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| I'm using the Sanyo SCP 4700 and Sprint's Wireless
Web Connection Kit for Internet access while
traveling |
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I purchased a new Sprint phone, the
Sanyo SCP 4700 to replace my old Sanyo 3000. This is a really cool
phone, less than half the size and weight of the older model. I also
bought Sprint's Wireless Web Connection Kit version 2.01 so I can
use the phone as a modem for my laptop while traveling. For $5 a month I
have the option to connect through Sprint to get online and the minutes
come off my existing Sprint plan. |
Some software issues with version 2.01
There are two installations from the CD. The first is the Sprint
Dialer and the second is Blue Kite which turned out to be a necessary
installation to complete the connection to my Earthlink account. Initially
I refused the second because I don't like installing programs arbitrarily.
Unnecessary programs use system resources. It turned out that I needed it
to complete the connection and it now works. I'll be able to get online
anywhere there is Sprint access. But be careful because it changes your
default browser's proxie server and if you're not running the software
your browser can't connect to the new unless you change the setting back. |
A few tips
I recommend using Earthlink as an ISP. Outside of AOL, they
have the largest database of dial up numbers. I save their entire list as
an html file on my computer to make it easy to look up a number while
traveling. I also create a print out of the dial up numbers for every
state I'm traveling through. That way I can present the list when checking
into a motel to see if any are local (free) calls. I don't use Earthlink
for e-mail, only as a connection to the internet. I use my own domain as
my e-mail address.
I recommend you get your own domain for e-mail. I serves multiple
purposes. It makes you appear more professional in your correspondence
with others. It allows you to change ISP's without the people you
communicate with loosing track of you. It's a good start to having your
own web site. If you're on AOL I strongly recommend any other internet
provider. Any ISP will work through Sprint's Wireless Web because you're
paying for the minutes on your plan where ever you're calling. |
Putting the system to use
Driving down route 44 through Missouri I pulled over in a
rest area. I took no more that 5 minutes to set my laptop up using my
Sprint phone as the modem and connecting to the internet. The connection
is relatively slow but certainly doable. My speed was 19,200 and it took
14 minutes to pull down 97 messages which included two attachments
containing viruses. My updated Norton AntiVirus program caught them as it
always does. You do have the most current virus definitions on your
computer, don't you? |
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