[Macwoburn] Macs & Cellphones - Bluetooth and OBEX

[Bill Gerber]

Hi,

I'd like to hear from other's about their experience with the interactive
use of Macs and cellphones.

There are a number of wireless communications functions that, as I
understand it, can be done with some of the new phones being offered by
the various companies. These are made possible by the features:
"Bluetooth" (BT - short range wireless comm) and "Object Exchange" (OBEX).
They include (and require):

    1. Communicate via an earpiece/microphone, or automobile "hands-free"
provisions  (BT)
    2. Synchronization (from a Mac) of address file  (BT&OBEX)
    3. Synchronization (from a Mac) of calendar file  (BT&OBEX)
    4. Download (to Mac) of cellphone photos   (BT&OBEX)
    5. Use cellphone as a computer modem/transceiver   (BT & ??)
    6. Use cellphone for VoIP communications (via Mac w/I'net connection) 
 (BT & ??)
    7. With Salling-Clicker (SC), use a cellphone to control a (Keynote or
PP) presentation   (BT& SC)

There may be others, e.g., associated with MP3 files and ringtones, but
I've little or no interest in these and so have not checked out their
requirements. (But, do any of them require OBEX?)

Of the functions listed - #1 is interesting, but I don't use the phone
enough to justify the expense of the earpiece. Functions #2, #3, and #4
are of primary interest; #5 would be useful at times (particularly if it
can be accomplished within allotted minutes of the basic plan; and what
does it take to make it actually work?) and I've only recently heard about
#6 and don't yet understand the requirements; also, Skype currently offers
this free, via Mac (until the end of the year). And, while an interesting
innovation, I can accomplish #7 by other means.

Some of the functions may be provided on an "extra fee" basis; I've not
checked this out.

Regarding the various service providers - I understand that:

    * Verizon blocks OBEX in all but their top-line PDA/phones, and so it
(and functions 2 through 6) is (are) unavailable in most of their line.
(How does the consumer persuade them to change this policy/practice??)
    * Cingular offers both (BT&OBEX), but I need to change providers if
I'm to use this service. (I.e., the option I'm considering).
    * I've not yet checked out Sprint, Nextel or T-Mobile, and so would
like to hear of anyone's experience with any of them.

That summarizes the state of my knowledge, other inputs would be
appreciated.

Thanks,

Bill Gerber

- sent via an evaluation copy of BulkRate (unregistered).