Jant

BlackBerry Curve as modem with laptop? Can I get by w/out having to pay for internet access for the laptop? Sounds like a great deal to combine cell and laptop costs, but will it work?

Deafness

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com

The Highlander

(sigh)

What your network carrier? What model of BB? What OS of computer?

__________________

Jiro

lol we should have a sticky thread for this kind of thing

__________________
- Don't forget to buy Jiro's Special Edition Sunglasses for $19.95

radioman

in most cases yes. If you have data plan on your pager, and you install your carrier pam software from cd or download from your carrier website on your windows machine. Its much easier for you to call your internet provider and ask them this question as they can help you faster. Just don't expect your pc to be as fast as your high speed cable/dsl. It works and i use it when i am on the road or if my isp goes down from the storm or something.

Jant

I checked out the Sprint "data only" plan w/BlackBerry Curve. But hesitant to commit to 2-yr plan if it won't work good as a modem. Alternative: Just get "air card" for laptop and not bother w/phone. But "air card" about $60. monthly. Blackberry about $40. monthly. Not sure what to do. (I am ignorant about technology.)

Royale

I will get my new Blackberry Storm this Tuesday evening. I will be able to hook it up with my laptop thru its provided software. It can work in either Windows or Mac.

Jant

Is the Storm better than the Curve?

purplecatty

*sigh* I already posted one on my thread couple of time. It was for Linux and also Bluetooth connection (to turn it into modem without using USB tethering).

Actually, If you use XP or Vista, Download Sprintspeed software from Sprint (just google "Sprintspeed" for Blackberry) and Install the software. Plug in USB cable to Laptop and to Blackberry. Then run Sprintspeed and click "Dial up" and click "Connect".. Typically, it'll download between 325kpbs to 450kpbs and Upload between 90kpbs to 120kpbs (Sprint claim it can go up to 600kpbs but it doesn't happen). It varies on signal strength and location if it have EVDO (CDMA) signals around. Don't expect to see your browser load up as fast as your Cable broadband or DSL broadband... But if you are using Blackberry Storm, you're using 3G network which is much faster. Remember it's only Cellular dial up speed.

I've used that many times and it's worth it IF you are just browsing nets. Don't freak out about Sprint's Blackberry plan.. Cuz you don't need to get Aircard when you want BB to text, AIM, Email and browse net on BB's browser if not using Phone As Modem (PAM).

I've used Bluetooth tethering many times and it works nicely and DON'T NEED to download and install Sprintspeed software. So if you're good with Bluetooth, Any laptops that have Bluetooth built-in or using Bluetooth dongle would work. Be sure the dial up is #777 and no user name or email and no password. Just set it up by adding #777 and you're in. It save all hassle if you forgot or dislike carrying USB tether cable.

Lastly, Even though it's UNLIMITED use. What Cellular co do not tell you (like Sprint, Verizon, ect) are that there are ACTUALLY 5GB usage Cap. So Don't watch Youtube video often while using BB Curve as modem tethered to laptop or desktop PC. Just browse net, use Google map (any online map like Mapquest, Yahoo map would do too), Send and Receive Web Email, and check out Facebook ect but avoid using Streaming video. (Flashplayer or Java video ads are not a problem).. I have been using alot and I allocated 100mb to 500mb a month which seem alot of use per month which is plenty of room. If you want to know about your usage, just type www.sprint.com and log in your account and click "Usage" and you should see "Data Usage". You'll find out it's not reach to its limit.

Same goes for Aircard, makes no differnce..

Any Questions
Let me know

Catty

purplecatty

You'll have to ask Sprintrelay.com sale technician to see if BB Storm will have same Data plan as BB Curve. Remember that Storm use 3G network while Curve use EVDO (CDMA) network. Which is why the Data plan may not be the same.

It makes no difference if you are using Storm and Curve cuz the OS basically the same even it's touchscreen or not (if you are navigating the menu ect). But the big advantage for Storm is that it have bigger video screen if you know how to transfer converted DVD movie to BB Storm. Also Storm works with Sorenson's Signmail directly from download to watch signed answering machine. The disadvantage is that Storm require frequent screen cleaning because your finger smears the screen while typing if you recently ate chocolate or sticky candy, ate greasy food ect.. It sucks big time if you don't have anything to clean its screen.

