I will be on my boat all summer next season and want to keep connected to AOL and the web. What I assume I want to do is to hook my computers modem through my cell phone to connect to the web. Anyone doing that? If so please walk me through how and what equipment I need to do this. Seems that I should be able to connect from my modem in my laptop to my cell phone and dial a local # to connect to AOL. But exactly how?? Thanks for any info. Ed
- Status
cell phones and laptops
Ed, You don't say what cell phone service you have, but here's how my Nextel system works. The phone (Motorola flip phone) serves as the modem. Its directly connected thru a special cable I got from Nextel to a serial port on my laptop. Don't expect lightning fast speed. The Nextel system is at 14,400 baud so it seems like snail mail compared to my broadband at home, but it works. Biggest problem I had was finding an ISP that could still deal with these low modem speeds. I was able to access my favorite weather sites and pick up e-mail this summer. Nextel announced this summer they were putting in 56K service, but haven't figured out how to make it work yet. Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
Ed, You don't say what cell phone service you have, but here's how my Nextel system works. The phone (Motorola flip phone) serves as the modem. Its directly connected thru a special cable I got from Nextel to a serial port on my laptop. Don't expect lightning fast speed. The Nextel system is at 14,400 baud so it seems like snail mail compared to my broadband at home, but it works. Biggest problem I had was finding an ISP that could still deal with these low modem speeds. I was able to access my favorite weather sites and pick up e-mail this summer. Nextel announced this summer they were putting in 56K service, but haven't figured out how to make it work yet. Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
Wireless DSL networks
I am not sure of your area but some ISP's are putting in wireless DSL networks. I am not sure how they work and the availability. A friend is a large ISP and they have been looking at equipment to install to compete with cable DSL.
I am not sure of your area but some ISP's are putting in wireless DSL networks. I am not sure how they work and the availability. A friend is a large ISP and they have been looking at equipment to install to compete with cable DSL.
Cell phones used as modems for laptops (faster)
Ed, This past summer I did what you want to do next summer. You need a special cable and software (I use Verizon and it's $80 for both). Verizon has a faster option (usually about the same as 56K dialup although they claim bursts of 144k). .......sometimes it seems very fast (and I have DSL at home) and sometimes it feels very slow. That service will cost you $30 extra a month or you can use their slower (14k) service for no extra charge. The nice thing is that Verizon offers unlimited free weeekend and evening minutes and so you can be online FOREVER and it doesn't cost you a thing besides your basic monthly service charge. This set up is a part of Verizon's (and others I'm sure as well) "3G" offering, but we're not at the promised wireless DSL speeds yet..........but it works fine for me as long as you don't have big files to download or visit alot of site that are heavy with pictures. Go for it
Ed, This past summer I did what you want to do next summer. You need a special cable and software (I use Verizon and it's $80 for both). Verizon has a faster option (usually about the same as 56K dialup although they claim bursts of 144k). .......sometimes it seems very fast (and I have DSL at home) and sometimes it feels very slow. That service will cost you $30 extra a month or you can use their slower (14k) service for no extra charge. The nice thing is that Verizon offers unlimited free weeekend and evening minutes and so you can be online FOREVER and it doesn't cost you a thing besides your basic monthly service charge. This set up is a part of Verizon's (and others I'm sure as well) "3G" offering, but we're not at the promised wireless DSL speeds yet..........but it works fine for me as long as you don't have big files to download or visit alot of site that are heavy with pictures. Go for it
Free option
We visit the nearby libraries for free if we have to pay a credit card and use PocketMail (www.pocketmail.com) for email on the boat with a Verizon cell. PocketMail is $10 per month and works great with your Verizon cell in analog mode anywhere. Dialup is an 800 # and you can use a pay phone, also with an 800 #. PocketMail also has an international number. I had one laptop fry on our boat a couple of years ago and do not want to do that again.
