Stupid question alert - mobile phone and internet

[Ethel]

If I bought one of these phones, could I use it as a dongle for my laptop without incurring extra charges (as if I were accessing the internet on the phone)

http://www.virginmobile.com/vm/payAsYouGoPhone s.do

[Gromit]

Looks like it will be a feature in the new iPhone v.3 out soon

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/031909-d eveloper-triggers-iphone-tethering.html

Unclear what the charging arrangement is, but data (web and email) are built into the iPhones charges.

[Ethel]

I don't want a blerdy expensive iPhone, thanks - I want a cheap thing on PAYG, for the very occasional times I use a phone.

[ChuckFickens]

I can only speak for sony erricsson phones here, but with mine I can happily use it as a modem and access the internet without any problems either via bluetooth or by using the supplied USB cable (Bluetooth really hammers the battery, the usb cable charges the phone at the same time!)

[Ethel]

Thanks, Chuck.

I was hoping that I could buy one of those cheap phones from Virgin on their pay as you go with unlimited web access. The point being I don't top up when I don't need the phone and use it instead of buying a mobile dongle.

I can't be doing with trying to access the internet on a phone, but if I could connect it to the laptop without incurring extra charges that would be perfect.

[whiskeryron]

Sorry to be a pain Ethel but I really don't know, What's a dongle?

[Ethel]

Hi Ron - a dongle is a device that plugs in to your USB port and connects you to mobile broadband. It is very useful when you are not in a wifi hotspot.

http://www.top10-broadband.co.uk/guides/what_i s_a_mobile_dongle/

They look like memory sticks.

[DrFilth]

ethel asda had an offer on 02 dongle's �30 should be �50 or �60 and you can pay by the day week or month check out your local asda to see if they have the offer


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[Ethel]

Thanks, DrFilth, but I was hoping to avoid that by using a phone as a dongle, seeing as I need to buy a new phone.

[DrFilth]

chuck is the person for that kind of info


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