AZ Nomad wrote:
> On Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:20:20 -0500, DTC <me@nothingtoseehere.zzx> wrote:
>> AZ Nomad wrote:
>>> On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:46:28 -0400, Jen <x@y.z> wrote:
>>>> What is available from Sprint (if anything) in the form of a
>>>> standalone cellular modem that can have a "always on" fixed IP address
>>>> for connection to an Ethernet device?
>>> Buy a cheap used laptop. Stick an air card into it. Set it for
>>> internet connection sharing.
>
>> That would work also, but with the stand alone DLink you don't have
>> all the problems associated with a laptop - power, over heating, etc.
>
>
> Where did you get the insane notion that a laptop would consume a ton of power
> and overheat doing the very mild task of routing ethernet packets?
>
> Did you fail to notice the feature of cpu throttling that has been around for
> the last three generations of CPUs?

I'll clarify that in terms of power supply and ambient operating temps.

The DLink can run off a 12 volt DC power supply and that can lend itself
12 volt mobile operation or other solar battery configurations.

Laptop runs off 120 VAC with a downverter to deliver 14 to 24 volts
depending on the laptop model. Thats not going to be easy running
directly off a 12 volt battery. And not as efficient as direct 12 volt
drive.

DLink rated at 130 degrees. Would you run a laptop that hot? Not that
you would want to run anything over 110 degrees in the summer.

DLink has no moving parts. Laptop has a fan.

Dlink was dropped of an eight foot ladder. Could a cheap laptop survive
that drop?