We visit the nearby libraries for free if we have to pay a credit card and use PocketMail (www.pocketmail.com) for email on the boat with a Verizon cell. PocketMail is $10 per month and works great with your Verizon cell in analog mode anywhere. Dialup is an 800 # and you can use a pay phone, also with an 800 #. PocketMail also has an international number. I had one laptop fry on our boat a couple of years ago and do not want to do that again.
Nextel
I used a 1000i Nextel for years with, I think, 17.4 service speed. It required a cable and program disk. I discontinued it since Nextel does not work in my mountain home area, but it worked well on the boat once I learned how to suppress the graphics on Explorer. Rick D.
I used a 1000i Nextel for years with, I think, 17.4 service speed. It required a cable and program disk. I discontinued it since Nextel does not work in my mountain home area, but it worked well on the boat once I learned how to suppress the graphics on Explorer. Rick D.
"Wireless Modem" is an oxymoron
A modem is a device that converts a computer signal (digital) into an analog signal so that it can be transmitted by an (analog) telephone. Most wireless phones now are digital, so you shouldn't think in terms of using your computer's modem. Even if you have a really old cell phone that is analog, I wouldn't recommend trying to use it, given all the other more elegant solutions now available. To those solutions already listed here, I'll add mine: I have a 3 year old dual-band Sanyo SCP-4000 phone with Sprint PCS service. Using a data-kit supplied by Sprint (9pin serial cable that goes directly to my phone & some sofware on a CD), I can connect directly to Sprint's server, thereby not having to access the internet via a dial-up #. I can then either logon to AOL via TCP/IP, or can just bring up IE and go from there. The speed is 14-18Kbps, and does seem to vary based on signal strength. Only downside is that my phone only has one connector, so the phone must run on battery during a wireless web session. BTW, Sprint has just unveiled a brand new service, Sprint Vision, which offers higher speeds for wireless data & Internet. Unfortunately, it's priced based on MB of data downloaded, rather than simple connect time.
A modem is a device that converts a computer signal (digital) into an analog signal so that it can be transmitted by an (analog) telephone. Most wireless phones now are digital, so you shouldn't think in terms of using your computer's modem. Even if you have a really old cell phone that is analog, I wouldn't recommend trying to use it, given all the other more elegant solutions now available. To those solutions already listed here, I'll add mine: I have a 3 year old dual-band Sanyo SCP-4000 phone with Sprint PCS service. Using a data-kit supplied by Sprint (9pin serial cable that goes directly to my phone & some sofware on a CD), I can connect directly to Sprint's server, thereby not having to access the internet via a dial-up #. I can then either logon to AOL via TCP/IP, or can just bring up IE and go from there. The speed is 14-18Kbps, and does seem to vary based on signal strength. Only downside is that my phone only has one connector, so the phone must run on battery during a wireless web session. BTW, Sprint has just unveiled a brand new service, Sprint Vision, which offers higher speeds for wireless data & Internet. Unfortunately, it's priced based on MB of data downloaded, rather than simple connect time.
