View Full Version : Computer/Cell phone advice
C&CDean
4/14/2011, 01:56 PM
OK boys and girls. I'm back to Plan A. I will be retiring on May 31 afterall, and am now in the market for a cell phone and computer.
I'm probably looking at either an iphone or one of those android dealios, and I'd like to be able to use it to link to a laptop on a docking station with an external keyboard and hooked up to the TV.
I currently have an AT&T blackberry that I don't own, but it gets great reception at the Deanarosa. Momma has a Sprint blackberry that gets crap reception - but one of the kids has a Sprint android/droid or whatever they're called and he gets good reception out there.
Anyhow, anybody have any advice on brands of computers, and cell phone packages/types/etc. that would work for my gig?
C&CDean
4/14/2011, 01:57 PM
Anybody ever hear of using your phone to link your computer through the wii? A guy at work was talking about it and he said it works great.
saucysoonergal
4/14/2011, 02:02 PM
I can be of no help as I carry a burner. It works pretty good though.
JLEW1818
4/14/2011, 02:04 PM
AT&T iPhone all day every day. You won't be disappointed. spend the extra money on the Otter box too. it's worth it.
AT&T will only get better and pretty much make the others go out of business
Tulsa_Fireman
4/14/2011, 02:04 PM
Have you tried golf instead?
Maybe wood working?
2121Sooner
4/14/2011, 02:05 PM
I can be of no help as I carry a burner. It works pretty good though.
Who are you? Jason Bourne?
And I have the iPhone. Love it as I have access to my phone, innernet, and all my music. Since it is Verizon I have good reception almost everywhere I go. Easy to use and Steve Jobs is a genius. Almost everything Apple does is allsome.
Gonna get an iPad for the wifey for her birthday.
You and Momma should use the same wireless provider to take advantage of whatever their "family plan" might be so you're not paying full price for both.
Dell's have always been good to me and are reasonably priced.
That said, I know nothing about your Wii.
jumperstop
4/14/2011, 02:07 PM
I have the Sprint Epic, I think it's pretty bad ***.
Boomer.....
4/14/2011, 02:07 PM
Check out the Motorola Atrix. It's the one that can hook into a laptop.
Tulsa_Fireman
4/14/2011, 02:09 PM
Maybe fishing?
2121Sooner
4/14/2011, 02:09 PM
You and Momma should use the same wireless provider to take advantage of whatever their "family plan" might be so you're not paying full price for both.
Dell's have always been good to me and are reasonably priced.
That said, I know nothing about your Wii.
Here is Deans solution for the family plan ........
http://projects.grayfuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/can-and-string-phones.jpg
Boomer.....
4/14/2011, 02:10 PM
Since AT&T is going to 4G, it would be smart to have a 4G phone. The only ones right now are the Motorola Atrix, HTC Inspire, and soon there will be the Samsung Infuse. (Not sure if the iPhone 4 is 4G compatible)
I am trying to pick between the three.
NormanPride
4/14/2011, 02:12 PM
Use a phone and a wii to access the computer from the tv? NO idea. I know the wii can hook up to the network, but I don't know that it will really give you access to any computers on it.
IMO, get the phone and laptop combo that they're advertising right now. I think that's Verizon, but I don't know. And what are you going to do on the computer? Do you have net access at the Deanarosa? I have a friend that uses a cheap cell service out in the middle of nowhere to get pretty good speeds. If you're curious I can look into it more.
Partial Qualifier
4/14/2011, 02:19 PM
That said, I know nothing about your Wii.
That is so not what I heard..
Tulsa_Fireman
4/14/2011, 02:22 PM
Maybe take up RVing?
jumperstop
4/14/2011, 02:37 PM
Check out the Motorola Atrix. It's the one that can hook into a laptop.
Apparently it's not a laptop. It has it's own memory, but basically just mirrors what the phone is doing.
