

[Pepsei]

i believe verizon will also get htc touch diamond, they may have a similar plan?

 

[frostedflakes]

Verizon carries the Mogul as well (they might call it something else, though, not sure).

 

[theblackbox]

i use the i760 to tether with my macbook pro and my wifes hp. i usually tether usb, but sometimes use wifi or bluetooth. usb is best since there is no drain on the cell battery. verizon. i have been using it for years. (used a q before)
44 bucks for unlimited data ( more like 5 gigs a month now) and 15 bucks for tether. i don't have internet otherwise since i am on the road all the time, so my cell bill IS my home phone and internet service.

 

[Shimmishim]

Originally posted by: theblackbox
i use the i760 to tether with my macbook pro and my wifes hp. i usually tether usb, but sometimes use wifi or bluetooth. usb is best since there is no drain on the cell battery. verizon. i have been using it for years. (used a q before)
44 bucks for unlimited data ( more like 5 gigs a month now) and 15 bucks for tether. i don't have internet otherwise since i am on the road all the time, so my cell bill IS my home phone and internet service.

Wait you are paying $15/month to tether???

That's ridiculous! A long time ago I found a program called pdanet.

It's a one time fee of $34 and you get unlimited tethering.

I use a motorola Q and I've used it on countless occasions while in the field and didn't have internet access.

 

[theblackbox]

Originally posted by: Shimmishim

Originally posted by: theblackbox
i use the i760 to tether with my macbook pro and my wifes hp. i usually tether usb, but sometimes use wifi or bluetooth. usb is best since there is no drain on the cell battery. verizon. i have been using it for years. (used a q before)
44 bucks for unlimited data ( more like 5 gigs a month now) and 15 bucks for tether. i don't have internet otherwise since i am on the road all the time, so my cell bill IS my home phone and internet service.

Wait you are paying $15/month to tether???

That's ridiculous! A long time ago I found a program called pdanet.

It's a one time fee of $34 and you get unlimited tethering.

I use a motorola Q and I've used it on countless occasions while in the field and didn't have internet access.

i use mine for business so i try to do things legally, plus it gets written off as a business expense.