Wireless data networks
As mentioned in a previous post, we are now in the midst of a 3G (or 2 1/2G) rollout of wireless data networks in the US. These networks are companions to the voice networks, and offer a variety of services and handsets designed specifically for data. The advantage of these data networks is speed and the ability to eliminate the laptop if you have the proper handset...that is, you would be able to connect to the web and get e-mails without the laptop interface, full color and everything. Or, if you use a laptop, you will find speed greatly improved. Note, these data networks are not the same as a voice call as a modem. Key terms you will hear ar 1XRTT (Verizon), GPRS (T-Mobile/VoiceStream and AT&T, plus others). These networks are in place now IF you have service. The networks work well, and there are a variety of handsets that are very capable, i.e a Handheld PC/phone, full color, e-mail enabled, and full support of the Balckberry device, also as a phone. I also believe the Trio has been re-released. Key issues to be aware of are coverage and carrier pricing for data services, which is based on megs downloaded. 1XRTT networks (Verizon)can be faster, although all services are hindered by channels available when the connection is placed, hence the comment by a previous poster that sometimes it is faster than others. Verizon's 1XRTT network is fast, and they offer an unlimited data package...look for others to follow. Also rolling out now in various stages are GPRS/GSM networks from AT&T wireless, Cingular, and Sprint is into it big time on the TV. Be aware of a couple of things- 1) These are great networks to do what you want, but they are new and have unreliable performance at this time...they work, but speeds are variable. This will change as traffic increases. 2) Handsets are changing rapidly to address these services, if you want e-mail and interent from a cell provider you can eliminate the laptop. T-Mobile has been the leader (IMHO) in new handsets, a LOT of new ones are on the way for all carriers. If you need a keyboard, Blackberry has the thumb board, and I think the Pocekt PC recognizes Graffiti, but not sure. 3) Watch pricing on data services As always, pay attention to coverage in your area by using the carrier's website. Obviously, these services are limited to where there is cell coverage, so like your phone now they will not work out to sea. A previous poster mentioned wireless DSL, while this is also "cool stuff" someone has to have a service at your slip (assuming he is talking 802.11B/A) This service will eliminate the phone cord from the dock to the boat if you have a DSL line at the boat. It is not cellular, and has limited range. Sorry about all the detail, hope you find it helpful. Net of all this is no, don't just plug the old CDMA cell phone into the laptop. Step up to the new services, they are fast and fun. Bruce S/V GAilForce
As mentioned in a previous post, we are now in the midst of a 3G (or 2 1/2G) rollout of wireless data networks in the US. These networks are companions to the voice networks, and offer a variety of services and handsets designed specifically for data. The advantage of these data networks is speed and the ability to eliminate the laptop if you have the proper handset...that is, you would be able to connect to the web and get e-mails without the laptop interface, full color and everything. Or, if you use a laptop, you will find speed greatly improved. Note, these data networks are not the same as a voice call as a modem. Key terms you will hear ar 1XRTT (Verizon), GPRS (T-Mobile/VoiceStream and AT&T, plus others). These networks are in place now IF you have service. The networks work well, and there are a variety of handsets that are very capable, i.e a Handheld PC/phone, full color, e-mail enabled, and full support of the Balckberry device, also as a phone. I also believe the Trio has been re-released. Key issues to be aware of are coverage and carrier pricing for data services, which is based on megs downloaded. 1XRTT networks (Verizon)can be faster, although all services are hindered by channels available when the connection is placed, hence the comment by a previous poster that sometimes it is faster than others. Verizon's 1XRTT network is fast, and they offer an unlimited data package...look for others to follow. Also rolling out now in various stages are GPRS/GSM networks from AT&T wireless, Cingular, and Sprint is into it big time on the TV. Be aware of a couple of things- 1) These are great networks to do what you want, but they are new and have unreliable performance at this time...they work, but speeds are variable. This will change as traffic increases. 2) Handsets are changing rapidly to address these services, if you want e-mail and interent from a cell provider you can eliminate the laptop. T-Mobile has been the leader (IMHO) in new handsets, a LOT of new ones are on the way for all carriers. If you need a keyboard, Blackberry has the thumb board, and I think the Pocekt PC recognizes Graffiti, but not sure. 3) Watch pricing on data services As always, pay attention to coverage in your area by using the carrier's website. Obviously, these services are limited to where there is cell coverage, so like your phone now they will not work out to sea. A previous poster mentioned wireless DSL, while this is also "cool stuff" someone has to have a service at your slip (assuming he is talking 802.11B/A) This service will eliminate the phone cord from the dock to the boat if you have a DSL line at the boat. It is not cellular, and has limited range. Sorry about all the detail, hope you find it helpful. Net of all this is no, don't just plug the old CDMA cell phone into the laptop. Step up to the new services, they are fast and fun. Bruce S/V GAilForce
