Re: iPhone Cellular Modem

["sjl" <sjl_abc@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

David Gibbs wrote:
  I saw a mention a few days ago about AT&T possibly offering
  a package that will let you tether a PC to your iPhone to use
  the data capabilities.  No details yet though.


David -

I still don't understand the love affair that people have with the iPhone. 
I have absolutely no need to browse the internet on my telephone - the 
screen is waaaay too small to be useful to me.  On the other hand, I use my 
laptop extensively via wireless internet connections.

AFAIK, most mobile phones these days can only make internet connections on 
networks such as at&t's EDGE network, which is limited to approximately 100 
kb/s download speed.

I learned only a couple of weeks ago that certain other telephone 
makes/models can operate at 3G or HSDPA speeds when tethered, making them as 
much as 10 times faster than phones such as the iPhone or the Motorola Razr, 
both of which are limited to EDGE speeds.

In addition, you can simultaneously use the tethered telephone for voice 
calls.

I'm experimenting right now with one of these telephones - by adding the 
unlimited data plan for an extra 20.00/mo, I think I can get rid of my 
dedicated 3G aircard, since it can only be used for an internet connection, 
and save myself approximately 60.00 per month!

- sjl