PdaNet is every traveler’s dream come true.  The complete version of this tethering application, retailing at $19, will allow you to grant your laptop computer total online access in any place that you have cellular service.  Once you have installed it is very easy to use, and works pretty well.  The free version of this application will grant users curbed access only however.  You will still be able to use the internet, but secure applications like Twitter; messaging; and email won’t work, and neither will secure sites.  The full version is unlocked from the free one by means of a serial code supplied to you when you buy it, and is similar to having a DSL connection that’s portable.

When you initially launch the application you will be told to install it onto your laptop also, and this entire process is a very simple one.  After this is completed, you will simply connect your phone to your computer by means of a USB, select the connect button from your telephone and do the same on your machine and you’re ready to go.  Although the Android 2.2 offers users USB tethering at the moment, it is not as yet available to Mac users, and, while certain wireless service providers charge extra for the ability to tether, this application circumvents this completely.

Although PdaNet also promises to permit Networking via Bluetooth Dial-Up, during testing the unrooted Droid did not allow this.  Apparently this function works fine on other devices however, and you will be able to access quicker connection while draining your battery less if you make use of USB.

Testing took place on a train trip that extended over 12 hours and even at points where data coverage was not optimal it was possible to establish a connection on the laptop that was quick enough to stream live event videos.  Under conditions with adequate Verizon 3G coverage, off the train, download speeds reached an impressive 2.51 megabits each second and upload speeds were quicker than quite a few DSL connections, at 0.67 megabits per second.  Users on 4G networks can enjoy speeds 2 to 3 times faster than this as well.

However, users should be sure and not make use of too much information through this application, as wireless carriers may kick up a fuss about the free tethering.  Although this is a legal process the carrier may well decide to attempt to charge you extra, although fairly heavy use of streaming video during the testing process seemed to be just fine.

Unfortunately the setup process is quite convoluted, and your computer will need to have ethernet or Wi-Fi access the first time you set the application up, since you will need to download the program first before you can install it.  After this, however, everything is very easy to accomplish.

From the Developer: PdaNet has been the best tethering software for Windows Mobile phones and Palm OS phones. It is now ported to iPhone and Android! The latest version turns your iPhone (any version) into a true WiFi HotSpot so that you can connect from your computer (MAC or PC) or iPads. This allows your laptop to go online wirelessly through the 2G/3G/4G network on the iPhone. It also supports USB tethering for both Mac and Windows users. PdaNet provides the fastest connection speed possible from your data service and data signal.