OK, but - need more info
Thanks for all the advice - BUT, what I keep getting is that I can use the phone directly, but I want to use the computer for the full screen to go on line, the ease of typing etc. Also most of you explain that the hookup is slower than a modem. Which brings me back to my first dumb question. I have cell service with no roaming and no long distance charges, I use AOL (Ok many don't like it but it works for me) and I am always able to log into a local number at about 56K. So, am I just totally off base to think that even though I use the phone to dial up the ISP and then transfer the data from my modem at 56K that I am better off than trying to read stuff on a small screen phone, and start up another service (more $ per month) when I only need the service for 3 months a year and already have the phone and AOL all year already?? Please try to penatrate my thick skull to better explain why to go to the small screen, exta charges and slower speeds??????? Thanks Ed
Thanks for all the advice - BUT, what I keep getting is that I can use the phone directly, but I want to use the computer for the full screen to go on line, the ease of typing etc. Also most of you explain that the hookup is slower than a modem. Which brings me back to my first dumb question. I have cell service with no roaming and no long distance charges, I use AOL (Ok many don't like it but it works for me) and I am always able to log into a local number at about 56K. So, am I just totally off base to think that even though I use the phone to dial up the ISP and then transfer the data from my modem at 56K that I am better off than trying to read stuff on a small screen phone, and start up another service (more $ per month) when I only need the service for 3 months a year and already have the phone and AOL all year already?? Please try to penatrate my thick skull to better explain why to go to the small screen, exta charges and slower speeds??????? Thanks Ed
ED,
I do what you are talking about... I have a desktop (inexpensive 'e-machine')box under my nav. station driving a flat screen monitor... I use Verizon wireless service with a tri mode audiovox cell phone plugged into the computer's serial port (w/ audiovox's interconnect cable) to the port on the bottom of the cell phone. Using audiovox's supplied sofware I can dial up to my ISP (or, in your case AOL) and go on line, just like bieng at home w/ a dial-up connection. The wireless connection does not use your computer's modem, it uses a (different , wireless connect) modem built into the cellphone, itself. However, the wireless connection is not 56k... it's about 20k, because that's the current limit of wireless capability (at least w/ Verizon). So, e-mail works fine (as long as there aren't large attachments) and web pages can be viewed reasonable by turning off the graphics.
I do what you are talking about... I have a desktop (inexpensive 'e-machine')box under my nav. station driving a flat screen monitor... I use Verizon wireless service with a tri mode audiovox cell phone plugged into the computer's serial port (w/ audiovox's interconnect cable) to the port on the bottom of the cell phone. Using audiovox's supplied sofware I can dial up to my ISP (or, in your case AOL) and go on line, just like bieng at home w/ a dial-up connection. The wireless connection does not use your computer's modem, it uses a (different , wireless connect) modem built into the cellphone, itself. However, the wireless connection is not 56k... it's about 20k, because that's the current limit of wireless capability (at least w/ Verizon). So, e-mail works fine (as long as there aren't large attachments) and web pages can be viewed reasonable by turning off the graphics.
Laptop modem cannot work with cell phone
Ed, I think you're stumbling point is your conception that the 56Kbps modem in your computer can be connected to your cell phone. It cannot. As I tried to explain earlier, the modem in your computer is designed for a landline, and will not work with a wireless connection. The short explanation for this is that a landline is a continuous connection, while a wireless connection is actually a series of connections. For example, you can be stationary, and yet your call might be handed off from one cell tower to the next, simply because that's the way cell technology works. When you're talking on the phone, sometimes you can hear a cell handoff, but usually it doesn't interfere with normal conversation. However, were such an interruption to occur using a landline modem, you would get an error saying that the connection had been lost. The other incompatibility is that a landline connection is analog, while almost all wireless phones now are digital. Your landline modem simply cannot "talk" to your cell phone because it's talking analog and your cell phone speaks digital. If you want to use your existing cell phone, contact your carrier and ask what options are available. Most of the newer phones do have data kits available, consisting of a custom cable that attaches your phone to your computer, and usually some communication software to be loaded on the computer. Good luck. Eric Lorgus
