Howdy All!  I was looking for a way to tether my phone to my laptop.  There are a number of reasons I need to be able to do this, but let’s just say that I have big fingers and typing on a virtual/small keyboard does not work well for big documents.  So I did some snooping.

Google did not bring me a good result (surprising, yes I know).  So I did a search on the Motorola user forums.  BINGO!  Turns out Google developed an app for smartphones called PDA Net.  For reasons that I haven’t bothered to research, they pulled the app from the markets.  Thank goodness for junefabrics.com!  This is a great little app that is lite weight, quick to download, and flexible.  It is available for Android, Palm, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, and iPhone OS‘s and can connect by a USB tether or bluetooth.  In an unusual twist for everything smartphone, this app actual loads to your pc/laptop and then sync’s the connection to your phone.  The connection is quick and flawless and you can track transfer rate and software connections on the phone.  PDA Net does not require root access so it does not void the warranty of your phone.  No hacking necessary.  Good stuff!

But be warned!  Verizon and AT&T have the ability to charge for overuse of the “unlimited” data clause.  Anything over 5 GB of transfer could lead to an additional charge.  I haven’t seen any postings of any such a charge but it is in the contract, so use PDA Net wisely!  The full version of the software is a scant $20, but the trial version is free and is fully functional removing access to https sites once the trial period ends.  No biggie either way.  Finally the app gives you a widget so you can do quick connect if needed.  This to me is a downside…the widget is 1×3 (could be a 1×2) and only gives you a connection button for USB and bluetooth.

Give it a shot and share your opinion!

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