CNET Editors' note: The "Download Now" link directs you to the Android Market where you must continue the download process. This download may not be available in some countries.
CNET Editors' review
Weak on pizazz but strong where it counts, PdaNet is a cross-platform app that lets you tether your smartphone to a computer either via USB or Bluetooth DUN. When you use PdaNet, you won't have to root your phone, a major time- and stress-saver. This version works on Android phones.
There are two ways to install it. You can download it directly to your phone, connect your phone to your computer, mount the phone as a drive, and the run the executable from there. Or you can download it directly to your computer and run it. Either way, the instructions that accompany the installation are clear and concise in getting you going. Once everything's been installed, connect the phone to your laptop, run the phone app, and then complete the connection from the PdaNet system tray icon.
Our Internet connection speeds were nearly identical over USB tether as when using the phone separately. We didn't test the Bluetooth DUN speeds, but the publisher warns that they will be slower. PdaNet for Android has one limitation. After 30 days, PdaNet requires you to buy a license, otherwise it will block access to secure HTTPS Web sites such as Gmail. That's a tempting carrot, but for those who don't need access to secure sites, the free version should be more than enough. There were also occasional hiccups when waking the laptop from hibernating, but otherwise there were no connection problems. To get around those apparent connection loss situations, disconnect and then re-establish the tether. PdaNet is light on system resources, and an easy-to-use choice for those who want the benefits of tethering without the risks involved in rooting.
Publisher's Description
From June Fabrics Technology:
This is an old listing of PdaNet. For latest update please look for "PdaNet 3.02" instead.PdaNet allows your computer to go online through the Android phone's Internet connection. Supports USB/Bluetooth DUN. It does not require a tether plan or rooting. Supports Mac and PC. Easy and fast!PdaNet includes an additional SMS Agent app allowing you to send or receive SMS from PC.Free edition limits secure sites.Content rating: Everyone
What's new in this version: Version 3.0 improves performance and fixes multiple connection issues. Now allows you to hide Tether usage.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 34 votes
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Current version:
3.5 starsout of 11 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"PdaNet would not work for me"
Version: PdaNet 3.00
Pros
Cheap and easy to download.
Cons
Just would not work. Tried some fixes I found on net but nothing worked.
Summary
I get an error message about a section in the INF being invalid and it will not connect. Waste of money.
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"DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS APP!"
Version: PdaNet 3.00
Pros
Service was decent but ...
Cons
Once you download the app it takes over your security. You have no way of getting rid of having to swipe or use a pin to unlock your phone EVEN AFTER YOU REMOVE IT FROM YOUR PHONE! Which means you have to reset your phone to factory settings and start over.
Summary
There must be other apps that do the same thing and don't hijack your phone!
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"Good App Poor Support"
Version: PdaNet 3.00
Pros
Easy to install and use on both Android and Windows 7 systems. Works well with 4G connection
Cons
Poor customer support, license never emailed after Paypal transaction, didn't respond to email support request or contact form support request
Summary
A good app if you can get a license after you pay for it
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"Easy enough for a novice like myself"
Version: PdaNet 3.00
Pros
It was SO easy to install, and SO easy to connect my Xoom, an iPhone and HTC Touch and a few other devices I tested out just to see.
Cons
None so far, if I run into one, I'll revise my review.
Summary
I've already introduced it to 2 other people who also love it.
It connects my Xoom to my cell phones unlimited data plan . . . How SWEET is that? -
"Created a CNET account just to Review this App"
Version: PdaNet 3.00
Pros
No words can describe the Pros of this truly magnificent app. Yet I will scavenge the best words to dictate the qualities that make this app so great. and in the mindset all I can say is It does what it says. Super easy to install, and did not even have to root my phone. Almost too good to be true.
Cons
They should have made this category "Super Pros" or something.
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"Wonderful!!!"
Version: PdaNet 3.00
Pros
Easy to use. Great price for the license.
Cons
The word is not getting out fast enough to save others' from the "slavery" of the phone carriers.
Summary
Just got this program...Great! I can cruise with relative ease through the internet - without the worry of "using my data gigabytes" (of which 5gig goes fast on T-mobile while using the internet. OUTSTANDING!. The $15.99 for this program has already "paid" for itself! Now the internet is "free" for me to roam! Wheeeeeeeee!
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"Good if you don't expect 4G LTE speed"
Version: PdaNet 3.00
Pros
No root required.
Easy to set up and connect.Cons
Using SpeedTest, I get about 8 Mbps with my Verizon 4G LTE phone by iteself, but I only get about 2 Mbps to my laptop.
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"Awesome Best Android app ever"
Version: PdaNet 3.00
Pros
Fabulous perfect fast amazing bargain!
Cons
Not one single con!
Summary
Life changing life saving! Wow had a death in the family had to go a place with no internet, needed it badly. Hooked up my android and like magic! I am so impressed I never leave reviews, I signed up here just to leave the review!! You won't be disappointed!!
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"Great App: Easy to install, set up and register."
Version: PdaNet 3.00
Pros
Ease of installation, one license covers multiple computers, connection speed through USB is pretty good (using an LG phone with Android OS and 3G).
Cons
I'm drawing a blank.
Summary
I'm new to the smartphone world but already knew about PDANet, so I quickly installed it on my laptop after purchasing an LG Optimus V through Virgin Mobile's Beyond Talk plan. (The plan includes unlimited data.) Having just cancelled my DSL at home, I was hopeful that PDANet would provide me with a way to access the Internet using my laptop and desktop.
The premise is simple: You install the PDANet software on your computer then connect your smartphone using a USB cable. Launch the software on your computer and it'll install the app on your phone for you. (This is one way of doing it.) After the app is launched on your phone and the software is running on your computer, you simply use the system tray icon to connect. I turned off my laptop's wireless card to make sure I was using PDANet exclusively and was quite impressed with the connection speed. (I wasn't that optimistic about the speed considering my phone is 3G.)
Lastly, PDANet is free but after two weeks, it won't allow you to access secure websites (those beginning with "https"). But the price to register it was a bargain and it includes free updates.
Good luck. -
"Good tethering program"
Version: PdaNet 3.00
Pros
Works as described, but be sure to notice that you have to put your android phone in USB debugging mode.
Cons
I would have rated it higher, but I don't like programs that advertise as free, but have back side fees to continue functioning. After a couple of weeks you have to upgrade to the paid version, or you cannot connect to any secured (log on) sites.
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