Ed, I think you're stumbling point is your conception that the 56Kbps modem in your computer can be connected to your cell phone. It cannot. As I tried to explain earlier, the modem in your computer is designed for a landline, and will not work with a wireless connection. The short explanation for this is that a landline is a continuous connection, while a wireless connection is actually a series of connections. For example, you can be stationary, and yet your call might be handed off from one cell tower to the next, simply because that's the way cell technology works. When you're talking on the phone, sometimes you can hear a cell handoff, but usually it doesn't interfere with normal conversation. However, were such an interruption to occur using a landline modem, you would get an error saying that the connection had been lost. The other incompatibility is that a landline connection is analog, while almost all wireless phones now are digital. Your landline modem simply cannot "talk" to your cell phone because it's talking analog and your cell phone speaks digital. If you want to use your existing cell phone, contact your carrier and ask what options are available. Most of the newer phones do have data kits available, consisting of a custom cable that attaches your phone to your computer, and usually some communication software to be loaded on the computer. Good luck. Eric Lorgus
More info response
Ed- Basic issue- You want to hook up a cell phone to a laptop to browse the internet and get e-mails. That is, you just want to use it as a transmission device. OK, there are 3 issues- 1) Is the phone capable of doing this? 2) Is the service capable of doing this? 3) Are you willing to live with 1994/95 era speed. Why is this? Well, you will be using a network designed for voice to transmit data, it is slow, especially with all the content on internet sites. Contact your current carrier and they will tell you what you will need. My guess is that you will need a new phone, software and cables. They will also try like hell to sell you a new internet enabled GPRS or 1XRTT phone. If you want to use a laptop to browse the internet, it will be a lot faster if you use a data wireless network, it will run at speeds near or above your home connection, depending upon traffic. You can buy a wireless modem to do this, or you can use a new data enabled phone. You would get these from your carrier. They will also offer no roaming and free long distance, as the data plans are offered on top of the voice plans. T-Mobile's (VoiceStream's) data plan is $20 per month for 5 meg. Remember, these are NOT the old internet phones of a couple of years ago where you "dialed" the internet and waited for yet another slow line of a menu to come up. These are separate and new networks designed for consumers who want to use the internet while on the go. Therefore, I bet your assertion that you will only use it 3 months out of the year will prove to be in error as you use the service and the new phone to get information at your fingertips. The cost of the phone will be less if you dicker with the carrier over the customer service line (611), particulalry if you are close to the end of your contract, and/or if you are a heavy user of time. "You know, I am interested in this new data service, but am not sure I want to pay for a new phone. What would a phone cost if I extended my contract?" Also, be sure they will guarantee coverage/refund at the marina.
Ed- Basic issue- You want to hook up a cell phone to a laptop to browse the internet and get e-mails. That is, you just want to use it as a transmission device. OK, there are 3 issues- 1) Is the phone capable of doing this? 2) Is the service capable of doing this? 3) Are you willing to live with 1994/95 era speed. Why is this? Well, you will be using a network designed for voice to transmit data, it is slow, especially with all the content on internet sites. Contact your current carrier and they will tell you what you will need. My guess is that you will need a new phone, software and cables. They will also try like hell to sell you a new internet enabled GPRS or 1XRTT phone. If you want to use a laptop to browse the internet, it will be a lot faster if you use a data wireless network, it will run at speeds near or above your home connection, depending upon traffic. You can buy a wireless modem to do this, or you can use a new data enabled phone. You would get these from your carrier. They will also offer no roaming and free long distance, as the data plans are offered on top of the voice plans. T-Mobile's (VoiceStream's) data plan is $20 per month for 5 meg. Remember, these are NOT the old internet phones of a couple of years ago where you "dialed" the internet and waited for yet another slow line of a menu to come up. These are separate and new networks designed for consumers who want to use the internet while on the go. Therefore, I bet your assertion that you will only use it 3 months out of the year will prove to be in error as you use the service and the new phone to get information at your fingertips. The cost of the phone will be less if you dicker with the carrier over the customer service line (611), particulalry if you are close to the end of your contract, and/or if you are a heavy user of time. "You know, I am interested in this new data service, but am not sure I want to pay for a new phone. What would a phone cost if I extended my contract?" Also, be sure they will guarantee coverage/refund at the marina.
- Status