OS/2 Wireless Users Mailing List <os2-wireless_users@2rosenthals.com>
For a while there's been the MyFi and similar devices from Verizon (US), Vodafone (UK & AUS) and Virgin Mobile(AUS) which connect to the 3G mobile phone network and then act as a Wifi router to allow connection of a few devices.
These devices are locked to one particular cellular provider and only provide 3G-WiFi connectivity (i.e. not 3G or ADSL to Wifi etc.).
I've just ordered a device - the Netcomm t1 mini-router which may of interest to some people on this list.
It a small battery powered device (but comes with a mains adapter), that you plug your 3G USB modem into from which ever cellular company you are with (enabling you to have different keys for different mobile phone companies if you travel a lot and coverage varies - even GSM or CDMA USB modems could be used). The unit then acts as a WiFi-N access point, but it also has an RJ-45 Ethernet connection, so you can use it as a "normal" Wifi access point as well. It will even fail over between your ADSL/Cable/Satellite and 3G connection if required. If not running in this mode, the Ethernet port can be used to connect to cabled systems to access the 3G data network.
A really flexible device I'm sure you will agree.
If you have a device that has only WiFi connectivity (e.g. the Apple iPOD Touch or the new base model of the iPAD), this device can provide connectivity to that device on the go. If you use 3G data access at home and it is only possible at the other end of the building to where you have your systems, putting this in place enables connectivity without having to move your PCs (or run lossy USB cables).
How does this help OS/2 specifically? Well it's a web browser configured hardware device, not needing OS/2 drivers itself to add 3G connectivity to your OS/2 - eCS system (either via cable or Wifi) and if you have a system as I do (the ASUS 900HA Netbook), whose WiFi card but not the cabled connection works using GenMAC drivers, that get's around that connection problem.
Of course many people may have the reverse problem - that the RJ45 adapter has an OS/2 or GenMAC driver but not a working WiFi one. Connecting to the Netcomm t1 could give that system WiFi and 3G connectivity as required (please check the WiFi bit of this if you're thinking of buying one as the Wifi part would then need to run as a client rather than an access point).
RRP for this device is AUS$199 but I managed to find a retailer here selling it at AUS$156.
NOTE: I have nothing to do with Netcomm or any of it's agents, partners etc. I just thought this is a useful little box that others may not have come across yet. I expect there are other companies creating similar products or soon will be.
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