The good folks over at TetherBerry have got the CrackBerry Forums all excited with almost 60 pages of questions, comments and users sharing information on the application. That being the case, it's about time we have a look at what exactly TetherBerry is and I think most of you out there will be pleasantly surprised with it if you give it a go.
Has anyone out there tried to use their BlackBerry as a modem for their PC or laptop before? I'm positive some of you have. In doing so I'm also positive some of you had some heck of an issue in getting it set up and working right as the process is not always the easiest thing to accomplish. Be it due to the fact your device was not being recognized by your PC or that you had to create and set up an often times finicky DUN (Dial Up Network) just in order to be able to access your carrier's internet services and not to mention, the fact when you called your carrier and asked for assitance they probably advised you it was going to cost you another $30-$40 more a month just to have the usage of the data which you're already paying for as "Unlimited."
TetherBerry is here to take away some of those pains and they have been working hard to ensure all is working well with their application. Most recently updating their Beta app to be compatible with 64 bit OS and being able to handle UDP on top of that.
Here is how dead simple TetherBerry was for me. I went to their site, I signed up as a Beta tester and got sent my link to download both the "on device" application and PC version (Mac is not supported, but is said to work under Parallels and Boot Camp) installed both, disconnected my PC from its hard-wired connection and fired up the app on both PC and BlackBerry, plugged my Bold (3G, FTW!) in via USB and my device was detected, connected and ready to roll. Opened up Firefox and BAM! Was on the interwebs getting my daily dose of CrackBerry information. Simple as that, no fussing with DUN's, no messing around with connection settings or anything else. Just internet. Before you dive in though, be sure to check out what others are saying in the CrackBerry Forums as there is a lot of awsome information coming out of them in regards to how TetherBerry is working for others. Also note the Beta is only free till March 9th, so get in quick!
84 comments
Digg
Facebook
Now I can browse the web at a whopping 100 kbps on my Laptop via Verizon's slow a-- network.
Its about 400kbps. Its actually pretty quick and rather useful if you dont have a wifi connection.
i just tested it, and it came out with an average of 750+ every time with the highest test being a whopping 1806 kbps
It's entirely possible to get speeds that low. It really depends on your signal strength and peak times, etc...
I have VZW and I have had no problems connecting. It's not as fast as my landline, but when on the road with no WIFI it's been more than adequate.
I had no issues getting it running. Downloaded the software, plugged in the blackberry and connected. One of the few times software worked with no tinkering or tweaks...
aTALL1
I want to know what the carriers are going to do. I like this product and would potentially buy it if the price is right, but I want assurance as to whether or not I am going to get a large bill from my carrier. I believe that it is hard to attach limitations to the word "unlimited", but they'll try. Let's here from an expert as to what the carriers will do.
So, seeing as this shares the actual data network that I already pay for every month...Verizon shouldn't be able to tell what I'm doing correct? It should all read as Blackberry data on their end? I just don't want some huge bill to come in the mail all because I wasn't using their broadband access whatever its called that tries to rip me off some more.. Sounds great though, especially as a student. when internet goes out due to weather.
*And I know, someone is probably gonna say that this is wrong, or this is stealing or something....ugh...save me from it.
I agree that the carriers my cry and say we owe them more. but heck if we are already paying for Unlimited data, I think we have that right.
I tether all the time using a dial up network config, one weekend I even shared my connection with 2 other laptops,.so I had 3 laptops sharing my BB 8300's EDGE connection! It was admittedly slow, but still much faster than dialup LOL.
Eve after a full weekend of 3 laptop use, my bill wasnt affected, I saw huge chunks of data transfer on my bill but it all came up as part of my unlimited plan. Ive heard there's a cap but as long as you're just doing normal surfing and not downloading HD movies through your handheld's connection it shouldnt be a problem.
Ive heard Verizon somehow blocks conventional tethering workarounds so this may be a good thing for you to try, get on that beta test!
AT&T 3G 8900 where are you?
For the e-mail to arrive so I can download it. Very much looking forward to trying this out. I thought about using mobileshark a while back, but it seemed very expensive for the amount of speed it was providing. From what I was reading, it couldnt seem to keep up with even modest 3G speeds.
Note to Beenswank: Nobody likes a whiner. All 3G networks are virtually the same depending on location, give or take 20 kbps. Even if it is Verizon is on the short end (and Im not sure they are) I would gladly give up that minimal amount of speed for such a large 3G area. Virtually twice the size of ATT and Sprint, respectively.