So, If Sprintrelay.com sale technician say that it for Curve only, then stick with Curve to save your $$. $30 a month Unlimited Data plan is really worth it. I've had BB Curve for a year now and never had issue with it. I added $7 for insurance in case if my BB Curve breaks or got stolen. So It won't hurt to add Insurance so you won't have to worry about buying replacement BB Curve.

My friend who have HTC phone from Sprint and he didn't have $30 Unlimited Data plan cuz he was using Family plan. He got stuck with text only and can't use it to check Email, browse web ect (anything with Data plan). He regretted about it and felt it's waste of his money cuz he waited too long to return HTC phone... So don't get stuck with that. You'll end up drooling over other deafie's BB that have $30 Unlimited Data plan on their BB phone. (Youtube video is included in BB Curve! I've watched it many time but video is small and grainy). BB Curve have GPS built in that you can locate where you are at (I downloaded and installed Google Map for Blackberry via OTA {On The Air} download and it's free including Satellite view plus Street View which is far better than BB's Map). Don't use "Sprint Navigator" that came with Cuve, If you decide to use it, it'll charge $10 monthly extra. So Be careful. It does have SprintTV. I did use it but don't use "Preminuim" channels cuz it'll charge if using it. (tan color bar is "free", Blue colored bar is "fee base").

Catty

Foxrac

Both of Storm (9530) and Curve (8330) are use EVDO, that's part of 3G family.

You can't use data plan from Sprint relay for Storm since they are exclusive to Verizon and part of unlock phone if use on Sprint but you have full pay on data only, such as over $50 per month.

You need research more before start assume.

Remember, I'm Verizon user, don't assume if I use Sprint like you said before.

__________________

purplecatty

Yup. I know Sprint don't have Storm. That's only if Jant want to use Unlocked Storm.

Catty

Jant

Thank you so much! I feel silly about my ignorance. But I am new to this stuff. Appreciate very much your time!

purplecatty

Welcome!

catty

lemontree

i've heard stories of people that used their cell phones, iphone, or blackberry as a modem and got a bill of $5,000. are you sure people are able to use their cell phones as modems for free?

Jiro

yes but it's because they used it too much by downloading music, heavy files, etc. It's supposed to be for light use such as light internet surfing and emails.

__________________
- Don't forget to buy Jiro's Special Edition Sunglasses for $19.95

lemontree

hmm, i have only 500MB on my bb (rogers wireless) so i don't think i would be able to use it since i already use it so much away from home.

purplecatty

500mb is cute . I've used that much in a month. Like I mentioned above post, 5GB cap is what Cellular co set. Just like Jiro say above my post, people use it assuming that it's unlimited when they downloaded big files like Music, movies, ect. The reason why Cellular co impose 5GB limit is because they don't want to anyone to bog down Cellular network. I wish they change from "Unlimited" to "5GB" so customers will know how much before they go over. But the politics of Cellular co is that they want to trick uninformed customers so they can make $$$ unless customer fights back cuz it's their first time.

Basically, if you want to be sure that you don't go over, you just log in your Roger.com account and check Data Usage so that you'll know how much you use in a month if you worry about charges.

Does your Roger offer Unlimited Data plan? If so then find out what is their Data cap limit so you won't go over.


Catty

Foxrac

Remember, this member live in Canada and many wireless carriers in Canada isn't cheap for tethering plan.

__________________

purplecatty

On bottom of post, I asked Lemontree:

"Does your Roger offer Unlimited Data plan? If so then find out what is their Data cap limit so you won't go over."

Just want to know what is her reply.

Catty

Jant

I thought I could use BB Curve as modem for Purple Netbook. But a Purple info person sent me email telling me I cannot use the BB Curve w/purple netbook.

Does this make sense? If the BB Curve works as modem for laptop, why not Purple Netbook?

I was going to buy the netbook, but if I cant use the BB as modem, the netbook is a bad idea.

Jant

Sent more emails to Purple info people. Now they say that BB can be used as modem 4 Purple netbk. So I sent 4 netbk w/fingers crossed. Any one have success w/BB Curve as modem w/Purple netbk?

purplecatty

They're talking bull!! They should think twice that Deafie want to use BB as phone as modem on Purple Netbook!! Trust me.. You can try download Sprintspeed software and Bingo!! It works!!

