Razr V3m as a modem

The KATANA features list includes:

* Phone as Modem
Use the optional USB cable, or Bluetooth Wireless technology, to connect
with a PC for Internet and email access on the Sprint National Network.

But the Motorazr V3m does not mention it can be used as a tethered
modem. Is this simply an advertising oversight to not include mentioning
this feature or can it truly not be tethered to a laptop.

I don't see any reason why you couldn't do that, but want to make sure
if feature was omitted intentionally because if the phone is crippled
for modem use.

While dumping the alt.cellular.sprintpcs bit bucket, I heard DTC say:

> The KATANA features list includes:
>
> * Phone as Modem
> Use the optional USB cable, or Bluetooth Wireless technology, to connect
> with a PC for Internet and email access on the Sprint National Network.
>
> But the Motorazr V3m does not mention it can be used as a tethered
> modem. Is this simply an advertising oversight to not include mentioning
> this feature or can it truly not be tethered to a laptop.
>
> I don't see any reason why you couldn't do that, but want to make sure
> if feature was omitted intentionally because if the phone is crippled
> for modem use.

Sprints version of the V3m is crippled for modem use unless you have an
optional data plan. With the $39.99 unlimited data plan, it works fine
via either USB or Bluetooth with my laptops. I could wish it had EVDO
Rev. A capability, but in side by side tests with a Rev. A data card
equipped laptop, the EVDO Rev. 0 speed difference was hardly noticeable
anyway.

--
Dutch

Dutch wrote:
> Sprints version of the V3m is crippled for modem use unless you have an
> optional data plan. With the $39.99 unlimited data plan, it works fine
> via either USB or Bluetooth with my laptops. I could wish it had EVDO
> Rev. A capability, but in side by side tests with a Rev. A data card
> equipped laptop, the EVDO Rev. 0 speed difference was hardly noticeable
> anyway.

Would the crippled "feature" also apply to the Katana DLX?

I don't mind paying for the data plan as a backup when I don't have my
Sprint aircard with me for my laptop.

Reading your post again, are you saying the Moto is not Rev A? The
Katana DLX appears to be as it supports Sprint TV. If the Moto isn't,
it looks like a compelling reason to go with the Katana.

While dumping the alt.cellular.sprintpcs bit bucket, I heard DTC say:

> Dutch wrote:
>> Sprints version of the V3m is crippled for modem use unless you have an
>> optional data plan. With the $39.99 unlimited data plan, it works fine
>> via either USB or Bluetooth with my laptops. I could wish it had EVDO
>> Rev. A capability, but in side by side tests with a Rev. A data card
>> equipped laptop, the EVDO Rev. 0 speed difference was hardly noticeable
>> anyway.
>
> Would the crippled "feature" also apply to the Katana DLX?

I'm not familiar enough with the Katana to know for sure, but my
understanding is that it applies to all PAM capable handsets. No data
plan, no PAM.

> I don't mind paying for the data plan as a backup when I don't have my
> Sprint aircard with me for my laptop.
>
> Reading your post again, are you saying the Moto is not Rev A? The
> Katana DLX appears to be as it supports Sprint TV. If the Moto isn't,
> it looks like a compelling reason to go with the Katana.

I just looked at the Katana DLX specs, and it doesn't appear to be EVDO
Rev A capable either. My V3m works fine with Sprint's TV service and
VCast, so I suspect you just need EVDO capability, not necessarily Rev
A. I don't know of any Rev A handsets out there yet, but there might be
something on the high end I've missed.

http://www.mobiledia.com/phones/sanyo/katana-dlx.html

http://www.mobiledia.com/phones/motorola/razr-v3m.html

--
Dutch

Dutch wrote:
> I just looked at the Katana DLX specs, and it doesn't appear to be EVDO
> Rev A capable either. My V3m works fine with Sprint's TV service and
> VCast, so I suspect you just need EVDO capability, not necessarily Rev
> A.

Come to think of it, its just a back up, so EVDO is good enough. I
already have a Rev A card plugged into my Dlink DIR-450.

Or I could simply reflash the RAZR to uncripple it.