Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Using my Laptop with cell phone to access internet

Jan 24, 2005 8:24PM PST

I am returning from asia and have a compaq presario 2100 and want to know what service provider and phone with accesories I should purchase in order to go online using dialup through the cell phone on the West Coast.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Any provider with Data service but . . .
Jan 24, 2005 9:39PM PST

You can use any provider with data service, but you'll need a phone that has a cable that can connect to your computer. Since you have a 2100, you don't have bluetooth built in and so you can't use a phone that just has bluetooth.

Then again, you probably want to use a cable anyway. The newer EDGE network, which is 3x faster than GPRS, only operates over a cable. It's available on the Cingular Nokia 62xx phone. However, it's still slower than regular dial-up.

You're probably better off using the sprint PCS or Verizon data service, which offers near-broadband speed, and doesn't use your phone but uses a built-in card into your computer.

If youre in LA, they're piloting the 3G wireless network on AT&T. That network promises speeds upward of 3 mbps. You'll have to get the uber-expensive Motorola Asomething brick phone but if you need speed it's the way to go.

- Collapse -
Forget the phone
Jan 26, 2005 8:06AM PST

I would just go with a Verzion card or if you live near philly the hole city is going WiFi with i think 802.11 b.

- Collapse -
It doesn't use 802.11
Jan 26, 2005 8:57AM PST

802.11 is 2.4GHz with a range of 150ft. A verizon card (yes it's still a good idea) but it work son GPRS, EDGE, or GSM netowrks.

- Collapse -
SBC to wire hotspots in CA state parks
Jan 27, 2005 6:41PM PST

It was reported today that SBC is going to be setting up wi-fi areas at California State parks and beaches. If you are an existing SBC DSL customer you will only have to pay $2 a month more (and my DSL is only $26.95 a month) to access this and have the beach and the other delights as well as internet access!

The newspaper article brought up the point of a state park promoting a specific company but in CA it is SBC DSL or Comcast Cable internet mostly anyway so who cares !

If you don't have SBC DSL you can pay a much higher price to access the hotspots.....

Also, in addition to the SBC Cingular-ATT wireless merger now it is rumored SBC is perusing taking over AT&T itself if the price is right.

We will sell no wine .... before its time ...