Computer/mobile networking/cell phone question

[Skipper]

Need help here I'm lost and don't know where to go.

I need to figure out how the best way is to get my laptop online outside of my office and away from wireless networks.

I'm looking into the AT&T network cards.

I do have a blackberry which to me is 99% useless all I want to use it for is a phone. But I did wonder if I could somehow add a data plan to my contract and plug the phone into the computer when I need to get the computer online. Would that be cheaper than having the separate online thing a madoodle that plugs into the laptop?

We do not have a 3G network around here. Those I've talked to say the service is slower than molasses. Quite frankly, phone service is fairly spotty once you get out of town.

As you can tell, I'm real dumb on this subject and need advice.

Skipper

[merc123]

I use my BB and Verizon has a plan so I'm sure ATT does. It cuts off if you talk on the phone though so if you need to talk and browse you'll need the dongle sold seperately with plan.

[Skipper]

I use my BB and Verizon has a plan so I'm sure ATT does.

AT&T could confuse the devil and Jesus Christ both.

I've been trying to get my business phones and phone book advertising straight for 3 months now and so far it's still messed up.

These plans they have confuse the dickens out of me.

When you use the phone as a wireless modem is it the same thing as the phone itself having internet access like when people get their e-mail, look up the weather, etc?

Skip

[BANDERSNATCH]

Skipper,

I tether my BB to my laptop with a USB cable. Works great for me.

I have the instructions for mine....they may get you headed in the right direction.

works at a great speed, too, I might add. Just like a LAN connection.

Bandy

[Head East]

I have a BB that I can teather to my LT and use it as a modem. Works fine in any part of the US and Canada that I travel. A wireless card would work fine too. Wireless cards are all about the same cost. Verizon would be a good choice based on coverage.

[Skipper]

I have a BB that I can teather to my LT and use it as a modem. Works fine in any part of the US and Canada that I travel. A wireless card would work fine too. Wireless cards are all about the same cost. Verizon would be a good choice based on coverage.

Verizon doesn't have service here. They recently built 1 tower in town, but pretty much when you get out of sight of I-75 you are out of service. Nextel is about as bad.

By far AT&T and East Ky Cellular are the 2 to have around here. A lot of people around here have 2 phones, a town phone and mountain country phone.

Skipper

[merc123]

Found this on the AT&T website:

BlackBerry Personal [plan] + tethering for $60.

BlackBerry Personal + tethering enables you to connect your wireless device to your laptop via Bluetooth or a connection cable. Certain usage restrictions may apply. See Explanation of Rates and Charges for details.


Tell them you want that... The tethering is for the laptop. It uses a USB cable as previously stated. I used to have a program that I could tether my BB to my laptop, but it was considered illegal because I wasn't paying for the service.

[GaDawgs79]

So where can I find instructions to do that with Verizon?

[merc123]

So where can I find instructions to do that with Verizon?

Internet or buy the plan from Verizon. They'll tell you what you need and what software you need.

[SmokyMtnSmoke]

I just tethered my ATT LG Xenon to my laptop...

Start here to get the software/drivers...
http://www.lg-phones.org/lg-xenon-tethered-internet-access.html

At&t details and plan requirements....
http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?t=solutionTab&ft=&ps=solutionPanels&locale=en_US&_dyncharset=UTF-8&solutionId=KB101733

Making the actual connection.....
http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?t=solutionTab&ft=&ps=solutionPanels&locale=en_US&_dyncharset=UTF-8&solutionId=KB41982