My girlfriend is moving to Alaska (where ATT is the only cellular
provider and they only have a TDMA network (no "Next Generation" or
GSM or GPRS).  She has one of the new Apple PowerBook G4s (12" model)
and wants to figure out a way to hook up the phone to the computer to
get an internet connection.  Nothing fancy or fast is necessary.  Just
access to her email on a regular basis would be awesome.

I'm pretty knowledgeable about this sort of thing, but I keep running
into brickwalls.

My first plan was just to use the PowerBook's internal modem and
somehow adapt the cellphone to take the RJ-45 plug out the back of the
laptop.  I know Motorola used to make adaptors for their phones to do
this, but I can't find anyone who still does something like this.  I
figure the connection will be shitty, but she only needs email so who
cares.

So then I was trying to find a TDMA phone that would just do a
straight data connection like the new "Next Generation" phones do, but
ATT reports that none of the TDMA phones do this.

I've heard reports that some Nokias used to work as 14.4kbps modems
via IrDA, but I can't substantiate this, or prove that this will work
with a Mac (b/c of OS and because the new laptops don't have an IrDA
port and I would need to get an external adaptor [do these even
exist?].

My third plan was to use one of the data link cables that some phones
are compatible with to use the cell either as the modem or as a phone
with the internal modem doing the communication (I think the former is
more likely than the later).  But I'm worried about a couple things:
1) will the software work with Mac OS X?  2) can i get data service
over a strictly TDMA network.

So I guess a satisfactory answer to this question will clearly state
how to get the Powerbook online with a TDMA phone that ATT sells (or a
description about how to get an older phone and get ATT to activate
it).  Not too hard really?  I hope...

--tom

Nokia (as well as other GSM phones) can indeed be used
      as a wireless modem.
       Phones can connect vie IrA, BlueTooth or by a cable to the
      a USB or to serial port.
     You will need drivers, which you get from Nokia   on a CD
     or download from the net (before you move).
      when requesting the  data service for your specific model.


  This sites explain which Nokia phones support which link:
   http://www.macmedia.sk/ls.htm   


this page describes
           http://www.nokia.com/cda1/0,1080,2162,00.html


   Here is description of  Palladio USB-GSM modem
                http://www.holdens-computers.co.uk/education/port.html

       and a description  card modems , explaining
 "How to connect wirelessly to the Internet, and send
email and fax from your Macintosh G3/G4 PowerBook .."
         http://www.ositech.com/ftp/Docs/KingMacInstall.pdf.


   Finally, PowerBook G4 FAQ   says:
. Q. Can I connect my PowerBook G4 to the Internet
 using my cell phone? A. Yes. Certain digital phones from Ericsson, Nokia, and ...
www.techknowsphere.com/services/productinfo/ files/PowerBook%20G4%20FAQ.pdf

  Search Terms

            Nokia Powerbook G4 modem
             wireless internet GSM

GPRS service is a good choice, you pay by volume of data, not for connect time
- but you already know that.  Good luck

Hedgie