Droid router app

**pajeff02** · 11-05-2010, 05:19 PM

I like the fact that I can use my Droid anywhere to access the internet. However, the keyboard is a pain and constantly having to enlarge things on the screen gets annoying. I overheard someone talking the other day about using their Droid as a "wi-fi" for their laptop.

Sure enough, by downloading an app called "PDA Net" on my phone and laptop, I can now use my laptop without having to worry about an available wireless connection. The laptop plugs into the Droid via the USB, you simply open up PDA Net on the phone and then click on an icon in the tray on the laptop. The connection speed is great and so far it seems to be working perfectly.

I am not much for tech speak, so hopefully this makes sense.

**krese** · 11-05-2010, 06:21 PM

IF they catch you, and it's likely they will, you will pay the tethering charge AND for any data you used... just letting you know.

**blue02Z** · 11-05-2010, 06:23 PM

^^^^^^+1

**joestacey06** · 11-06-2010, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

I like the fact that I can use my Droid anywhere to access the internet. However, the keyboard is a pain and constantly having to enlarge things on the screen gets annoying. I overheard someone talking the other day about using their Droid as a "wi-fi" for their laptop.

Sure enough, by downloading an app called "PDA Net" on my phone and laptop, I can now use my laptop without having to worry about an available wireless connection. The laptop plugs into the Droid via the USB, you simply open up PDA Net on the phone and then click on an icon in the tray on the laptop. The connection speed is great and so far it seems to be working perfectly.

I am not much for tech speak, so hopefully this makes sense.

Been using it for two months now. Works great.

**Hi-Po** · 11-06-2010, 08:16 AM

I also use this app. Love it. The money Verizon wants for internet through USB is insane. Ill take my chances!

**pajeff02** · 11-06-2010, 04:25 PM

Interesting. I believe I have unlimited usage through my office plan. What's the difference if I use my phone or plug a computer into it to access the internet? I'm not very tech savy when it comes to these new phones.

**krese** · 11-06-2010, 04:50 PM

the difference is that they want to butt rape you with tethering charges...and your agreement with them states that you will NOT use your data plan for anything other than your phone. they will cancel your contract and charge you a good chunk of change for doing it if they catch you...

**jiveass** · 11-07-2010, 06:18 AM

My iPhone usually wants you to pay for tethering but for some reason, lately I can tether with the factory tethering option without it charging me or even warning me about charges... My old t-mobile shadow allowed me to plug in my computer and use it's Internet for free.. Of course it wasn't 3G though

**Hi-Po** · 11-07-2010, 10:35 AM

Im going to take my chances and keep using it.

*using it to type this

*

**FreakV6** · 11-08-2010, 07:11 AM

Verizon has no problem with you using your phone to tether to your laptop. PDAnet is a great app, but unless you buy the paid version (think its a one time licence fee of around 30 bucks) you can not go to any https sites (which will limit you from being able to pay bills and such using it). What Verizon does not want you to do is use your phone as a hotspot. To do this you have to root your phone, and then you can brodcast your
3g signal from your phone and any computer/phone that can pick up wifi can then feed off your 3g signal and have internet. Verizon usually charges 30 bucks a month for this, but by rooting your phone you can have it for free (i currently use this). Is it against your contract, yes, but unless your dong some ungodly amount of data useage they will never know or care really.

pajeffo2- alot of people use the droid as there internet source. If i didnt use my net connection for gaming, i would have it cut off and just use the tethering from my phone. So yes, you could use it as your phone to replace your net. (if thats what your asking)

Basically what it comes down to is Android is open source, and part of the code allows for wifi tethering. Phone companies choose to deactivate that part, but its still techinally there. In the end there is no way for them to prove you used it as a hot spot, so there is not much they can do about it. I am on many droid forums, and have yet to see anyone get caught that used it senseably.

**pajeff02** · 11-08-2010, 07:45 AM

^^ Thanks for the info! I will only rarely use it in this manner, but it is nice to know that it can be done without racking up charges.

**FreakV6** · 11-08-2010, 08:27 AM

Yea, its a great tool. Just remember you will need to download the pdanet app to your desktop/laptop as well. You can either do this when your computer has internet access prior to wanting to use pdanet or you can save it to your phone, then transfer it via the usb before you want to use it. all the instructions can be found on there webiste.

**FSANE** · 11-08-2010, 12:50 PM

mywi on the iPhone.

**Hi-Po** · 11-08-2010, 01:06 PM

Freakv6 - I use my pdanet daily. I use it for general internet access. Ls1.com, Tech, and watching some 1/4 races etc. Throw some porn videos in there also. I would say my data useage is fairly normal and don't use it for gaming or a hotspot. Do you think I will be alright and not have Verizon on my ass?