T42 Maybe--Wireless/Bluetooth questions

[Grumpy]

Looking at buying the 2379-r9u:
http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... logId=-840

My TP600 seems agonizingly slow after my recent desktop upgrade, so thinking about replacing it.

I want to connect to my desktop/internet using wireless in my home, use the laptop in rv for moving map display with wireless GPS(bluetooth?) and probably connect via bluetooth or wired cellphone for internet access on trips. Games not a priority.

Questions are:

1. Is Bluetooth reliable for cellphone/modem useage?
2. Is it fast enough for moderate web surfing use?
3. Could it be used reliably in a moving vehicle?
4. Shhould I buy BT and Wireless integrated into the Thinkpad or buy aftermarket?
5. Do I have to worry about BT device compatability if I get IBM installed BT?

I do not have wireless or BT on my existing laptop so am not very familiar with either technology, though have found general information using this forum and the web. Will appreciate any general advice in these areas.

[Grumpy]

Bump.

No one has ANY answers?

[JHEM]

Grumpy,

In the order presented:

1. Is Bluetooth reliable for cellphone/modem useage?

Yes.

2. Is it fast enough for moderate web surfing use?

At 723Kbps it's fast enough for any possible connection you could have via cell phone.

3. Could it be used reliably in a moving vehicle?

What has moving got to do with it? That's more a function of how well the cell phone it's connected to works while under way.

4. Should I buy BT and Wireless integrated into the Thinkpad or buy aftermarket?

Your call. Adding it yourself after the fact is relatively easy and the parts are all available from IBM.

Aftermarket PC or USB cards are ugly!

5. Do I have to worry about BT device compatability if I get IBM installed BT?

No more so than with any other BT device.

Regards,

James

[Grumpy]

Thanks JHEM.

The question about "moving" had more to do with keeping a data connection via the cellphone rather than BT performance. I don't know if it's possible to surf the web in a moving vehicle or if cell tower switching or other interferrence would make it impossible. Appreciate your response.

[Leon]

I do it all the time on the way to NYC from Boston, works great! Some drop offs o the way, but since the WWW is stateless, doesn't make much difference. If you do it a lot, I recommend getting a dedicated data card from your cellular provider!

[JHEM]

Grumpy,

I use Verizon as my cell phone provider as they have the best presence and coverage here in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.

That said, I often use my cell phone to check email with my various Thinkpads both while driving and when on one of my boats and rarely have any problems. The speed of the cell phone connection (~19.2K) is such that you really don't want to attempt any surfing unless you're signed up for one of the "High-Speed" programs with your provider.

Regards,

James

[JHEM]

Leon,

I do it all the time on the way to NYC from Boston

GOD I HATE that drive!

With all three kids having attended New England universities, and the eldest daughter having lived in Charlestown for a few years, I made that trip WAY more often than I cared to.

You have my deepest sympathies for having to make that trip more than once!

Regards,

James