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    cell phone dialup w/laptop

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by snoel, Sep 22, 2004.

  1. snoel

    snoel Newbie

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    I want to use cell phone instead of a landline to dialup with my laptop to my network @ work. How would I do that.

    Shelby
     
  2. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    A few options:

    1) You can use IR, but that's going to be damned slow.
    2) Call these guys and see if they have a cable for your phone to the PC - http://thesupplynet.com/
    3) Get a Bluetooth phone and USB dongle.

    Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com
     
  3. JimG

    JimG Newbie

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    You can use IR but it's going to be slow because of the dial-up not the IR. IR can connect at up to 115kbps, while dial-up is 56kbps, so IR is more than capable of supporting a dial-up stream.

    I think the bigger problem is getting your cell phone to dial into your ISP. Most ISP block CSD calls, which are the data type calls.

    Jim
     
  4. Col. Stevo

    Col. Stevo Notebook Consultant

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    Hey, what brand is your phone, snoel? I know for my Verizon (LG) phone, Verizon online sells a connector that goes from the phone right into the USB port. Your best bet is to first check with the acessories center for your cell phone service provider and, generally, even if they don't have the cable you need, they can usually point you in the right direction.


    Cheers,

    Stevo

    zv5000z: Ath64_3200+ (2.0GHz) - 1GB DDR - 80GB 5400rpm - 64MB GeForce4 440 - 15.0" XGA (1024x768)
     
  5. Big Calhoun

    Big Calhoun Notebook Evangelist

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    For most phones, you should be able to get some type of connection kit. This will allow your cellphone to be used as a modem. Keep in mind that if you're straight dialing an ISP, you'll probably be limited to 14.4k.

    Same carriers offer wireless data packages. I have VZW so I use their ExpressNetwork which is 1xRTT. With this service, speeds are around 40-70kbs with an occasional burst above 100k. This is an extra service (extra fee) but provides excellent coverage and VZs latest phone can use the service via BT.

    There are other services on the way including 1xEVDO. This, also offered by Verizon, will offer service in the 400-700kbs range but is not available nationally yet. AT&T and T-Mobile also have similar services via GPRS.
     
  6. snoel

    snoel Newbie

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    Stevo,

    I have a Motorola through Altel. Thanks for all the info from everyone.

    snoel

    Shelby
     
  7. jchastain

    jchastain Notebook Consultant

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    If you are a road warrior and anticipate using the connection with any regularity, I would strongly suggest a Sierra Wireless card. It is basically a PCMCIA card with a built in cellular modem so that you do not have to deal with a mess of cables or give up your cell phone in order to surf the web. I personally use such a card from T-Mobile and I really enjoy it. For $30 per month you get unlimited connection time so you can leave it connected at an airport, in a hotel room, in a conference room, or in a rental car (mapquest anyone?).
     
  8. Big Calhoun

    Big Calhoun Notebook Evangelist

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    <blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by jchastain

     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
  9. jchastain

    jchastain Notebook Consultant

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    T-Mobile signal is pretty good in major and secondary cities, but GSM isn't as widely available in more rural areas. It won't work in the sticks, but other than that you should be OK.