DataPilot, anyone used it? Internet through cell phone!

pogue1000 · 08-26-2003, 08:16 PM

Well a lady at work just got this for her daughter
http://www.datapilot.com/products.htm

With the cable you can use your cell phone as a modem. This sounds like a neat way to get internet in the car... when there is no access points around

Supposably you can just use your provider and dial out. With free nights and weekends on my verizon i just might have to try it out when i hear more.

I am sure the speeds are nothing fantastic,,, but would be good for travel!

GTC · 08-26-2003, 08:30 PM

Hi,

I've done this many times with my laptop when I've needed a connection in the car (yeah, it's crappy to _NEED_ a connection - stupid work!

) ... Anyhow, there are USB cables for most phones - though be aware, that your provider may charge higher then normal rates or additional fees when you use the service. I recall with the first providor (FIDO, in Canada) I used this with about 3.5 years ago didn't have the billing system set up (or some other nonsense) and let all of us users have it for free for about 6 months!

Some providors have also gone the route to charge you bandwidth fees instead of air time - I like this a fair bit ... don't have to worry about having the device on all the time.

If you plan on doing this all the time, check for a PCMCIA or USB device that has allways on capabilities - usually at a higher speed. In the Toronto area of Canada the 1X network is apparently pretty quick and can be used for $50 / month with no limits that I'm aware of ...

cheers,

GTC

pogue1000 · 08-26-2003, 08:35 PM

yeah i am a lil skeptical.. i am gonna have to speak with verizon. I dont see how they would like it since it competes with there express network they offer.

In my area the 1X signal is pretty dominant and thats what i always get now... so it could be interesting.

Thanks for the input!

Quote: Originally Posted by GTC

Hi,

I've done this many times with my laptop when I've needed a connection in the car (yeah, it's crappy to _NEED_ a connection - stupid work!

) ... Anyhow, there are USB cables for most phones - though be aware, that your provider may charge higher then normal rates or additional fees when you use the service. I recall with the first providor (FIDO, in Canada) I used this with about 3.5 years ago didn't have the billing system set up (or some other nonsense) and let all of us users have it for free for about 6 months!

Some providors have also gone the route to charge you bandwidth fees instead of air time - I like this a fair bit ... don't have to worry about having the device on all the time.

If you plan on doing this all the time, check for a PCMCIA or USB device that has allways on capabilities - usually at a higher speed. In the Toronto area of Canada the 1X network is apparently pretty quick and can be used for $50 / month with no limits that I'm aware of ...

cheers,

GTC

ODYSSEY · 08-27-2003, 12:30 AM

It depends on provider.

In general, you have your cell dial #777 (QNC or 1x) for internet. Or #762 for only QNC.

Quick Network Connect (circuit data) should be free, minus airtime. Max speed is only 14.4K, but most times feels even slower. Both Alltel and Verizon use "qnc" for the username/password.

qnc init:
AT$QCMDR=2;AT$QCQNC=1

Express network is 1x (packet data). Some providers (Verizon comes to mind) charge by the bit (or is it byte). Alltel just finished testing its 1x data service, so I do not know how they plan to charge. Verizon is 79.99/month extra for unlimited transfer. Max speeds are 150K, but avg speed will be 40K-60K with speed bursts. It may require a provider set username/password.

express network init:
AT$QCMDR=3;AT$QCQNC=0

Edit: This is for CDMA and may not apply towards other types of cell providers. Also look on ebay for cables, they are cheap.

cproaudio · 08-27-2003, 03:27 AM

If you setup dialup networking correctly, you dont need datapilot. My system can either use datapilot or dialup networking to access the internet
edit: I bought datapilot cuz I wanted to edit pics, ringtones and addressbook for my phone.

ODYSSEY · 08-27-2003, 03:44 AM

Motorola cellphone modem driver for USB can be found on the web for free. Do not be sucked into buying the data $$$$ kit.