Developer: June Fabrices
Website: http://junefabrics.com
Cost: $23.95 – $34.00 (depending on your phone) or Free*
Available Via: Developer’s website and Android Market
PdaNet allows you to access the internet on your laptop by using your mobile phone as a modem. The software is available for Windows PCs or Apple Macs and works with most newer smartphone devices including Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Palm Treo/Centro, and Windows Mobile.
I first started using PdaNet several years ago when I was a Sprint customer using a HTC PPC 6700. The 6700 initially supported being used as a modem, but an update from Sprint disabled this feature. A quick search turned me on to PdaNet by June Fabrics. With PdaNet you can connect your phone to your laptop or desktop (PC or Mac) via sync cable or wireless with bluetooth.
I recently became an Android user on the Nexus One with T-mobile. I contacted June Fabrics to inquire about a license transfer from Windows Mobile to Android (couldn’t hurt to as, right?). They don’t do transfers, but did let me have the upgrade pricing ($19.00). I had to uninstall the Windows Mobile version from my laptop before installing the new Android version. The setup was straight forward with fully explained instructions. I was online in less than 10 minutes (my laptop is old and slow, I think most people could have this done is less than five minutes).
Pros:
Quick, easy install.
Wireless connection via bluetooth
Available for many platforms
Able to use phone as a modem regardless of cell provider restrictions
Excellent support available from the developer’s website and via email
Cons:
If there has to be a con, it would be the price; not because it is a very expensive app (it’s not), but it is when comparing to other apps. If people are used to paying between $0.99 and $9.99 for an app, $23.99 to $34.00 seems a little steep.
Other thoughts:
For the ease-of-use, I am willing to pay the price (twice – my wife uses this app as well).
* PdaNet is offered for free from the Android Market. The free version is fully functional for a week. After a week, you can still use the app, but cannot access secure websites (https://) or connect to VPNs.
