Cell phone

[GotOne]

Thought that I read a post several months ago about using a cell phone for a wireless aircard for a computer connection, but I can't find it. Any help????

[LwnmwnMan2]

Who do you have for service??

Most companies now just get you a card that you stick in the expansion slot, then pay for data / airtime used.

Much like a dsl modem or the such.

Here's a link to what Verizon carries, so you can see what I'm talking about...

You'll have to click on "wireless pc cards", middle-right of the screen.

[GotOne]

Thanks for responding. I thought that the poster said that somehow a cell phone could be used without purchasing the aircard and just using air time.

[huntnfish]

I have a Motorola Q that has data service through Verizon. There are programs out there that make it so you can run your laptop through through your phone with a program that "tethers" or connects them and you can access the internet anywhere through your phone. I have used a program called pdanet and it works pretty good. That program is about $30 and it is a one time fee. In larger cities you get faster service with it but that is also getting more common. You have to be sure that you have a plan that has unlimited data service of the charges will be quite high. I think you have to have a data type phone for it to work, but you can do a search for that program and you will find more info on it.

[DTro]

I can "tether" with my Motorola phone, no special programs needed. However, Verizon doesn't look kindly on that. If you keep your surfing to a minimum or just use it you check your email, you would probably be ok.

If you are willing to pay for it, your best bet is to get the PCMCIA card.

[GotOne]

I also have Verizon. How do you "tether" them together?

[huntnfish]

Yes, Verizon doesn't like you to do this tethering thing. They do monitor your data activity and I have heard that they could shut it off if you are using it too much. I have heard of ways to tether your phone to your laptop without any other programs but they were more of a pain than they were worth for the things my phone is used for so the pdanet was the best way to go for me. I looked around for different programs to do it, but this one had a free trial for my phone and it worked good.

I would have to agree that the PCMCIA card for your laptop would probably be the easiest.

[DTro]

Quote:

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I also have Verizon. How do you "tether" them together?

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This is how I would be able to do it, but it's different for each phone.

Tethering

[hondavxr]

If you have certain Sprint phones you can also tether without using a wireless card. Check with you cell phone company.