Motorola bag phone is all Dean could handle
soonerboomer93
4/14/2011, 03:07 PM
Since AT&T is going to 4G, it would be smart to have a 4G phone. The only ones right now are the Motorola Atrix, HTC Inspire, and soon there will be the Samsung Infuse. (Not sure if the iPhone 4 is 4G compatible)
I am trying to pick between the three.
AT&T "4G" is HSPA+ which the iPhone 4 doesn't support. They'll move to LTE and I don't believe there are any LTE phones coming out on their network until later this year.
C&CDean
4/14/2011, 03:19 PM
OK, maybe I said it wrong. I want to use the cell phone as a link for the innerwebs. It's what I do now with my work set-up. I have an HP laptop, and I have an AT&T blackberry that I link to the laptop and then use the web on the laptop. The AT&T plan includes using it as a innerwebs link. Yes, I can get to the webs with just the phone, but I rarely ever use that feature. Too damn small to see.
The guy at work uses the wii wirelessly with his phone and he does things like Netflix and the like through the wii. No, I don't know how any of it works. To me, it's all FM - and the "M" is for magic.
1890MilesToNorman
4/14/2011, 03:26 PM
Anybody ever hear of using your phone to link your computer through the wii? A guy at work was talking about it and he said it works great.
Yep, you can do it but don't ask me how. I use my WiFi on my new phone for calls and am currently setting up a media server in the shack. There's a learning curve for sure.
olevetonahill
4/14/2011, 03:27 PM
Just get what ya got now Bro and get Momma a phone with the same company
C&CDean
4/14/2011, 03:29 PM
Just get what ya got now Bro and get Momma a phone with the same company
She and I both hate the blackberries though. The screen is so small you can't see **** on it.
olevetonahill
4/14/2011, 03:40 PM
She and I both hate the blackberries though. The screen is so small you can't see **** on it.
Then take yer Puter that yer using Now in and buy one as close to it as you can get then tell the clerks what ya want
Get what yer used to , Way less learnin of new shat
Heh I still have the Phone you knocked in the rain puddle 4 years er so ago :D
We-TownSooner
4/14/2011, 03:41 PM
I think your talking about tethering using the iPhone 3G network the only problem is you will eat up your data plan since AT&T no long offers unlimited data plan
delhalew
4/14/2011, 03:46 PM
I could do the Wii/xbox thing with my Droid. DO NOT let anyone talk you into keeping AT&T. If you want your phone to work as many places as possible, choose Sprint or maybe Verizon. If you pick the right Droid phone, IPhone can't touch it.
delhalew
4/14/2011, 03:57 PM
I think your talking about tethering using the iPhone 3G network the only problem is you will eat up your data plan since AT&T no long offers unlimited data plan
I sleep somewhere different every night, and tether every night. Most nights I stream video. Sometimes I land in a spot were I can only surf.
When in 4g area I may download a torrent. Using the Droid app PDAnet, it is as if I am not tethered.
At my house in the middle of nowhere, I can stream netflix from my Droid evo to my tv via hdmi cable.
StoopTroup
4/14/2011, 03:58 PM
Yermom and Lott have this all worked out pretty good Dean. I'd start kissing a little booty and maybe quit running them off with the Shotgun when they are down partying at the pond. :D
We-TownSooner
4/14/2011, 03:59 PM
Don't bother to tether where I live I don't get 3G support
C&CDean
4/14/2011, 04:01 PM
Don't bother to tether where I live I don't get 3G support
I have 3G on my AT&T and it's almost as fast at home as it is here at work on a network.
Decisions, decisions...
1890MilesToNorman
4/14/2011, 04:03 PM
If you got good bandwidth at home and have cable or satellite TV get yerself a SlingBox and the Droid app for it.
C&CDean
4/14/2011, 04:07 PM
wtf is a "slingbox?"
