As a result of my latest brain storm I've decided it would be cool to be able to access the internet in my car. I already have an overabundance of monitors, so I figured I can use those as a screen. I would like to use my cell phone and laptop to dial up...what other components would I need? Also, what is a rough idea of what these parts cost? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

-Aaron

 

I suggest you ask user "Austin 519." Based on his previous posts, he gets my vote for computer and electronics expert (not including, of course, StreetEffects).

 

Does your laptop have composite video out? If so, you don't really need much of anything else except the cabling to go from the laptop to the monitors. Just don't stay online too long, your cell bill will be astronomical!

 

Ron, do you know what I'd need to use my cell phone as the source of a phone line? I remember back in the olden days you used to have to take the headset of your phone and set it on top of the modem, for some reason I picture something like that for the cell phone. I have a couple phones, I don't mind disassembling one if it's required. Anyhow, I really appreciate your assistance.

-Aaron

 

To use a cell phone as a data line for a laptop you must have have a certain kind of phone that has these capabilites. Not every phone can do this and not to mention it will be incredibly slllloowwww...

Also the PCMCIA modem card has to be cellular equiped as well...check out these links

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod..._code=50018367

http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product...0601&loc=14617

I was thinking of doing this on long trips, but would rarely use this setup and plus i hope you have a lot of free minutes

 

I've heard of wireless cards that have a range of up to 30 miles.... Austin519 posted that.

I haven't seen them in action. I am curious to seem them in action.. supposedly they're not that expensive. Like to know the transfer speeds.... I don't think 11 Mbps at that range sounds right... unless people are doing something new....

Bottom line... look into wireles... no cell phone bill.... this assumes you have broadband at your home too...

 

The reason I was thinking of using the cell phone is because in Phoenix we have a new provider called Cricket Wireless. You get totally unliminited anytime local calls for $32 a month. They only offer 2 phones though....so sounds like I may be out of luck if only certain cell phones will work.

 

Folks,

If you're interested in wireless, mobile data connectivity, check this out

http://www.sierrawireless.com/Produc...g/pccards.html

or visit www.sierrawireless.com

for more wireless modems, access products that uses the cellular networks.

Theyre right across from where i work.

 

Yes, I would definitely go with the Wireless Web Modem AirCard 510 by Sierra Wireless .

 

Unless your in one of the very few areas that's starting with wireless broadband (and Scottsdale ain't one of them), basically what you get is about 14.4kbps on the connection. That's all that most cell networks support/allow at this point.
I've had the Motorola Timeport with Sprint PCS for nearly 2 years, and that's what I get. But, it's a TRUE 14.4. WOOHOO! All that's needed with this phone is a serial cable going from the COM port to the phone. No manual dialing, no PCMCIA add-ins, just plug in, and log on. Did I mention it's agonizingly slow?

Look for new phones with improved data rates (64 or 128kbps) in Q1 or Q2 2002. Based on recent current events and the economy, that may get pushed out a bit. 3G is even further away than you think.

Todd