While we are on the subject of mobiles

[Geoffrey S. Mendelson]

On 7/27/2013 11:26 PM, Mord Behar wrote:

> There was an Android build that will run on an x86 processor
> somewhere... the development kit comes with a simulator. Whether you can
> actually simulate your specific phone's environment... I'm doubtful. In
> order to contact the cellular network your phone must identify itself to
> the nearest tower, and it does that vie the information burned in to the
> SIM card by the service provider. I don't think that you will be able to
> get very far without one.
> However, Gmail allows you to send SMS messages to phones using a couple
> of providers, I forget which. I think maybe Cellcom and Pelephone.


The cheapest way to send 1 SMS to a cell phone from a computer is SKYPE. 
$0.10 (about 50ag). Nothing needed but free software and almost any 
internet connection.

If you want to send many, it becomes expensive quickly.

The cheapest way to send a "reasonable" amount is to install either a
Nokia phone which supports the feature connected via either BlueTooth or 
USB OR a Hauwei USB dongle to your asterisk system.

A properly unlocked Hauwei dongle can be used to send and receive SMS's
and make and receive phone calls.

Depending upon your cellular plan it may be a good investment or a waste 
of money.

About a year ago I bought a Hauwei dongle from a store in Haifa (it was
listed in ZAP) for under 300 NIS delivered, and another (used) one for
$50 delivered from a eBay vendor.

The eBay one had an antenna jack, which is good because within USB cable 
range of my asterisk system there is no reliable cell phone coverage. I 
bought a $15 antenna from China which is now out the window and on a 
railing, and it works perfectly.


Geoff.


-- 
Geoffrey S. Mendelson,  N3OWJ/4X1GM/KBUH7245/KBUW5379