Android phone through Verizon, plus you get a discount on your monthly plan and all accessories. Go to the Verizon site to sign up for employee discount. (AT&T has a discount too)
JLEW1818
4/14/2011, 04:09 PM
retire at 53 Dean? What's the trick to that? explain ...
1890MilesToNorman
4/14/2011, 04:15 PM
wtf is a "slingbox?"
It's a device you attach to your TV receiver so you can watch your TV anywhere. I pay good money for the TV service so I can watch it anywhere now. A one time dollar amount for the SlingBox. I paid $100 for the hardware and $30 for the app for my phone. Don't need any app if you are using a computer away from home.
http://www.slingmedia.com/
1890MilesToNorman
4/14/2011, 04:16 PM
retire at 53 Dean? What's the trick to that? explain ...
I done it at 45. :D
I have had an iPhone and a Droid. I always compare them this way.
The iPhone is ready straight out of the box. Plug it into to your laptop and everything is synced. You can do anything you want with it and you really don't have any issue with messing it up. It is very intuitive easy to use and has more apps than you can think of.
The downside to the iPhone is that you get what you get. There is no additional memory back up battery and you can't really do anything Apple doesn't want you to. If you don't see things the way Apple does, there is no way to change it around to your liking.
The Droid phones are not as simple on the front end. It operates more like a hard drive that a true sync. The downside is that you have to put some effort into things like sync, photo organization, music etc. It also is adjustable enough that you can do some damage to the phones performance by tinkering with it.
The upside to that customization is that you can change things to your preferences. You can add memory, exchange batteries, and organize things just like you do on your pc. There are some Droid phones that allow tethering and even some that act as a hot spot.
For me personally, the Droid is a better fit. My Father on the other hand is MUCH better suited for an iPhone.
delhalew
4/14/2011, 04:35 PM
I have had an iPhone and a Droid. I always compare them this way.
The iPhone is ready straight out of the box. Plug it into to your laptop and everything is synced. You can do anything you want with it and you really don't have any issue with messing it up. It is very intuitive easy to use and has more apps than you can think of.
The downside to the iPhone is that you get what you get. There is no additional memory back up battery and you can't really do anything Apple doesn't want you to. If you don't see things the way Apple does, there is no way to change it around to your liking.
The Droid phones are not as simple on the front end. It operates more like a hard drive that a true sync. The downside is that you have to put some effort into things like sync, photo organization, music etc. It also is adjustable enough that you can do some damage to the phones performance by tinkering with it.
The upside to that customization is that you can change things to your preferences. You can add memory, exchange batteries, and organize things just like you do on your pc. There are some Droid phones that allow tethering and even some that act as a hot spot.
For me personally, the Droid is a better fit. My Father on the other hand is MUCH better suited for an iPhone.
Don't let him scare you. Droid is just as plug and play as the IPhone. Yeah, if you root it, it becomes whatever you want it to be. Out of the box Droid gives you mote freedom than Apple.
StoopTroup
4/14/2011, 04:38 PM
Dean....you can always checkout the Coverage areas for these providers to see how good or bad coverage is.
For Example: Checkout Boost Mobile in your area. If you are gonna retire and not travel....it might be OK.
http://www.boostmobile.com/coverage/
Out of the box Droid gives you mote freedom than Apple.
Dis ^ mote freedom over Apple.
StoopTroup
4/14/2011, 04:40 PM
Here's AT&T's coverage map
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/?wtSlotClick=1-004F5Y-0-1&WT.svl=calltoaction#?type=voice
StoopTroup
4/14/2011, 04:41 PM
Sprint's Coverage Map
http://coverage.sprint.com/IMPACT.jsp?ECID=SEM:Google:P:Sprint:Mobile:Broadba nd
StoopTroup
4/14/2011, 04:42 PM
Verizon Coverage Map
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorController?requesttype=NEWREQUEST?p _url=coverage_map_demo&=CDinaBox&cm_ite=Roaming
Don't let him scare you. Droid is just as plug and play as the IPhone. Yeah, if you root it, it becomes whatever you want it to be. Out of the box Droid gives you mote freedom than Apple.