I've been using this for a couple days now as a beta tester. I like it better than MShark mainly because there is no need to change options in Internet Explorer to use it. I plan on buying it as soon as it's available.
anyone heard about the v2? they just released?
Friend has a cricket modem, this is faster on Verizons service. I'm not in any way saing its fast but free. Love it, hope the app is not to expensive. They definatly have a keeper.
Tethering a Curve 8330 was dead simple on my Macbook, and not difficult on a Lenovo S10 Netbook running Windows 7, or a Thinkpad runing Vista. I don't know why people have so many issues. Bluetooth tethering works flawlessly, and I am not too excited about having to cable up and then having to pay for an app that looks suspicously like subscription feeware.
Sprint speeds are decent, enough for what I need to do.
One big difference that CrackBerry failed to mention in their post, is that TetherBerry doesn't use the Broadband network that normal tethering uses. TetherBerry uses the Internet Data access that your BB's apps use, so this bypasses the need to purchase the tethering plan (if your carrier, like Verizon, requires it).
I'm personally not a big fan of that. I feel the Carrier has the right to require a little extra to keep computer traffic (higher generally) separate from handheld traffic (lower usually) to keep their networks running smoothly and performing well.
But to each their own... as long as I can still use my handheld's Internet just fine, I don't really care how people use theirs.
Which carrier did you say you work for?
Think of it this way: TetherBerry is just an app that turns your laptop into a BB accessory; you're still surfing on your handset, you just get to use your laptop's keyboard and big screen. And Firefox. And Flash. Okay, nevermind.
You think that by paying Verizon an extra $15-30/month, and using a blackberry for tethering, it is somehow justifying the cost, by switching your phone onto a separate network from the network the blackberry normally uses? Are you kidding me? Its the same network. You are getting the same EV-DO coverage from Verizon whether you are using your blackberry to do the browsing, or using your laptop through your blackberry to do the browsing. Paying Verizon extra money to use your blackberry as a tethering device, does not change its status on the network. It is still a blackberry, on an EV-DO connection. There are not separate EV-DO connections based upon browsing mode. The EV-DO connection your BB uses, is the same EV-DO connection the guy/gal sitting next to you on the laptop with the USB broadband adapter is using. Its the same thing. Its just a shaft to choke more money out of people. Why does the Blackberry plan have a 5GB cap? Who can actually use that much data on their BB in a given month? Why is it that, if you pay for tethering from Verizon (or any other provider for that matter) that they charge you an extra $15-30/ month, but your download cap still stays at 5GB? Want to explain that one? I can. They are just trying to choke as much money from the consumer as possible. It costs them $0 additional per month for you to use your BB for tethering, as opposed to just use your BB as it is.
What a kick &%^ program. Installed and turned off the wireless switch on the front of my laptop and it was cranking out 1075kbps down and 288kbps up with 3 bars on Verizon (Speakeasy Speed Test). I tried MobiShark before and it sucked big time. This is the way a tethering program is suppose to work. No setup right out of the box. I just hope they don't get greedy and try to charge $10 a month or a couple hundred for a one time fee. Kick VZ's butt and keep this price down!
The company is claiming we will not be disappointed with the price and they have hinted at it being a 1 time fee, per device. I'm guess it'll be in the 30-50 range, and most likey worth it, I found the speeds to be 3G (providing I had a 3G signal).
This program MAY violate VZW's (or your provider's) TOS, but I bet many will use it anyways and few will get "caught" but we shall see.
so it wil be freeeeeeeeeeeee like nothing will get charged?
no, only free for the next couple of days...but dirt cheap after that.
No mac...BOO! There is no point in saying it works in parallels. I need the connection on the mac.
Made to be together. This app rocks.Let's hope the keep the price low..I have already told lots of berry users about it
My Storm is flying on it presently...testing out the VPN with the work network, no issues, good speed
Have downloaded on laptop and storm but its not working.. Been trying for 3 days.. Can someone please help? Thanks in advance.. Oh, this is my first time ever writing one of these things.. How do I receive my answers?
Does the beta expire or will we be required to buy it after a beta period?
Expire March 9th. You will have to pay our introductory price after March 9th.
