Using dial-up internet on MBP - what do I need?

[AVR2]

I'm going to need to use dialup internet on my MBP fairly soon (but only temporarily, thankfully). I know I need to get an Expresscard/34 dialup modem, but can I get *any* Expresscard/34 modem? And what about the software to do the actual phone dialling? Is that still built into OS X even though MBPs don't have a phone jack on them any more?

Any advice appreciated!

 

[e12a]

I'm going to need to use dialup internet on my MBP fairly soon (but only temporarily, thankfully). I know I need to get an Expresscard/34 dialup modem, but can I get *any* Expresscard/34 modem? And what about the software to do the actual phone dialling? Is that still built into OS X even though MBPs don't have a phone jack on them any more?

Any advice appreciated!

If it's only a temporary solution, use your phone through bluetooth (given that your phone has bluetooth). You can use your phone as a modem.

Verizon has a nation-wide dial-up service no one really knows about. They dont advertise it much and try to sell you the 3G or EV-DO services...this network I'm talking about runs at 1x and should be free on weekends and nights or only charges by the minute (like a phone call).

Or you can spend money on a USB modem.

I take advantage of this in emergencies. Please note it only provides dial up speeds, good for casual browsing and chat.

 

[AVR2]

Cool, I didn't know I could use my Bluetooth phone as a modem. Many thanks - you've just saved me some money

 

[CanadaRAM]

Alternatively the Apple USB modem?

 

[e12a]

Yes, a cellphone can be used as a modem. It depends what carrier you have.

I have Verizon, as mentioned earlier. If you do too, you must force your cellphone to 1X...otherwise it will utilize ev-do or 3g hybrid bands (which, if you don't have a subscription for, costs a lot of money). To do this look up the forums on accessing the service menu on your cell phone model. Its not hard.

I have a LG VX8300. To access the service menu, press Menu, then 0. When prompted for pass, enter all 0s. Then go to Network Select > Mode Preference > 1x Only.

This will force the phone to use 1x speeds, which is free under most Verizon plans and uses just regular phone minutes, hence why it is unadvertised.

 

[suneohair]

patience.

 

[TonicAngel]

Yes, a cellphone can be used as a modem. It depends what carrier you have.

I have Verizon, as mentioned earlier. If you do too, you must force your cellphone to 1X...otherwise it will utilize ev-do or 3g hybrid bands (which, if you don't have a subscription for, costs a lot of money). To do this look up the forums on accessing the service menu on your cell phone model. Its not hard.

I have a LG VX8300. To access the service menu, press Menu, then 0. When prompted for pass, enter all 0s. Then go to Network Select > Mode Preference > 1x Only.

This will force the phone to use 1x speeds, which is free under most Verizon plans and uses just regular phone minutes, hence why it is unadvertised.

I already have my phone set up for that.. (I will need to utilize this in July on vacation for school) how do I set up the MBP to use the bluetooth connection on my LG 9800 phone as the dial-up modem? Does it automatically recognize it as a modem? Sorry its been a long day.

 

[e12a]

I already have my phone set up for that.. (I will need to utilize this in July on vacation for school) how do I set up the MBP to use the bluetooth connection on my LG 9800 phone as the dial-up modem? Does it automatically recognize it as a modem? Sorry its been a long day.

Pair your MBP and your phone through the Bluetooth utility, by clicking on the icon and going to Set Up Bluetooth Device (visible if bluetooth is on). Follow the instructions about using the phone as a cell phone modem. You will notice that your Bluetooth tab under Internet Connect will have a user name, password, and phone number dialog. After that it's pretty easy:
If you have Verizon:

Have the phone dial #777 (dont try manually dialing the phone itself...the number activates the modem on the phone and can only be dialed by the computer)

the user name is your number@vzw3g.com (area code included, no underscores or dashes, etc.)

password is "vzw" (without quotes)

as i mentioned earlier if you dont subscribe to 3g or EV, then you'll have to force the phone into 1x mode.

if you have any problems post them up and i'll try to help. Or you can look up forums. There are a lot of threads about this.

you will need to download a modem protocol. Just google for Verizon_wireless_STD_driver. read the instructions on the respective download site to install.

 

[TonicAngel]

Pair your MBP and your phone through the Bluetooth utility, by clicking on the icon and going to preferences. Follow the instructions about using the phone as a cell phone. You will notice that your Bluetooth tab under Internet Connect will have a user name, password, and phone number dialog. After that it's pretty easy:
If you have Verizon:

Have the phone dial #777 (dont try manually dialing the phone itself...the number activates the modem on the phone and can only be dialed by the computer)

the user name is your number@vzw3g.com (area code included, no underscores or dashes, etc.)

password is "vzw" (without quotes)

as i mentioned earlier if you dont subscribe to 3g or EV, then you'll have to force the phone into 1x mode.

if you have any problems post them up and i'll try to help. Or you can look up forums. There are a lot of threads about this.

You are wonderful. thank you so much! Bookmarking this for further reference.

 

[e12a]

not a problem. enjoy your "free" mobile internet!

 

[MacNut]

I don't understand why they dropped the modem from the Macbooks, did they take up that much room.

 

[e12a]

I don't understand why they dropped the modem from the Macbooks, did they take up that much room.

In the days of the modern world, where Wi-Fi, bluetooth, DSL, Cable, and Optical reign, there is no dial-up.

Why put that there when most users either use an express card for the cellular network or their phones to get online? At home, if you can afford a macbook or macbook pro, you have to have broadband.

 

[MacNut]

In the days of the modern world, where Wi-Fi, bluetooth, DSL, Cable, and Optical reign, there is no dial-up.

Why put that there when most users either use an express card for the cellular network or their phones to get online? At home, if you can afford a macbook or macbook pro, you have to have broadband.

I disagree, for the most part the vast majority of the country still doesn't have any high speed access. Most average people still get online via dial up.

 

[e12a]

I disagree, for the most part the vast majority of the country still doesn't have any high speed access. Most average people still get online via dial up.

Well, back on topic: If you dont want to spend 50 for a usb modem, use your cell phone bluetooth! Its not hard and its free (weekends and nights)!!!

1X is the most common network available! Dont give me that no one has access to it--the cellular network pretty much covers anywhere there is civilization.

 

[umiwangu]

Are there any viable alternatives to the Apple USB modem? Where I live there is no broadband or wireless, so I have to use a modem.

 

[sjshaw]

if you have any problems post them up and i'll try to help. Or you can look up forums. There are a lot of threads about this.

I'm looking for info on hooking up my cellphone to my MBP and would appreciate your posting any useful forums.

 

[72930]

A lot of people take their notebooks to hotels around the world where dial-up is the only available option

I was irritated because it took a few days to get broadband when we moved to our new flat, and my dad had internet via dial-up while I didn't on my macbook