cell phone as wireless hot spot

[Tinkmom75]

Has anyone used their cell phone as a wireless hotspot? I was just told that the cell phones are capable of doing this up to 5 devices (without the cords) and it is just not advertised. I believe you do have to download a computer program for your computer. Does this work good for Wii and DS's as well?

 

[PhillipV]

Don't know what type of phone you have, but I have an app on my Droid called "PDAnet". It turns your smartphone into a temporary modem. You'll have to install it onto your computer also. You can use it via USB or Bluetooth.

Hope this helps.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Not sure how many regular cell phones can do this, but they make wireless router apps for many smartphones. They also make MiFi devices that are just used for this purpose.

 

[Tinkmom75]

I'm looking into getting an Android phone the HTC Hero (Sprint).

Would it be convenient to replace home wireless internet with this?

I wonder how you would download the program to the gaming systems or if you could.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

I'm looking into getting an Android phone the HTC Hero (Sprint).

Would it be convenient to replace home wireless internet with this?

I wonder how you would download the program to the gaming systems or if you could.

As long as you understand that the wireless connection leaves the house when you do. You can connect any device with a wireless card to these wireless routers - that includes any gaming systems with wireless. You would not need to download the software to those devices, only the smartphone.

 

[Tinkmom75]

I understand about the connection being gone when the phone is. I thought someone might say something, but it is good info to point out

My phone as well as my DD can be replaced in June and I am looking at options. The price of the everything data plan could be offset by not having internet service at home.

Does the internet work fast? I think our home service is 5g. Will I be able to tell much of a difference? Can you still get calls while using phone as modem? I just want to be educated before I make a decision like this.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

...Does the internet work fast? I think our home service is 5g. Will I be able to tell much of a difference? Can you still get calls while using phone as modem? I just want to be educated before I make a decision like this.

It is not as fast as your 5M connection at home. It would be more than adequate for a single computer, but if you have multiple sessions at once, it could really get bogged down. We often have 3 laptops and a game going at once at home, so this would not be an option as a replacement for us.

Also, you can make/receive calls while connected.

 

[golfgal]

I have a Blackberry Curve 8530 (I think). If I wanted to say use the internet on my laptop while parked in a parking lot somewhere (say waiting to pick kids up from golf practice) would that work? Is there a fee to do this?

 

[bored]

I have a Blackberry Curve 8530 (I think). If I wanted to say use the internet on my laptop while parked in a parking lot somewhere (say waiting to pick kids up from golf practice) would that work? Is there a fee to do this?

I think on a blackberry you have to pay an additional fee (think $15.00) a month to tether it to a laptop.

 

[golfgal]

I think on a blackberry you have to pay an additional fee (think $15.00) a month to tether it to a laptop.

Ok, not worth it-just use the internet on the phone.

 

[2girlsmom]

I have Verizon and a HTC Eris. I downloaded PDANet to the phone, but I had heard that Verizon charges for tethering a pc to their phones? Can anyone confirm if this is true?

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

I think on a blackberry you have to pay an additional fee (think $15.00) a month to tether it to a laptop.

Depends on the carrier. Verizon charges $15/mo. TMobile is free. Not sure about AT&T...

 

[NotUrsula]

As long as you understand that the wireless connection leaves the house when you do. You can connect any device with a wireless card to these wireless routers - that includes any gaming systems with wireless. You would not need to download the software to those devices, only the smartphone.

IME with the wireless network we have in the house, the encryption is too sophisticated for the game consoles to play well with, and I'm not willing to dumb down my encryption for the sake of a game. What kind of encryption do the phone apps use?

 

[PhillipV]

I have Verizon and a HTC Eris. I downloaded PDANet to the phone, but I had heard that Verizon charges for tethering a pc to their phones? Can anyone confirm if this is true?

I continually use PDAnet between my Droid & laptop. No tethering charges on my Verizon bill.