January 11, 2006 16:49
It really depends on how close you'll be to cel towers.
Edge and Cingular's new 3G systems are very fast, about like DSL. However, the data plans are expensive and you won't be able to surf very much before you're through your allotment.
I have Cingular service here in the PNW and am able to tether my iBook and use the slower MediaNet service just fine for email and light surfing with my Moto v551. I have the unlimited service for only $19.95 a month. Cingular doesn't advertise this usage and don't ask a CSR about tethering a laptop, because they'll say you can do it. But in fact, their contract only states that they reserve the right to kick you off if you use too much bandwidth. So don't do video! But to my knowledge they have no way to determine that you are using a iBook with the phone, nor have I heard of anyone being kicked off.
More on this and any cel question can be found on Howard forums:
http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=50
Another solution for email is to buy a very small Bluetooth keyboard that interfaces with any Bluetooth phone and just type away, no laptop required!
Really though, I think you'll find that once you leave the US, Internet cafes are everywhere and easy to use.
Sat phones are very expensive.
Jack
Edge and Cingular's new 3G systems are very fast, about like DSL. However, the data plans are expensive and you won't be able to surf very much before you're through your allotment.
I have Cingular service here in the PNW and am able to tether my iBook and use the slower MediaNet service just fine for email and light surfing with my Moto v551. I have the unlimited service for only $19.95 a month. Cingular doesn't advertise this usage and don't ask a CSR about tethering a laptop, because they'll say you can do it. But in fact, their contract only states that they reserve the right to kick you off if you use too much bandwidth. So don't do video! But to my knowledge they have no way to determine that you are using a iBook with the phone, nor have I heard of anyone being kicked off.
More on this and any cel question can be found on Howard forums:
http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=50
Another solution for email is to buy a very small Bluetooth keyboard that interfaces with any Bluetooth phone and just type away, no laptop required!
Really though, I think you'll find that once you leave the US, Internet cafes are everywhere and easy to use.
Sat phones are very expensive.
Jack