mpx100/200/220 Internet Access w/Laptop?

[albert]

Can someone explain what support the Microsoft Smartphones have for Internet access capabilities with the GSM network providers. Do phones such as the mpx200 and future mpx models have capabilities to plug the phone into a laptop and obtain internet access? Possibly GPRS capability or even the upgraded EDGE network? I noticed none of the phone specs seem to mention EDGE. Or possibly will there be mini SD card add on's that provide this capability?

Additionally is there any "free" data access though at very slow rates available with these phones to obtain Internet access in the GSM world? Similar to the Verizon CDMA technology I believe you can obtain about 10kbps free in any plan (counts as minutes of use, no additional data monthly fees) or pay to upgrade to 1xRTT or 1xEV-DO data plans?

Appreciate any info to help clarify these capabilities. Once again I am referring to the ability to use the phones to obtain Internet access on a Laptop computer, thus using the phone as a cellular modem???

[David McNamee]

Yes, the phones can be used as a GPRS modem. Robert posted on using the MPx200 as a modem here (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4251&highlight=modem).

EDGE is currently unavailable on the Smartphone platform.

I am not aware of any freebie data plans currently being offered by the GSM/GPRS carriers.

[brntcrsp]

Hi albert,

Yes it is completely possible to use a MS Smartphone as a cellular modem, and in fact there is a turtorial here on this site. Since all Smartphones come with a data cable for syncronization you will have no problem connecting the phone to the laptop via USB (and sometimes serial) and connecting to the Internet. Additionally, most come equiped with IR so you can also use that method to connect.

EDGE has yet to arrive for the MS Smartphone platform, though with ATT opening EDE services I forsee in the not too distant future various brands releasing EDGE capable phones. Most of the Smartphones common in the North American market do not have SDIO so a pluggin module for EDGE networks is unlikely.

As for "free access", the only North American company I know that has any sort of "free" service is T-Mobile, who allow you access to regular HTTP, and POP3 services (no SSL for example). Again there is lots of information on these boards.


David, you beat me to the punch, but you will rue this day! Go on, start ruing! :wink: