A
new software application was released recently that allows DROID and
iPhone owners to use their cell phone as a data modem for their
laptop. This means that literally anywhere that you have cell phone
service, you can connect your phone to your laptop and you can access
the internet. Many cell phone providers are getting into this business
themselves by charging you, so proceed with caution and be sure that
you have an UNLIMITED data plan or you may get a nasty nasty surprise
in your monthly bill. The new app is called PdaNet
and it provides you with FULL Internet access so all your email,
instant message programs will work without any settings changes. It
supports both USB Tether and Bluetooth DUN.
PdaNet does NOT require root access or hacking your phone’s firmware in
order to work. It is just a regular Android application that works on
all Android phones as-is. Tethering is fast, secure and USB mode will
also charge your phone at the same time. Your phone can either connect
to 3G data, WiFi, or even through VPN and PdaNet will share the
connection with your computer. To tether a DROID phone to a Mac,
here’s what you need to do:
Download PDANet to your phone ( from the Market app) as well as PDANet for Mac on your Mac. Note:
if you are upgrading, please run ~/PdaNetUninstall.sh in your home
directory and reboot first; also make sure you have the SAME VERSION of
PdaNet on the phone side. The
current version supports Mac OS X 10.5 or above (32 bit Leopard/Snow
Leopard), also it does not work on older hardwares like the PowerBook
or iMac. Here are the setup instructions:
1.
Download and run the installer on Mac. At the end of the installation
you will be asked to reboot your Mac. After rebooting you should see
the PdaNet icon on the menu bar. (figure 1)
2.
During installation PdaNet will add an ethernet interface (“en2″ in
most cases) to your network list. If the network preferences window
pops up, just selected “Apply” with the default DHCP settings. If it
doesn’t, please bring up network perferences manually to make sure it
uses DHCP. (figure 2)
3. Now setup on the phone side. First make sure you have installed PdaNet from Android Market. Launch it and enable USB Tether.
4. On your phone go to Settings->Applications->Development and check “USB Debugging”. (figure 3)
5.
Now when you connect your phone to the computer, you should see the
menu icon changes state, click on it to connect. When the icon stops
blicking and turns blue, your computer should be online.
Network traffics on the Mac will go through PdaNet only if your system does not have other connectivities, so you will need to turn
off Airport Wireless and select PDA Net icon in toolbar. When the icon
stops flashing and has a blue steady glow, you’re connected! Launch
browser and enjoy the show!
If VPN access is needed, go into phone Settings>Wireless>VPN
and setup the VPN connection according to your VPN configuration (ask
your IT Dept). It’s important to understand here that your PHONE is
what is accomplishing the VPN connection rather than your laptop.
Please also note that https only functions for limited time in trial
version. If you want unlimited https service, you will need to purchase the full PDANet app for $29.
Shareware of the Month 
