[LUNI] cell phone and netaccess/computer

[Larry Garfield]

Ronald Petty wrote:
> Hi everyone,
> I am moving (as many of you know) to Lincoln Park soon (aka next
> month).  Besides DSL, I was wondering, what kind of cell phone access
> people are using and if so whats good and what is bad in the area.  I
> would also like to know what kind of modem/cell access there is. 
> Basically I would LOVE to be able to use my laptop for my cell and
> remote surfing at some bar.  If there is no pcmcia card to do this
> (don't know haven't really looked), is there a PDA that is Linux/cell
> phone that is actually worth using?  I am not really traveling the world
> (maybe US for the most part), so range is not so much an issue.
> 
> Love to hear some opinions and input.
> Ron

I've tested various smartphones in the area for work, and in Chicago 
T-Mobile > ATT Wireless > Sprint, in my experience.  That is, assuming 
you've got a good phone.  I just got a T-Mobile account for myself 
(moved, and it was cheaper to get a cell phone than a landline). 
However, I made the mistake of getting the SonyEricsson T86i phone for 
it.  I am at this very moment looking for a replacement phone so I can 
take this POS back and return it. :-)

When I was in Lakeview/LPC with a Handspring Treo 270 on T-Mobile a few 
months ago, the reception from Evanston through the loop was rock-solid. 
    No issues whatsoever.  Of course, that was a considerably nicer phone.

I have friends with Spring and Cingular, and they both hate them with a 
passion.

T-mobile also has some coffee shops wired (or unwired, as the case may 
be) in the area.  There's one just near Clark's on Lincoln, I believe.

YCMV (Your Coverage May Vary).

-- 
Larry Garfield			AIM: LOLG42
larry at garfieldtech.com		ICQ: 6817012

"If nature has made any one thing less susceptible than all others of 
exclusive property, it is the action of the thinking power called an 
idea, which an individual may exclusively possess as long as he keeps it 
to himself; but the moment it is divulged, it forces itself into the 
possession of every one, and the receiver cannot dispossess himself of 
it."  -- Thomas Jefferson