is this app available?..where?

[christim]

Isn't there a sticky somewhere on the fictional 5 gig limit? Here we go again.

() There is no 5 gig limit on data downloads/uploads on the Droid. The "unlimited" provision in your $29.95 data plan means exactly that.

() There IS a 5 gig limit on another data plan called "broadband access" that is used for modem devices that access the Verizon 3G network. I have such a plan with a netbook.

() You are not supposed to "tether" your Droid to a computer and use it as a modem. To do so is a technical violation of your service agreement. By the same token, if you are not using your Droid as the primary means to connect your computer to the internet there is very little chance (and no confirmed examples of) Verizon sanctioning you for doing so.

() You do NOT have to root your phone to "tether" it and use it as a modem. PDAnet works just fine for unrooted phones. If you plan to tether your droid on a frequent basis and/or want to be sure you can access all kinds of internet sites, skip a few lattes and buy the paid version.

P.S. If there is a sticky on this frequently asked question, someone point to it, please.

Correct on all points. I forgot about PDAnet. I think there is a free and paid version of that, or a 30 day demo? And I forget if it is only tethering via usb or if it does so wirelessly like the rooted wifi-tether does.

 

[Matth3w]

The free version of PDA Net doesn't allow you to surf on https (secured) sites, whereas the paid does. Not sure of any other differences other than that. But to be honest, it's free to root...to surf ALL sites with PDANet it costs you another 30 bucks a month.

The choice is obvious to me.

 

[LtKen]

Correct on all points. I forgot about PDAnet. I think there is a free and paid version of that, or a 30 day demo? And I forget if it is only tethering via usb or if it does so wirelessly like the rooted wifi-tether does.

PDANet is free for 30 days, after that you lose the ability to visit HTTPS sites. It's still free, just crippled.

It does USB and Bluetooth.

 

[alanbk]

You can download PDANET from the market to use your phone as a modem on your laptop. (tethering).

 

[ldimick]

The limitation you may run into with tethering is that if you can't reach a cell site for talking you sure can't reach one for data.

 

[Matth3w]

Well in that case you know the iPhone isn't going to do it on ATT network.

 

[jsh1120]

The free version of PDA Net doesn't allow you to surf on https (secured) sites, whereas the paid does. Not sure of any other differences other than that. But to be honest, it's free to root...to surf ALL sites with PDANet it costs you another 30 bucks a month.

The choice is obvious to me.

No. Not true.

 

[Matth3w]

What is it then? 30 bucks just one time? I thought it used to be a monthly fee

 

[ldimick]

What is it then? 30 bucks just one time? I thought it used to be a monthly fee

It has never been a monthly fee. It is a one-time purchase.

 

[Matth3w]

Ok, then I stand corrected:

Rooted wifi tether: Free
PDANet: Not Free

Even if PDANet was $0.01 I don't see the point when there is a free option.

 

[smokinfish]

I would go with a Raymarine or Furuno and scrap the whole idea about using a cell phone of any sorts for marine navigation. That is just a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Neupy]

Yeah this sounds like a bad idea all around. You would need a GOOD offline gps program....ive tried 3..they all kinda suck. Sea charts downloaded to your sd card. Then for the weather thing you would be screwed unless you have a cell site built into your boat like a cruise ship which if you had that kinda money you would just have the stuff you need anyways.

 

[scoder]

Ok, then I stand corrected:

Rooted wifi tether: Free
PDANet: Not Free

Even if PDANet was $0.01 I don't see the point when there is a free option.

Ehh, some people would rather pay and stay safe.
I used to get nervous every time I flashed my PSP so i can see why some people refuse rooting

 

[jimisbell]

I would go with a Raymarine or Furuno and scrap the whole idea about using a cell phone of any sorts for marine navigation. That is just a disaster waiting to happen.

You read me wrong. The droid would NOT be my only navigation. I have Sextant, Compass, Clock, Distance Log, RADAR, paper charts, laptop charts, three GPSs, barometer, SONAR, and the brain God put in my head to read the sun and water surface.

The droid would just be for quick trips to places I am familiar with but dont go regularly. I know the GeoNav app would be more current than most charts in the store which are always one version back:icon_ banana:

 

[dylanthecat]

I can't imagine cell service being very good out on the water if you get more than several miles from shore. At that point any cell phone becomes pretty useless. I also can't see how the Droid or Iphone would work as an ATIS receiver or wind speed sensor, without at least additional hardware.