While I was stuck waiting for car service without Internet access, I couldn’t help but wonder how much it would cost to have it on my cell phone plan. I’ve probably fallen behind in understanding all the options.
I think I have GSM data on my plan, but I don’t think a 9600 bps connection would make me happy with a web browser. I’d also need to have dialup with my ISP — a service which I’ve chosen not to have since everyone I know has broadband Internet access (with the baffling exception of my brother).
GPRS to the rescue? I think that would be a fine idea. It only presents a couple of dilemmas: I think I’d need a new phone and a new laptop. I don’t think my phone can do GPRS, and other than unsightly wires and dongles, the only option for getting the bits from the phone to my laptop would be infrared (no bluetooth). And do I still need a separate ISP as well?