Connect a computer to a mobile telephon

Subject: Connect a computer to a mobile telephon
From: GUEST,Sergio A.
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 11:57 AM

I have a quite new portable computer. Now I want to buy a mobile-telephone and connect that to the computer, so I can sit whereever I want and surf on internet.

Can I buy whatever mobiletelephone I want or do I have to buy some special that are special prepared for that ?

One guy in a shop for telephones told me I need "infra-red" on my computer to recieve the signals from the phone, because they didnt make the phones with modems anymore. Is this right ?

If yes: I think I dont have infra-red on my computer. Do somebody have to open up my computer and install infra-red, or can I buy a plug-in and plug it in myself ?

Sergio

Subject: RE: Connect a computer to a mobile telephon
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 09:20 PM

Sergio, what you're looking for is a wireless modem. But the technology is still not wonderful, and you may find it frustrating to try to do what you want. My home telephone is a cellular phone, because my house is too far away from the phone lines (also have solar power with generator backup). I have a little gizmo called a Dial Tone Emulator which connects my old luggable cellular phone ("brick phone") to the telephone wiring in the house, so all I have to do is plug a standard phone in the wall and it works. Most of the time. However, when I plug my laptop in, sometimes I can connect to my ISP (Internet Service Provider, the outfit that hooks your computer up to the internet), and sometimes I can't. And the connection is always slow and breaks off frequently. I don't use a wireless modem, so I can't speak for that, but I'd be careful about plunking down a lot of money for something before you check it out thoroughly.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Connect a computer to a mobile telephon
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 13 Apr 01 - 10:44 AM

At this point in the development of the technology it is probably best to keep the two issues separate: 1) wireless connectivity for your laptop 2) cell phone. As of today, I would not advise getting a cell phone which can also serve as a wireless modem. For a wireless modem see, for example, www.novatelwireless.com/pcproducts/index.html.

When thinking of a wireless modem there are two important variables.

As Mark points out a key factor is location, location, location. Your potential vendor has to get very specific with you about coverage for your location. No vendor covers every location yet and even in a covered area, coverage can be spotty.

When talking to a potential vendor you have to be very specific about exactly what you want to use the modem for. The people you buy the modem from will probably also be your ISP. If you already have an ISP that could be an issue. Any ISP can give you generic internet access, but if you need more than that you must ask specific detailed questions. For example, suppose you want to dial into your company's network. Generic internet access won't give you that.

I am not trying to discourage you. It is just that what you want is not a no-brainer yet.

Subject: RE: Connect a computer to a mobile telephon
From: NH Dave
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 12:48 AM

Sergio, I'd check with your local Progressive Instuance Adjustor. The last time I did something stupid with my car, the local adjustor drove up in his SUV, said, "OPh Goodness!" a couple of times when he saw the front of my car, opened up his laptop, plugged in a PCMCIA wireless MODEM and downloaded a costed out parts manual for my car from the home office, and began estimating the damage.

Since these folks use this technology in your area, if you have a local Progressive adjustor, they can give you some tips on what works. This can postpone SOME flailing around on your part. Other local adjustore may be using this technology too by now.

Dave

Subject: RE: Connect a computer to a mobile telephon
From: Amos
Date: 14 Apr 01 - 01:02 AM

The ability to connect through a wireless modem/PCMCIA card is just as variable as through a cell phone -- you have no guarantee that a particular spot will conenct reliably. But it is advancing steadily and road warriors cope with the variables and make it happen every day. A cell phone per se won't fill the bill unless it ALSO has a cellular modem. It does not have to be infrared -- that is one way to transfer data from your laptop to a modem (wireless or not). But you can get wireless modems which are hooked up to your computer directly and physically (wires or a card-slot).

A