RE: Cheap PC and Cell modems -- PCTECH

Unfortunately I do not live in an area we service (in BellSouth area).  I
was planning just to go with cell phones and forgo landline altogether.

Mark Allen
IS Manager
Wilkes Telephone & Electric
11 W. Court Street
Washington, GA 30673
Phone: (706) 678-9565
Cell: (706) 498-7907
Fax: (706) 678-1000


-----Original Message-----
From: pctech-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:pctech-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of John Ross
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2004 11:11 AM
To: PC Technical Discussion for iSeries Users
Subject: Re: [PCTECH] Cheap PC and Cell modems


Here is what I know about the subject using version wireless and using
StarTac and LG510 phones. I was able to buy a cable for both phones. The
cable hooked to the phone and the serial port on the PC. It used my minutes
from my phone plan and I could call an ISP to get to the Internet. That
worked ok and was slow, and I usually waited until after 9 PM to call
(unlimited minutes). Then I went to a Sierra wireless card a little faster
(it was faster because I got wireless Internet at the same time) and at the
same time I got the unlimited Internet plan ($80.00 a month plus taxes etc).
Their Internet plans are based on bandwidth and they are your ISP.  What I
liked about the card was I could use it in a pocket PC (with a PCMCIA
expansion sleeve) and check email and even use Mochasoft (5250 is not
something I would want to use a lot on that size screen) and move it to a
laptop when I needed a bigger screen. 

With one client I had to use VPN (did not run on the pocket PC) and even
with the wireless Internet it was slow.

I would have to wonder if you are using this mostly at home and your company
has telephone in the name and you live in the area they serve, why you would
not get a second line or at least call forwarding (forward your home phone
to your cell phone).  If you need two lines at the same time.

As for PC?s I would look for something used and cheap. I have a several
different brands including a gateway and it run very hot. I now have an IBM
and like it, but it does not meet the cheap requirement.  

John Ross
IBM Certified Specialist AS/400 RPG IV Programmer

Wed, 26 May 2004 09:16:07 -0400
 
> Looking for recommendations on best "cheap" PC.  Would be used mostly 
> for internet,email and work access (CA or Mocha Soft). Prefer small 
> footprint as desk at home not very large.
>  
> Also, anyone had any luck with cellular modems.  My phone is a Nokia 
> from Cingular.  Speed not real important would be used for net/work 
> access probably less than 20 hrs month.  Also, cheap ISP?
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