Same thing what I did few years ago that I asked Sorenson if I can use Wireless Gaming adapter for VP100. They said it's impossible and you can't do it. So I experimented it and it works successfully. Actually not every Tech support know everything. Sometime if they don't know how to answer the question, they simply said "no you can't".


So Just go ahead and order Purple Netbook and install Sprintspeed software for BB Curve.

But the problem is that you can't use videochat using BB Curve as modem. Because of its dial-up speed is too low. BB only can go average 325kpbs download and 90kpbs upload or lower in both way. If actually using, it'll go lower than that..

Once you are using it, you'll dislike video speed. Also using videochat through Curve's Phone As Modem would eat up "unlimited" data to 5GB cap and will end up charging. It's very much akin to watching Youtube often on laptop while Curve as PAM

MY friend was planning on ordering Purple Netbook. He asked me same question. I told him it'll works just fine. I gave him a demo how to use BB Curve PAM on Laptop.

It is same goes for Netbook cuz Netbook's cofiguration and OS are basically the same as Notebook!! No difference. It works with very old laptop as well the newest laptop.

Trust me, ignore Purple tech support. Cuz once you get Purple Netbook, They can't ask you what you installed. If you have to return Netbook for service, Just delete Sprintspeed software or better, reformat Netbook OS using external USB CDrom drive if you know how

Catty

purplecatty

It'll work, trust me!

Catty

JClarke

ANY laptop such as these purple netbook WILL work regardless. There are no restrictions in the Purple Netbook, they mentioned in the instructions if you want to 'return' and they ask us to remove all these ncessary items before returning so they are bullshitting their customers like PurpleCatty said

Jant

Thank you! Your support and consideration means a great deal to me. I got the purple netbook but it is still in the box. Why? I got email from Purple Communications. They told me: "It has come to Purple Communications attention that the Purple Netbook is vulnerable for being infected with a virus or malware." The email told me to download a free antivirus software called Malwarebytes. I checked the Malwarebytes website and you can get a short version for free, but the good version is not free. So I sent the Purple folks a question: I can get McAfee for free from a university. Can I use McAfee instead of Malwarebytes? They sent an answer that looked like they did not understand me. The answer told me not to use Macfree. But I did not ask about Macfree, I asked about McAfee. So I asked again and got the same answer. They still think I asked about Macfree. They told me Macfree antivirus software will block P3 functions. But what about McAfee? I cannot get an answer about McAfee.

PS: Would I be better off if I sent back the purple netbook and just buy a netbook at a store and download the free P3 software? If this is a good idea, can anyone tell me: What is the best netbook out there that I can buy at a store where the people working there are helpful when something goes wrong?

Chevy57

I know about Malwarebytes software on P3 netbook. I work for purple but I unfavored it. So I had purchased new ASUS 1005HAB netbook at $299 from Best Buy. It includes 160 GB hard drive and 1.3M webcam. It s better than P3 netbook. I download Norton Internet Security into it. If you may buy other netbook or keep your P3 netbook, either, you may down free download AVG internet security software in it.
AVG Free - Download Free Antivirus and Antispyware for Windows 7, Vista and XP

Jant

Thank you! Is the free AVG security better than free McAfee security? I can get McAfee free at a local university. But if you think that AVG is better, I will go for the AVG. I appreciate your help. I am going to get rid of the purple netbook and buy the ASUS that you have. (PS: This frustration has inspired me! I registered for a computer class starting in September. I really need to get rid of my ignorance)

purplecatty

Try Avira free Antivirus. They're more effective than AVG!
Try this :

Free antivirus - Avira AntiVir

They do have pop up ads but it only happens when it's updating the file from network. Just click "OK" or cancel the window, it won't bother you for rest of the day until next update. It caught Trojans and other virus and quarantined it.


Catty

purplecatty

I personally hate McAffee cuz it is not effective in blocking Trojans. I had McAffee, no matter if how good it blocks. It just let virus in somehow and screw the pc. My friends had same problems.

Catty

Reba

Does anyone here have experience with using a BB 8300 tether, thru Tmobile service? I inquired at the local service desk at Tmobile and they told me it was difficult and cost prohibitive. I would like to use it when traveling but I'm afraid of the $$$$$$ charges.