PdaNet for Treos

As a Realtor, I like many of you, am on the run a lot and don’t always have the luxury of being at my office. And in a time where a 5 minute response time is 5 minutes too long, I depend on my phone and my laptop. And while we all have problems with technology, the fact is, we can’t live without it. What would you do if you had no cell phone? Forget the PDA functions, I mean just the capability of sending and receiving calls from virtually anywhere you want!

I own a Treo 700p and have had my fair share of ups and downs with it. I could go on and on about my problems, but this post is about an application called PdaNet. There are several sites you can download it from, but the only one I’ve tried and can vouch for is by June Fabrics.

PdaNet is an application that you can install on your Treo and connect your laptop to the Internet anywhere you get cell service. For a one time fee of $34, users can download the application and almost instantly be mobile. Once you Hot Sync and install the software, you can take your laptop on road. You can connect via Bluetooth, or with your Treo USB cable. I’ve tried both and can’t tell if the USB connection is that much faster – but the USB connection doesn’t seem to randomly disconnect.

I’ve checked with Verizon and they charge $60 a month to access the Internet and they also charge a $35 activation fee and you have to sign a contract – which means you’re subject to a $175 early termination fee. Why would you ever sign up with them? Well, the only reason I would give in, would be to get a faster connection. Keep in mind, this is only for the PC card and Internet access – you still have your separate data plan (probably what you have now).

With PdaNet, I can just push a button and use my laptop to do whatever it is I need. Typically I only use this when I’m tired of typing emails on my Treo, or if I have to access the ELS and perform a proper search – not just check on one or two listings. Be careful when you connect via Bluetooth though, as the connection will drain your battery. If you’re going to be online for several hours and have the luxury, use a USB cord and plug in your laptop – yes this will also charge your phone.

So…if you own a Treo and are thinking about signing up with your wireless provider to get Internet on your laptop, you might want to check out PdaNet first. For $34 dollars, it might be worth it. Just make sure you check the phone and OS requirements first.

Oh and by the way, I wrote and posted this blog with my PdaNet connection. If anyone reading this is associated with PdaNet, or June Fabrics, feel free to send me some free stuff.