Sorry, didn't mean to scare. To me it is a positive.
delhalew
4/14/2011, 04:47 PM
Take it from someone who knows. Those coverage maps mean dick. Pick thrust company, with the best phone, and test it out. Everyone worth having will let you cancel if you don't like it.
delhalew
4/14/2011, 04:50 PM
Sorry, didn't mean to scare. To me it is a positive.
I feel Deano would pick the iPhone if he thought it was easier. Droid is as easy as you want it to be.
Leroy Lizard
4/14/2011, 05:21 PM
Here is Deans solution for the family plan ........
http://projects.grayfuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/can-and-string-phones.jpg
Here's my solution to the family plan.
http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/attachments/5-series-bmw/7065d1271884815-eliminating-interior-creaks-rattles-earplugs.jpg
JohnnyMack
4/14/2011, 05:29 PM
You're not all that bright, you should get an iPhone, it's more intuitive for old-timers with fat fingers like yourself.
SpankyNek
4/14/2011, 05:47 PM
Believe me, Dean, do not go away from AT&T. If your reception is good now, then keep them, as their network is only going to improve.
I have had my HTC Inspire 4g for a month now, and I love it. While it is not an LTE phone, the speed is still serviceable. It acts as a 3g hotspot for up to 5 devices, has an 8megapixel camera, shoots 720p video, and uses droid architecture. Also is a 4.3 inch touch display.
2 year contract price is $99.
Also has built in wifi to use for free in the presence of a network.
Skysooner
4/14/2011, 06:38 PM
I use an Android Galaxy S (Samsung Captivate). Simplicity itself to jail break it to eliminate the AT&T hold on using it to tether. They wanted an extra $15 a month to use the tether feature.
C&CDean
4/14/2011, 07:13 PM
You're not all that bright, you should get an iPhone, it's more intuitive for old-timers with fat fingers like yourself.
Compared to you, I am the sun. Fat fingers? That was my dick, dumas.
yermom
4/14/2011, 07:13 PM
iPhone, MacBook
next question? :D
i'm guessing Mrs. Dean is still keeping the company phone, or are you talking about a personal one? AT&T's family plans seem pretty good. you might be able to get a company discount on some minute plans and data plans as well
i should probably favor the Android phones over the iOS ones, but i just can't make myself like the ones i've used. sure they do cool stuff, i just love the interface on the iPhone and if you play Apple's game, it works really well. not being 4G yet is a bit of a downer though.
A Sooner in Texas
4/14/2011, 11:55 PM
Man, there's some bad info in this thread. Here's what I know from a personal standpoint...I have the HTC Evo 4G from Sprint, and it does everything I ask and then some. If Mama's already on Sprint, it makes sense to go with a family plan - which makes sense no matter what carrier you use. The Evo can tether up to eight devices - act as wifi for them, which is what it sounds like Dean wants to link up his computer to the interweb. Sprint does charge an extra $30 to tether, but there are ways around that if you root the phone (I haven't done this because I don't tether) or there may be apps that let you get around the $30 tether fee.
The Evo has a 4.3" screen, which is fabulous. It doesn't have a physical keyboard, but there are many choices of on-screen keyboards and I love the one I have. But there is also the Evo Shift, which does have a slider keyboard. The screen's a little smaller, but not much.
Sprint will be selling a new Evo 3D phone this summer...the major difference there is that it will take 3D photos and has a dual-core processor to make it much faster. I haven't decided whether to upgrade to it or the Nexus S, known as the "Google phone."
I love Android, and it's obviously loved by a lot of people since its market share just keeps going up and up and up.
It's really a good idea to check user forums on whichever device you're interested in. I like Android Central and Good and Evo.
