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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Mac 2 Cell connection

Desert_Doc - Jun 22, 2006 - 1:14 pm

Hi, I am a recent convert to the Mac world I donate my Dell Inspiron 6000 to science for future studies on how not to build a computer. Having said that I bough my MacBook sight unseen, however I do have some issues to overcome. I am used to a PC card slot, I understand Apple uses the Express card version. The MacBook does not come with either. I work in the Desert in Southern Iraq/Kuwait and believe it or not we have 3G evdo service here. I have a Nokia N70 which supports 3G and I use boot camp to access my network from the Windows XP side. I cannot seem to get a connection on the OS X side not matter what I try. Any suggestions, comments or help would be greatly helpful. FYI I have read forums where they talk about the processor temps. The outside temps here reach near 140 degrees and I have not as yet had processor problems. Thanks the Doc

LovesMacs - Jun 22, 2006 - 2:14 pm

HI Doc,

Welcome to MacWorld! My name is Carolyn and I consider it a privilege to try and assist you. It's the least we can do here at home to help!!!

Depending on which MacBook you purchased, the tech specs indicate you have a Built-in 54 Mbps AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11g)3; built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module. You are telling me that the MacBook comes with neither. I'm confuzzled. I want you to try this. I order to see exactly what is on your MacBook, whether it is hardware/firmware or software do this: Top left of your Desktop in the Menu, click the Apple logo, then click, "About This Mac". A pane will appear, at the bottom click the button that says: More Info... that will launch your System Profiler. Click where it says: Network, then click where it should say; AirPort Card. Select AirPort Card and see what it says on the right.

You say you are using your Nokia N70 which supports 3G. Is is Bluetooth capable? or USB to the Windows side of your MacBook?

Tell me more about your MacBook. RAM etc. Which software are you using with your Nokia?

140 degrees? I thought 85 was bad in San Francisco. Just goes to show
Apple makes tough stuff ;-)

Post back when it's convenient!

Regards and stay safe,
Carolyn :-)

Desert_Doc - Jun 22, 2006 - 2:37 pm

Thank you for the super fast response. My Nokia N70 is the Macdady of cell phones it does have bluetooth, FM radio, MP4 ect ect ect. I hook up on the native side with Nokia's PC client and USB connection through the phone. My airport info is as follows
AirPort Card Information:

Wireless Card Type: AirPort Extreme (0x168C, 0x86)
Wireless Card Locale: USA
Wireless Card Firmware Version: 0.1.20
Current Wireless Network: linksys
Wireless Channel: 6

Apple Bluetooth Software Version: 1.7.4f16
Hardware Settings:
Kent Simon’s Computer:
Address: 00-16-cb-15-05-fa
Manufacturer: Cambridge Silicon Radio
Firmware Version: 3.1965 (3.1965)
Bluetooth Power: On
Discoverable: Yes
HCI Version: 3 ($3)
HCI Revision: 1965 ($7ad)
LMP Version: 3 ($3)
LMP Subversion: 1965 ($7ad)
Device Type (Major): Computer
Device Type (Complete): Laptop Computer
Composite Class Of Device: 1057036 ($10210c)
Device Class (Major): 1 ($1)
Device Class (Minor): 3 ($3)
Service Class: 129 ($81)
Requires Authentication: No
Services:
Bluetooth File Transfer:
Folder other devices can browse: ~/Public
Requires Authentication: Yes
State: Enabled
Bluetooth File Exchange:
Folder for accepted items: ~/Documents
Requires Authentication: Yes
When other items are accepted: Ask
When PIM items are accepted: Ask
When receiving items: Prompt for each file
State: Enabled

I at times get in connection to open then then it shuts itself down in about 2 seconds or so and I get the message RFCOMM error. I fired off a nasty gram to Nokia about not having Mac support but I am sure that will as useful as calling Dell's tech support.

P.S. the heat is not that bad, look on the bright side I have a wonderful tan!

