[Macwoburn] Macs & Cellphones - Bluetooth and OBEX

[Richard Akerboom]

would love to hear the results, assume you will post to the list.

i have heard that verizon has one phone w/ all the stuff unblocked 
(not counting the treos, blackberrys etc.), don't recall the model #. 
ask at one of their big stores.

rich

>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).
>
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Richard Akerboom                     voice: 802-291-6116
Sylvan Software                        fax: 802-291-6124
85 North Main St., Suite 245         email: boomer at sylsoft.com
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