iphone as modem?

[avatarless]

Please help! I'm thinking of getting an iphone. Can it be hacked for use as a modem with your computer? How is this done? Also, can anyone recommend any iphone alternatives that can be used as a modem? Thanks.

[Fat Bob]

I presume you mean linking the phone to the PC and then using it to look at the internet? If so, Nokia do this rather well. Would expect the iPhone would but have no actual experience.

[avatarless]

I presume you mean linking the phone to the PC and then using it to look at the internet? If so, Nokia do this rather well. Would expect the iPhone would but have no actual experience.

yes, I want to get rid of my cable internet service (overpriced) and am hoping I can just tether the phone to my computer. And I would prefer it to be an iphone, if possible (there are several phones running windows mobile that can do the job). Thanks!

[BoD]

and using a mobile-based data service is going to be cheaper than a cable one? Where on earth are you?

[Snaffled]

Its also going to be much slower than cable if that is a factor?

[Fat Bob]

Hmmmmmm....well, I think the way to find out is to test or ring Apple and ask. I personally wouldn't use this as a permanent solution, but maybe your needs are less than mine.

But, if you are thinking of doing it, there are cheaper ways.

Hubstations come with free 1Mbs internet. There are pay-for-use versions on starhub, again which are cheap.

Also, if you want extended coverage that a mobile phone would give you, there are HSPA options but not cheap. Check out M1, Starhub and Singtel for those.

[baloo]

I'm not sure Starhub provide services to the US, where avatarless lives...

[Fat Bob]

Fair call.

Wouldn't the internet bandwidth of an iPhone be pretty poor considering it's only 3G?

[avatarless]

Is the 3G bandwith that bad? That's all I need to know... Thanks!

[BoD]

It's OK for use on the phone, but I was using a Starhub 3G USB modem for a while, and overall its performance was dreadful

[Fat Bob]

I think 3G is limited to 384 kbs, which is quicker than 2G at 56kbs, but one of the big issues with the iPhone in comparison to others which are 3.5G and gives 3+Mbs.

[BoD]

iPhone has HSDPA. Isn't that 3.5G?

[BoD]

Seems the answer is yes, http://www.iphonemodem.com/ but you need to crack the phone first

[avatarless]

that's funny, when I chocolated my question, I didn't find that. thanks!

[Fat Bob]

iPhone has HSDPA. Isn't that 3.5G?

It is HSPDA, I've just found out. Runs at 3.6Mbs max bandwidth. I think whther the is HSDPA or not is not a question of whether it's 3G or 3.5G.....or maybe I'm wrong. Mobile phone terminology seems to change every minute.