EVDO on a Verizon 8830e and OS X

rlockhart · EVDO Newbie Joined: 17 May 2007 Posts: 2

Has anyone been able to get EVDO to work on the new Verizon 8830e? I've been trying using Bluetooth as the connection, and can get this working for no more than a minute before it disconnects. Based on these initial results, it makes it unbelievably tantalizing that this could work. It would be particularly helpful since I use a Macbook and Parallels to run both XP and Vista. Shared networking would allow me to use my Blackberry for EVDO access instead of a separate Sprint Novatel U720.

Thanks, everyone!

Boca Boy
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BocaBoy

rlockhart · EVDO Newbie Joined: 17 May 2007 Posts: 2

Well, I called Verizon tech support, and got the answer to my questions. The 8830 will connect to a Macbook running Bluetooth and OS X 10.4.9. (My guess is that this would also work with earlier versions of Tiger, but I can't verify that.) The username is <phone number>@vzw3g.com and the password is always vzw. (Don't include the lesser and greater than brackets in username.) The phone number, as expected, is #777. I am connected via my 8830 as I write this. When setting up the modem, choose EVDO Support. I also tried WWLAN support and was able to connect, but EVDO Support seems a bit more stable. EVDO Support was installed when I first installed the software for a Novatel U720, which was before Apple upgraded their modem list and added direct support. I'm not sure how you'd get this from Sprint or Verizon, but try using WWLAN if you don't have it or can't get it.

The Bluetooth device will show up in Internet Connect as whatever you name it in the Network applet of System Preferences. If you place Internet Connect on the menu bar you can then connect and disconnect from your phone from there.

Be sure and download PocketMac from the RIM website (just Google on Blackberry software) so you can plug into an available USB port and keep your phone charged. For short sessions, this shouldn't be a problem, but I routinely will travel, check into a hotel, then leave it on all night.

Even better is that the 8830 works as shared networking with Parallels and will allow Internet access to any Windows session.

Way cool!

The only thing I haven't tested is whether I can take a phone call while accessing the Internet. My guess is no, but worth a try.

Hope this helps someone else. Let me know!
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BocaBoy

vzw8830 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 22 May 2007 Posts: 1 Location: NH

Mine works perfectly, I followed the above directions and use WWLAN. Works Flawlessly on my MacBook via Bluetooth.
I also installed the VZAccess Manager software just to track the data usage.
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VZW8830 5/15/07

LeviCole · EVDO Newbie Joined: 04 Jun 2007 Posts: 1

I am planning on buying the 8830 in the next 2 weeks. I was wondering what kind of speeds you were getting by connecting this way? And also, what is WWLAN? sorry...im really new to this whole thing. so go easy on me...