I have been waiting for a program like this. I was willing to pay Verizon $10.00 per month to tether, but $30.00 was/is out of the question. MobiShark requires onetime fee of $50.00 dollars, but to me it does not compare to TetherBerry! I am using the beta version on my blackberry 8130 Pearl and it is comparable to VZW Tethering speeds. When required I will be purchasing this application as long as the price is better than what VZW offers. I don't care how it works, just that it does!!!
hope its not crazy to buy , loving the app, screw vzw keep this app cheap to buy cause if not, i will promise to make one similar to this that will allow use of bluetooth or usb to tether.
Look at it like this. I live rural VA and am unable to get highspeed broadband so we have highspeed cell internet service. When comparing TetherBerry to my highspeed cell you guys are faster. So why pay for cell internet services? Thanks so much. I love it!!!
Have been testing this app. Love it! Simple and easy to use. Last version seemed to take care of all bugs I had. It will be a good one to have.
Works great! Even tried it to to sling(Slingbox)my TV and it worked pretty good. Great app!!
What would really, really suck is if thousands of people buy TetherBerry and then the carriers start to get wise. If that happens, they could find a way to detect the type of traffic generated and then send out cease and desist notices or face huge hikes.
In reality it costs Verizon nothing. They just like to nickel and dime you to death. If they could figure out how to charge for wifi we would see it on these devices. By tethering means you will use it more and in turn get to 5 gb download faster and we know what happens after 5 gb Verizon starts to throttle back your download speed .
wow i love this concept.. im downloading it as soon as i get home..
Just Tried it on my Storm and it's awsome.
Finally, something that works flawless! It's EASY to setup, fast, and nothing to figure out. It cannot get any better than this. My only questions is, how much longer will it take for carriers to keep email & web unlimited after knowing about tetherberry? It's a wrap for them and their ways of squeezing more money out of you for what you already pay for (unlimited data). Any price range ideas on tetherberry?
Oh. My. F*cking. God. I have been waiting for this since Thanksgiving...I just can't believe how easy it is to use. I would laugh at everyone who paid for MobiShark, but I just feel so awful for them. Thank you TetherBerry; I have not once paid for software on any platform (aside from Windows bloatware included w/new machines--and Zork and WordStar back in the '80s!) but I will be pleased to PayPal you my ~$20.00 (just guessing).
Bla1ze, you are the man and you don't get enough credit around here. If it weren't for V4B.info (and OTA FTP via Opera), I might well have returned my Storm. Sideloading blows--if it has to suckle at a real computer every day, it ain't no smartphone!
Just like using the BlackBerry browser, I've not seen much more than 250 kbps. I'm not surprised, but this could be the reason TetherBerry seems clumsy at multithreaded requests--I was downloading the last episode of Lost at the same time I requested this crackberry.com page, and the allocation of throughput seemed to need work. It's probably not easy to allocate such a trickle of bandwidth, though.
This app is the most useful app I have downloaded EVER... well, besides Facebook of course. Lol... But I have highspeed at home and its faster than that and best of all, i dont have to pay for the enterprise and the additional modem tethering service that Vzw charges.
i was surprised and please to test this with the 8350i and see that it actually worked even though it does not support DUN out of the box. although no one would ever tether an IDEN device for speed if its for necessity got for it with tetherberry.
I have an 8530i and cannot get it to work. It says I'm tethering but cannot connect to the internet. What did you do for yours?
Anyone else having problems with the app? I can't seem to make it run in my BB :-(
Great app! easy to set up and use! No problems at all!
Verizon isn't going to be making money on this, there for they will find some way to block you from downloading it. OR team up with Tetherberry and create some kind of fee where both parties get paid. Because that $30 Verizon isn't getting just makes 1 more reason on why to not make $29.99 e-mail and web package unlimited anymore. Just wait.
It's $15 not $30 to tether with Verizon
I just signed up with Verizon and I had several people from different departments tell me it was $30/mo. I was never given any other cost (ok, I think it was $29.99/mo for any smarties out there)
Super simple to set up and worked the first time. Not as fast as a typical Wifi but in a pinch it has been more than adequate. On the Verizon network it has been slow at times and other times rather quick. All in all I really like it.
TetherBerry works Great with my Blackberry Storm!! I didn't want to pay an extra $15 a month when I already have an Unlimited amount of Data Usage on my phone every month. As of right now I am receiving speeds from my phone up to 1.3m download and 250 upload. Pretty impressive. However, when I use Internet Explorer it doesnt perform as well. So I would recommend using Mozilla Firefox.
I'm using right now and don't have a single issue with my Storm...