Use Your Cell Phone as a Laptop Modem (PC and Mac)

 

Here's what you'll need for a tethered laptop-cell-phone:

- Bluetooth-enabled laptop, or a laptop with a Bluetooth adapter.

- You can also use a USB data cable connection  kit if your phone doesn't support Bluetooth.

Pair your Bluetooth phone with your laptop

Configure your phone's BlueTooth settings to make it visible to your PC or Mac :

Settings --> Connection --> BlueTooth Link --> Setup --> Find Me

This will tell your Bluetooth phone to broadcast a Bluetooth signal to your laptop for about 60 seconds - plenty of time for your laptop to recognize the signal and "discover" the device.

For Windows Vista on a PC laptop, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Bluetooth Devices.
2. Click Add, and then follow the instructions.

For OS X on a Macbook, follow these steps:

1. Open Applications --> Utilities --> Bluetooth Setup Assistant.
2. Select the "Mobile Phone" device type.
3. Complete the pairing process.

Your laptop will now be paired with your Bluetooth-enabled phone, and will be able to use the phone as a wireless internet modem. Once paired, you won't have to go through the setup steps each time - it'll remember your device for future connections.

If you don't have a Bluetooth adapter, you can get one from the IT shop for about RM10 to RM30 . It also comes with software that makes it easy to transfer files from your computer to your cell phone, and includes a built-in ring tone editor for creating your own free ring tones.

It's also worth mentioning that you don't have to use Bluetooth to get this working. You can also use a USB data cable to connect your cell phone to your laptop, but Windows/PC users will need a software kit like the one from DataPilot to help your laptop recognize your cell phone.

But Most phones come with software if it is needed. Look on the site for the manufacturer of your phone, it may be downloadable.

Connect your laptop to the internet

Next you'll connect to the internet using your cell phone as a modem. Bluetooth has a 30-foot range, so you can leave your cell phone in your pocket (or backpack in my case) and never have to touch it.

You'll need to sign up for an Internet data plan with your wireless provider or use a dial-up internet connection like the one from PeoplePC.

For a PC running Windows Vista:

• Click the Start icon and then select the "Connect To" menu.

  You'll see the "Connect to a network" screen where your phone should be listed. You can select "Dial-up and VPN" from the dropdown to only show your cell phone in the list.

•  

• Select your phone from the list, and click "Connect". You'll be prompted to enter your dial-up account user name, password, and phone number.

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