PDA/Smartphones & Internet while touring?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
As some have stated, you can use a mobile phone to access the Internet on the road, but the screen is very small....
I have a small Dell laptop for touring, 8" screen, fits nicely in tourbox or saddlebag...I also pull a trailer so room is not a big issue. I bought it used off ebay, around 250.00.....I figure if it gets damaged or stolen I'm not out a new price laptop...it has served me well over tha last few years.
Most hotels now have wireless Internet free in the rooms, also a lot of businesses have free Internet ( hot spots).....
While a smart phone is doable, I think a small laptop would serve you better, easier to use too.
I have a small Dell laptop for touring, 8" screen, fits nicely in tourbox or saddlebag...I also pull a trailer so room is not a big issue. I bought it used off ebay, around 250.00.....I figure if it gets damaged or stolen I'm not out a new price laptop...it has served me well over tha last few years.
Most hotels now have wireless Internet free in the rooms, also a lot of businesses have free Internet ( hot spots).....
While a smart phone is doable, I think a small laptop would serve you better, easier to use too.
Like the OP I also am interested in accessing the 'Net via phone to check radar, etc. on the road but realize its shortcomings, like the small size and the cost for 'Net access. I wouldn't use this feature often and I'm not sure it would be worth the money to me. My present PDA phone (Windows Mobile OS) is capable of 'Net access but I've balked on signing up for cost reasons. PC World did a test on unlocked Internet-capable phones in their last issue, so you might want to take a look. There are advantages to unlocked phones, mostly that you aren't married to a given carrier that might take advantage of you later.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
Don't get too bummed, the new S is not much of an upgrade over the current iPhone. The next version should be worth getting excited about. I'm very happy with mine, and it will come in handy on the road.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
Like the OP I also am interested in accessing the 'Net via phone to check radar, etc. on the road but realize its shortcomings, like the small size and the cost for 'Net access. I wouldn't use this feature often and I'm not sure it would be worth the money to me. My present PDA phone (Windows Mobile OS) is capable of 'Net access but I've balked on signing up for cost reasons. PC World did a test on unlocked Internet-capable phones in their last issue, so you might want to take a look. There are advantages to unlocked phones, mostly that you aren't married to a given carrier that might take advantage of you later.
I find myself emailing a lot more now, because my email is pushed directly to my phone. And my wife has a blackberry so we text/email far more than we talk. I've had a 450 min plan for over a year and I have over 2000 rollover minutes. And we haven't had a home phone for over two yrs.
For me it's been a great switch. I have unlimited Internet and more than enough talk/text capacity for my personal needs. Plus it keeps me from missing out on all the hub bub on the forum
A great part about this phone is I can snap a photo and email it in seconds. No more carrying a camera and then having to load the pics on the computer to send em out.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From:
I "jailbroke" my iPhone a few months ago. I have a program on it now that allows me to tether my laptop to the phone using the 3g network. Once my wife and I make our roadtrip next month, she will be able to keep up with her online classes pretty much wherever we are.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bulldogmoe7
General Harley Davidson Chat
32
Jul 9, 2007 04:22 PM