Can't help you out with the computer since I don't know what you need it to do. I have an Altec laptop that serves me very well. I know that's just really helpful info.:D
Congrats on the retirement, Dean.
C&CDean
4/25/2011, 03:09 PM
OK. Now I got more questions.
I bought one of the Android phones from Sprint, and had it activated to be the innerweb link at the house. Of course, no reception = no innerwebs.
My next question for the nerds is this:
Is "3mpbs" download speed worth a ****? Is 1.5? All the satellite people only do 1.5, and I can get 3 through Windstream (my phone provider). Help a brother out here.
I would go for a phone/cable option for home internet way before I would go with a satellite. It should be way cheaper too.
Or did I miss something? If you have a land line through Windstream you *should* be able to get DSL through them which is what I'd do.
yermom
4/25/2011, 03:15 PM
if it wasn't for Netflix, i could probably get by with like 100k
if you are going to stream video you likely want more than 1.5Mbps, but it should be passable, i think
JohnnyMack
4/25/2011, 03:17 PM
if it wasn't for Netflix, i could probably get by with like 100k
if you are going to stream video you likely want more than 1.5Mbps, but it should be passable, i think
What speed do you stream your porn at?
olevetonahill
4/25/2011, 03:19 PM
If you can get DSL at the Deanarosa get it
Ive had Sat for years and really hate it.
Its not much faster than dial up. I live 2000 feet to far out to get DSL and they will never upgrade the lines out here.
I tried Alltels Air Card deal and couldnt get a strong enough signal so the sold me a booster but never shipped the dayum cord that connects the dayum thing . I was out over 600 bucks for nothing
They did give me it back in credit tho so i dint have to pay any more out for almost a year on my cell phone
yermom
4/25/2011, 03:22 PM
What speed do you stream your porn at?
depends on the quality
yermom
4/25/2011, 03:23 PM
If you can get DSL at the Deanarosa get it
Ive had Sat for years and really hate it.
Its not much faster than dial up. I live 2000 feet to far out to get DSL and they will never upgrade the lines out here.
I tried Alltels Air Card deal and couldnt get a strong enough signal so the sold me a booster but never shipped the dayum cord that connects the dayum thing . I was out over 600 bucks for nothing
They did give me it back in credit tho so i dint have to pay any more out for almost a year on my cell phone
i think you could run a wireless network 2000 feet if you really wanted to...
olevetonahill
4/25/2011, 03:24 PM
OK. Now I got more questions.
I bought one of the Android phones from Sprint, and had it activated to be the innerweb link at the house. Of course, no reception = no innerwebs.
My next question for the nerds is this:
Is "3mpbs" download speed worth a ****? Is 1.5? All the satellite people only do 1.5, and I can get 3 through Windstream (my phone provider). Help a brother out here.
Yes "3" mpbs is great if yer sure you can get it
Just did a speed test on My connection here
Download is .35 mpbs and upload is a whoppin .10
I have been tempted to get a land line back at the shack and just go back to ****in dial up
Serenity Now
4/25/2011, 03:33 PM
We got 3g in the last year at our house. I bought a wireless modem/router combination off of amazon (zoom) and I have "quasi" broadband. It is not as consistent as my DSL at work but it's often faster - up to 1,300 kbps. It's slow times are 300-400 kbps. My wife worked with AT&T and got a basic phone account with unlimited data (not a smart phone) and now we have unlimited data for $20/month plus taxes. Son's PSIII works fine on it.
I also bought a cell booster (zboost) that I'm still tinkering with. I sometimes have -70dBm in the house. That's about as good as I can expect according to a friend at ATT.
I think ATT is more stable than the others. If you're not a tinkerer don't get anything other than an IPhone. I have a Blackberry that's work provided and the IPhone is better. I work with a guy who has a droid. He likes it but he's a tinkerer. He also has a nook that he cracked to create a relatively cheap (uner $200) reader/internet browser that is wi-fi at his house or anywhere else that has wi-fi.
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