LovesMacs - Jun 22, 2006 - 3:06 pm

HI Doc,

You have a great sense of humor! I checked the Nokia site and looked up your model number and I didn't see anything Mac related as far as internet compatibility. One thing I would check on your phone is to make certain your Bluetooth is up to date. That can be the result of the RFCOMM error.

Interesting: http://www.turtlehead.co.uk/ scroll down to where it says:
Nokia N70 with Mac OSX iSync

Have you tried using the Bluetooth modem in your Nokia instead of USB????

Meantime, I'll keep looking for ideas...

Carolyn :-)

LovesMacs - Jun 22, 2006 - 4:09 pm

Nokia sure isn't user-friendly with Macs :-( Hate to say this but I run Verizon from my cell to my PBookG4 either USB or Bluetooth without a glitch. And that's using either Win XP or Mac OS X 10.4.6. I think Nokia like all companies know they must be Mac compatible in order to stay with the market. I would not be surprised to see new software from them for Macs for you soon.

Anytime you need Mac help: E-Mail: CarolynSSamit@mac.com
and if I can't find the answer myself, I have an army of Mac tech people who can. Pardon the pun.

Carolyn :-)

Desert_Doc - Jun 22, 2006 - 10:42 pm

Yes, I have tired the bluetooth and get the same response. I will look and see if there is a firmware update for my phone. Since today is Friday (which is like Sunday in America) there is no support from my ISP. I will have a brave the traffic and go down there but I don't think it will help since most don't even know what a Mac is. The Good news is that it catching on fast and there are about 6 apple stores here now. Thanks, for your help and I will keep you up to speed. Thanks again. The Doc

LovesMacs - Jun 22, 2006 - 11:50 pm

I wish I had been able to come up with a solution. I have purchased an LG8100 with Verizon last December. I was looking for wireless internet service to use up in the CA Delta which is basically the boonies. I have a sailboat up there and enjoy gettinig away so to speak but love the advantage of checking e-mail and surfing the web if I want. So I spoke with a rep at Verizon and they set me up with their Mobile Unit Kit. Either Bluetooth OR USB compatibility for $40.00 for the kit. The service is $59 a month. I'm having good luck with it on my PowerBookG4. They write Mac drivers for USB and their software works like a charm. You might be able to switch carriers ??? Safari handles it no problem.

Wow.. there are Apple Stores there? I had no idea. That is a big help! They have Genius Bars where you can schedule appts online for assistance. They have workshops you can sign up for to learn all about Macs. They even do "switcher" workshops for those moving from PC to Macs :-)

Keep me posted...

Best regards,
Carolyn :-)

Desert_Doc - Jun 23, 2006 - 10:46 pm

Here is an update, I can get the bluetooth to open up, however they will not stay paired. I am suspecting that somehow we have an ISP config issue (i hope). Yesterday I was forwarded a number to a Kuwait who work for the ISP that has a G4 and has been using his bluetooth to connect, InShalla (if God wills it) he will be able to shed some light on my problem.

LovesMacs - Jun 23, 2006 - 11:02 pm

Not stay paired? Signal is too weak! Make sure your cell battery is completely charged. And keep the cell phone relatively close to the Macbook. I lose signal strengh on my PBG4 at about 3 feet. If your battery is low, charge it all the way.

Carolyn :-)

Desert_Doc - Jun 24, 2006 - 1:58 am

Ok, I will try that. I did get it hooked up via USB and a trail program called launch2net that I downloaded off a novatel web site. I will let you know how it works. I still prefer to use the apple client. I will keep you updated.

Desert_Doc - Jun 24, 2006 - 12:04 pm

Ok, I finally got it to work. 1st the modem script was no the correct one and 2nd the set up string that the ISP gave me was for windows i guess. With some minor changes we were able to get it up and running. Thanks for all your help and effort. The Doc......

LovesMacs - Jun 24, 2006 - 12:07 pm

You did it! Congrats! If you need anything at all... just yell. I monitor this site all the time via wireless :-)

Carolyn