Use Cell Phone As A Modem For Your Laptop

Do you know if there is anything like this program for Blackberrys? I have a storm and am really happy with it. I'm not thrilled about paying Verizon more for a tethering cord and another fee besides the data plan.

Lisa?

This isn't "free" internet service. This software takes advantage of any data or internet access plan you have as a part of your cell phone service. I suppose you could pay as you go for internet access, but I would bet that it could get expensive.

At any rate, I understand that many Blackberry models have a built in ability to be used as a modem using the Handheld Manager and extra steps on the laptop or PC.

Once I start playing with the Blackberry Curve I ordered from Verizon, I will use the modem feature and try to share my experience here.

Please note that many phones also have what is known as a "wi-fi" capability. While you can certainly access the internet that way, it is dependant upon being in proximity to someone's wireless modem.

Using the approach I am suggesting here, you could continually use your laptop in a moving car, (please don't surf and drive) or anywhere your cell phone can get reception.

Chris Parks - ABR, e-Pro, GRI - Accelerated

Broker

CParksGo@Gmail.com

Lisa and Chris,

Great information actually exists at the Blackberry.com site. Under the Support tab you should be able to search for Doc. ID : KB05196 or some of the keywords in the title of the information: "Connect a computer to the Internet using a GPRS, EDGe, or UMTS Blackberry smartphone as a tethered modem:. I printed out my copy a few weeks ago in preparation for obtaining my Blackberry 8900 tomorrow. The article gives great instructions, but begins with this important note: contact your service provider to obtain the user name and password you require to configure dial-up networking. Also, ask your service provider if additional charges are incorporated when connecting to the Internet using the BlackBerry smartphone as a tethered modem. HTH!

Hi Chris and Sandi

Thanks for the info. Chris, I wasn't looking for a freebie. I pay Verizon for a data plan but they said that If I want to use the storm as a modem that i would need to buy a tethering cord from them and pay another monthly fee. That is annoying. The data plan should cover it.

I looked at the info Sandi posted but the modem driver isn't on my computer and blackberry said to download it from my providers website. I couldn't find it on the verizon site. Other people have told me that Verizon has blocked some of the things that the device is capable of so that we will subscribe to their services and pay them more. This is the case with GPS. I was told that the blackberry has gps built in but it is disabled on verizon unless you subscribe to their navigator.

If you know how to get arounf the tethering issue I'd love to hear how. My husband just got a storm and they tried to talk him into buying the tethering plan but has still has time to go on his air card that he is paying them for.

Love the info everyone shares here. Thanks

Aloha All,

Regarding tethering...I have the BB Curve and previously had the World Edition, both came with a USB Data Cable which I can use for syncing with Outlook or using my phone as a modem. Check with your provider, I use Verizon, I installed the software from the CD included in the box. I can be on the internet and use the wirelss ear piece to use the phone at the same time. If you don't have the cable I found it online here http://www.blackberrysource.com/store/catalog.asp?item=304. It works great and the speed seems fine.

Hope this helps,
Susan
Maui, HI

I use a Motorola i930 which I am told is very old technology but it works and is $30. a month cheaper than the same plan on the Blackberry.

I use it as a modem when I have to. It is very slow and clunky, but it works. I had to jump through 314 hoops while holding my mouth just right but I finally got it.

Now if I could only find a way to download some sort of mortgage calculator, I'd be tickled!

Brent,

Your in luck, go to www.PocketGear.com switch over to Windows OS and enter Mortgage Cal into search, your lucky day they have 211 of them from a few bucks up. I love PocketGear because you can download a 15 or 30 free trial to see if you like before you buy.

Gee easy day today!

Dick

Susan,

I do have the usb data cable and sync with outlook. Verizon told me that there would be an extra fee in addition to my data plan to use the blackberry as a modem. Do you pay extra to do it?

If you are running Windows Mobile on your smartphone, you could also create (or download) an Excel spreadsheet with a mortgage calculation feature on your PC, save and and then open it on your smartphone, which should have Excel Mobile.

You can get free Excel Real Estate spreadsheets here:

http://www.mortgageinvestment.com/Real_estate_and_mortgage_downloads/downloads.htm

Piece of cake, even for the "Excel Impaired" or "Excel Avoidant" amongst us.

Chris Parks - ABR, e-Pro, GRI - Accelerated

Broker

CParksGo@Gmail.com