I use the T-mobile unlimited $19.95 Data plan, with free hotspots, as my N82 is my main "on-the-go" and when I am stationary, sometimes as a passenger, my N8x0 to connect to the Web/Email/Skype. As I understand it, the $6 plan is slower and/or drops web data, not emails/SMS, and has lower priority over the connection.

I will have to look into this other (ssh) way and see how if/how that works on the N8x0....pretty cool if it does...all for saving $$$ and having multiple ways to stay connected.

Keep in mind you won't have 3G data on T-Mobile. Afaik, although they did roll out with 3G, it uses WCDMA(UMTS) 1700/something.

But if you don't mind 2.5G at a whopping 100kbps downstream with pings over 1000ms, go for it.

Actually, T-Mobile is still in the process of rolling 3G out. It's available only in a very few markets, and yes, since the frequencies it's using are not in the 800/1900 ranges, there are only a few phones you can use with it (none of which are smartphone-like).

Oh, and part of T-Mo's delay is because after spending billions to get the frequency rights, the current users of the part of the spectrum they bought (US and local governments) have squatted on those frequencies instead of getting off of them already.

I don't regret buying my 770 in Dec 2005 at all. In retrospect it was a little immature but there was no device like it at the time. I found the same thing, not enough WiFi hotspots and being in Canada, our data plans suck. Rwanda has better data plans. (Seriously.)

I found myself inventing needs for the device because I had it as opposed to buying it to fill a need. C'mon, it was linux in my hand. That said, I found the EEE PC to be a better fit for me. I don't use my 770 while walking around, I'm always sittin somewhere... and the EEE, while it doesn't fit in my pocket, is small enough to tote around and has a full blown Ubuntu install on it.

That and I don't want to be a sap who spends $500 on a tablet every 8 months when Nokia releases a new one. I bought the first one, it's a 5 step program, I'll buy the 5th one.

Cheers,
Hedge

It depends where you're from, and what you need Internet connection for.

Perhaps its worth it cracking some WEP keys.

Maybe its worth it subscribing for WiMAX or WiFi hotspots.

Or it might be worth it to drink or eat at a place allowing access to customers.

Perhaps its just easier to forget about it.

And don't forget some ISPs providing Internet access do not allow VoIP or VPN in some countries. Its a breach of contract then. FUPs are also sometimes lower than they seem.

In general an Internet connection allowing DNS traffic (say open AP requiring auth over HTTP) can be used for IP over DNS (works on Linux therefore should work on NIT too). This yields approx GPRS speed.

Then don't. I got my tablet in 2005, and still use it and will continue to until the N900 series comes out.

Fortunately there are lots of wi-fi hotspots where I live. But when I don't have access I connect through BT+3Gphone. I would not want to replace my N800 with only a phone with a data plan even if there weren't a single wi-fi hotspot anywhere - a phone is always a lousy internet device IMO, due to screen size, software etc.

Much better then to have a smaller, cheaper phone (with a data plan if necessary) in the pocket or somewhere (even on the floor above..) and a proper internet device like the N8x0 to work the actual internet.

That's the other thing ta-t3... Canada SUCKS on cellular plans. (Apparently our maple syrup ain't bad though.) I pay $15 for unlimited on device browsing for my Bell Mobility phone. They've nerfed the OS app settings where any application I install prompts me to allow it to access the network. I've also got the Samsung u740 flip phone which lets me use a qwerty keyboard with the screen in landscape mode... their built in web browser won't launch in landscape mode and you can't access the applications menu (for your self installed apps like Opera mobile) from landscape mode.

Essentially, they give you unlimited data and expect you to type using the crappy oldschool 0-9 key text input method.

However. If you hit the app menu and flip the phone quickly enough, the menu will pop up in landscape mode allowing you to use the keyboard.

Slightly off topic but I really needed to rant. I just want a #*$&# phone that I can tether to a tablet and not pay $150 a month for. That seems to be too much to ask for.

You have my fullest sympathy, and I've wondered why Canada (and to some extent USA) ended up in such a mess, where customers' rights seems to be completely dictated by the carriers. To me it looks as it's a cause of the ties between phones and carriers, which we so far have been quite free of in Europe. Unfortunately I see some bad signs over here - Apple appears to have been able to enforce the same kind of strong binding to a single carrier in some countries here (although the consumer's watchdogs are still fighting them).

I can confirm that your maple syrup is good though - I used to go to Canada now and then, some years ago.