Laptops on board ?

[mica]

Does anyone use their laptop to connect to the internet or receive emails whilst on board? If so, I would love to hear what you use to make the connection. I am getting quite /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif frustrated, even the so called experts in Comet who sold me my laptop could not tell me what I needed to make a connection without plugging into a landline. It is a centrino computer, so the technology is there, but advice on "how to" is lacking.

Many thanks to anyone who can advise me on this.
MICA

 

[pvb]

GPRS...

I hook my laptop up via GPRS on my mobile phone. Used to do this with a data cable from phone to USB port. Now do it via Bluetooth from phone to USB dongle. Works well. GPRS is charged by megabyte, so I disable image loading (in Internet Explorer options) to reduce data volume.

 

[lockwood]

Centrino - just means it has a wireless LAN function. Handy if your marina has wi-fi. Yoy certainly won't get wi-fi access out at sea!

The only way to connect if there is no LAN or landline availble is via a mobile phone or a card that holds a mobile sim card.

Speeds are quite slow but acceptable, especially if you get a phone with GPRS facilities rather than the slower GSM phones.

The phone can connect to the laptop via a cable, infa red or bluetooth.

 

[RPC]

The other options available are via SSB radio or satellite.
To see the systems available for this see this link

http://www.onpassage.com/Communications/Yacht_Communication_Systems.htm

 

[Guest]

I connect mine through a mobile phone, not using GPRS, just an ordinary mobile telephone line.

The first thing you need to do, is get your phone linked to your computer. I have two Nokias - they were both supplied with a CD that was loaded with software to make sure the computer is properly configured. So, if you have this CD, load the software.

I use an infrared link on my phone. To use it, locate the infra red port on your computer. Then go to the menu on your mobile, find 'infrared' and click on it. The phone will start sending an infra red signal, and, provided you line it up with the infra red port on your computer, will establish a connection with your computer. If it doesn't connect, then make sure that the infra red port on your computer is 'enabled'.

Next, you have to create a 'Dial up connection' on your computer the same as you do for a landline. Type in your ISP's telephone number, user name, password etc. just the same as you would for a landline. Where you select the port/modem for the dial up connection, your mobile infra red port should be listed (assuming you've loaded your mobile's software on the computer). Select that instead of your computer's normal modem.

Now click 'dial' on your computer, and it should start dialling via the mobile. Your mobile's screen will show it reacting to the computer's commands and dialling.

Once connected, open your e-mail/browser just as you would for a land line.

 

[WayneS]

I use a Vodafone 3G/GPRS data card. In areas where 3G is avail I get speeds up to 384kbps. On standard GPRS it is 54kbps I do believe.

If you do get one of these I would suggest that you also get the external aerial is it greatly improves your signal strength.

Wayne

 

[mica]

Thank you all, you have been most helpful.

I was beginning to think I was going mad believing the technology existed, especially after I went back to Comet where I had bought the laptop. Would you belive the sales assistant quite seriously asked me, "Don't you have a phone socket on your boat". Even though they sell laptops and mobile phones; having been passed round three assistants, they decided they didn't sell such cables and suggested I tried the Carphone Warehouse. I had already been in my local Orange shop, only to receive a blank stare as if I was asking for magic mushrooms, they obviously didn't know what I was talking about and said they didn't sell cables that linked phones to laptops.

Why didn't I think of asking this marvellous forum before I was reduced to a quivering wreck out of frustration.

Thank you all again
MICA /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[squidge]

Hi Try PC World, they are helpfull and sell the hardware.

 

[andy_wilson]

Laptops and connectivity

What type of mobile phone do you have, which network are you connected to, contract or Pay as you go?

 

[iangrant]

Beware the Nokia's some say they have modems when they don't --cant remember the model numbers.. Worth checking the spec of yours on the Nokia web site in the communications section..

Ian

 

[andy_wilson]

Beware all brands

Circuit Switched and GPRS Data capabilities are not a standard feature of a mobile phone from any manufacturer.

Just 'cos a phone may offer mobile terminated data for WAP browsing doesn't mean to say it can offer connectivity for a laptop, PDA, remote camera or whatever.

Answer. Consult a specialist!

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Beware all brands

Why do you say GPRS data is not standard? It is standard on most mid to high range phones, though you might have to ask your service provider to enable it.

 

[Guest]

Mobile phone ...

but its expensive ..... so no surfing !

I have various GSM's .... the Nokia 6150 insists on cable, 6310 can do cable or IR, 6510 is IR, the Siemens is cable, Ericssons I have are all IR via clip on IR modems .... yes I have about 6 mobiles collected over years !! I still reckon the best was the Ericsson 868 ..... now that dates me !!

Load up the mobile internet software usually free on the mobile company web-site .... and follow instructions ... but you have to go back to Dial Up Networking for most ... UGH !!

 

[Guest]

Ridiculous Assistants !!

It is old hat and common for Notebook / PDA to mobile's so any assistant in Mobile phone shop who doesn't know OR a Computer shop that doesn't - should be shown the door or at leasrt educated.

Ok here is a link that is an example of where to get such cables etc..... even the obscure old ones :

http://www.gsmsupply.co.uk/

No advertising ... just helping - I have no connection - sorry about pun - but just a satisfied customer !

 

[andy_wilson]

Re: Beware all brands

Any up to date SIM can have the GPRS data bearer enabled (one known exception on Vodafopne 'cos of an incompatible 'other' service).

Just about every phone on the market now offers mobile terminated GPRS or Switched Data for WAP use.

My final paragraph is the key. Only select handsets are designed to be used as a modem, and thus allow that connectivity to be accessed by another device like a PDA or computer.

Slight backtrack here... Only select handsets are designed to be used as a modem AND actually do so effectively.

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Beware all brands

Still not sure I understand your point. There are a huge number of phones with both GPRS and modem functionality, and they work fine - I've used many personally, and set up many others for friends

 

[SimonA]

Re: GPRS

You can buy a Vodafone pay as you go mobile connect card (£50 from Dabs.com including £20 credit). It simply slots into your PCMCIA slot on the laptop and connects to the GPRS network. You only pay for data transferred (which is about £4 per MB, so a little expensive for anything other than email). You top the card up in the same way as a PAYG phone, there are no monthly costs.

Vodafone also do a 3G card, but the monthly costs are steep.

 

[arto]

Re: GPRS

I use my Ericsson K700i to as a wireless modem for my Mac laptop.

Orange GPRS - works well enough, though as others have pointed out, you can spend rather a lot of money if you're not careful. Orange charge by the megabyte, at least on the price plan I'm on. Surfing all day would lead to bankruptcy

The Mac talks to the phone using Bluetooth so no additional cables required.

Send me a private msg if you need to know more.

 

[mithril]

Re: GPRS OK but why not WiFi

as its free at many marinas, and I suspect it will be standard at all marinas within 12 months.

 

[Heckler]

Re: Beware all brands

i am getting confused as well, have connected on my last 3 mobiles, various makes and they all worked
stu