PdaNet rocks!!! (smartphone modem)

[boxofrocks]

If you're using a smartphone with an unlimited data package, and don't have PdaNet to surf on your laptop using your phone as a modem, my question is why?

It's not fast (see below), but it beats trying to surf on a Motorala Q. I think it's a deal for 35 bucks. Plus, you get to try it for a week for free.



There are some ways you used to be able to hack the Motorola Q to do this via USB cable, but I think that was resolved with their last update (you used to be able to enable dial up networking by dialing ##342587, but that won't work on mine).


edit: My intention was using this as an occaisional solution when working onsite--not replacing an ISP.

[brad]

Thanks to Wil, I've figured out how to connect my 3G phone via bluetooth... I'll do a speed test later.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Brad,

My speed varies... on time of day... and other little things. But, it is very convenient and isn't too slow to be annoying... like dialup!

I don't know what Tom was talking about... I just connect my PC directly (over bluetooth) to the internet (using DUN) via my phone. It works great.

- Wil

[brad]

Yea, Wil.. it took me a little bit of Google to figure out the configuration.... and a call to Cingular to bump my Internet data usage to unlimited ($19.99 for unlimited data plus 200 text messages).... and I'm good to go now. It'll let me check email and my calendar from the studio now! :)

[brad]

Yup.. not fast by any stretch.. but its better than nothing at all...

[mcphotography]

a word of caution for any verizon wireless users who try to make data connections tethered (cable or bluetooth) to their laptop/pda/pc without paying them the extra $15 a month for the tethered connection...it can be done and they are cracking down - i used to work there and they are looking at users connection times, status, etc. and bills will either reflect the connection type or services will get turned off for violating the terms of agreement....again just a word of caution

[Da5id]

Too bad for you if you're using a Mac. I used that program every day when I had my Windows machine. No support for me anymore, though. :(

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by mcphotography

a word of caution for any verizon wireless users who try to make data connections tethered (cable or bluetooth) to their laptop/pda/pc without paying them the extra $15 a month for the tethered connection...it can be done and they are cracking down - i used to work there and they are looking at users connection times, status, etc. and bills will either reflect the connection type or services will get turned off for violating the terms of agreement....again just a word of caution

I've heard that. My question would be if I'm already on unlimited data, and use my phone to acces the web quite a bit now, how would they know the difference? I would only be using this when on location somewhere I needed access, and didn't want to jack with the Windows Mobile interface.

Just curious.

[Da5id]

Unlimited data isn't really "unlimited." I'm fixing to ditch my Verizon Treo 700w and get a normal phone. Then I'll get a cingular palm PDA with HSDPA and tether away. :)

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by Da5id

Unlimited data isn't really "unlimited." I'm fixing to ditch my Verizon Treo 700w and get a normal phone. Then I'll get a cingular palm PDA with HSDPA and tether away. :)

Unlimited via PDA.. not tethered. "Fine print"..

I am waiting on our company to allow us to upgrade our Cingular/AT&T Blackberries to the newer versions that support 3G net.. When that happens, I will be all over this... Right now..I can get my 7290 to connect tethered... but it's worse than dialup.

[boxofrocks]

But if this is a "once in a while" solution, do you run the risk of getting burned by your service provider? (Verizon in my case via the Moto Q)

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Mine were basically the same... except my upload speed was much faster... hmm.


- Wil

[mcphotography]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

I've heard that. My question would be if I'm already on unlimited data, and use my phone to acces the web quite a bit now, how would they know the difference? I would only be using this when on location somewhere I needed access, and didn't want to jack with the Windows Mobile interface.

Just curious.

their system can tell, plus most people think "unlimited data" and try things like streaming content....per the terms of your agreement with verizon wireless, unlimited data is 5 gig or less per month - anything else throws up flags in the system...also, their network is set to show whether you are connected via a tethered connection or using the device - something network related that measures flow of data from what we were told....your device uses much much less bandwidth pulling in data then when you're on your pc, if you're not paying the $15/month fee to tether, then the system should shut down your connection...this is a process that is being worked out and and is about 75% operational, however in the next couple of months it will be 100% and many customers will get big big surprises...i did wireless data support for them for a while and i already saw customers getting disconnected for backdooring their network....and it's not only customers, they have caught employees backdooring also and shut their lines off as well

[boxofrocks]

Think it's risky even if it's just a "now and then" use?

[mcphotography]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

Think it's risky even if it's just a "now and then" use?

the unwritten rule is just don't abuse the system.....they are really looking for people that stream video or music content over their connections...even when you are paying for the $15 tethered connect feature you are still not allowed to stream content (still limited to 5 gigs) - it puts a huge load on the network...casual users will probably be ok but just know that they are able to track data usage...it's one of those things where marketing, sales, and technical DO NOT communicate well....marketing materials makes it look like you can use the data unlimited so "hey just run out and cancel comcast/time warner/etc".....sales just don't know and everything is "yes you can do that"...but as soon as you do what you think you should be able to do for $65 or more per month, your service is terminated, you call tech support, and get told the truth...just remember keep it less than 5 gigs of transfer every month