PdaNet Free – Wireless Tether Your PC to Your Android’s Internet Connection

Do you ever find yourself on-the-go with your laptop, but no WiFi or internet access? If you have a smartphone, you’ll be able to search the net on your phone, but we all know the real work and web browsing is done on your laptop.

Luckily, June Fabrics PDA Technology Group gives us the ability to use our smartphone as a modem with PdaNet. PdaNet works with Androids, iPhones, BlackBerries, Palm Treos and other smartphones. It supports USB Tethering and Bluetooth DUN.

Unlike other Wireless Tethering Apps, PdaNet doesn’t require you to root (which could break your phone) or hack into the firmware. As mentioned in previous posts, I’ve been very hesitant to root my Motorola Droid. Doing so will void the warranty and you could potentially break the device and be out of luck.

PdaNet works by sharing your phone’s connection with your computer.Today, I’m going to give you the steps needed use PdaNet to connect your computer to your Android’s 3G or WiFi connection.

What You Need

1. Android USB Cable (the standard cable that connects your phone to your computer)
2. PdaNet Free Android App (download from Android Market)
3. PdaNet Desktop Client (works with Windows 7/XP/Vista and Mac OS 10.5/10.6)

PdaNet Free vs. Paid Client

• PdaNet Free – free for a 30 day trial period. Once trial expires, you can still use it free, but will no longer access to secure websites (HTTPS).
• PdaNet Full Version ($23.95 and $18.95 for a limited time) – One time payment for one license for one phone. Unlimited free upgrades on phone. They do not provide any warranty for the software.

Steps

1. From your Android, access the Android Market and download PdaNet.
2. Click Menu -> Settings -> Applications -> click to check Unknown Sources (this will enable your phone to install non-Android Market apps)
3. From your computer, download PdaNet Desktop Client
4. Connect your phone to your computer by the USB cable
5. From your phone, click Turn On PdaNet
6. From your computer, click the PdaNet icon and Connect

Important Notes

Wireless Tethering is frowned upon by Verizon and most carriers, so do so at your own risk. If you do use Wireless Tethering, I’d recommend not going over 5GBs per month. Here are interesting and potentially helpful thoughts about Wireless Tethering and Rooting, shared by a family member of a Verizon employee.