PDANet: Where do YOU want to access the net?

As we get more into telecommuting and remote collaboration, the need to connect from anywhere will be come more important. Wi-Fi hotspots have been critical, thus everybody from Starbucks to Holiday Inn offers it. But it comes with drawbacks. 1) You usually are expected to be a paying patron and 2) you are tethered to their storefront.

Since joining P2 I have been testing how to maximize my work-time by leveraging time spent in transit. Because it is rather unsafe to type on a laptop while driving, public transportation is the cornerstone of this approach. Most of P2’s tools are web-based, so it is difficult to simply download or cache and work offline. A consistent connection is crucial to being able to work in our environment.

Research into mobile networking led me to a program made by June Fabrics called PDANet, available at http://www.junefabrics.com/. This program works in conjunction with Palm or Windows Mobile-enabled Smartphones to access their data networks, essentially turning your phone into a cellular modem. The cost of the program itself is $34 for a single-license, and discounts are available for bulk purchases. Having an unlimited data plan added to your cellular package is also important, as you’ll be racking up those per-kilobyte charges pretty quickly if you don’t. For my carrier the cost is $15 per month.

These costs are offset by the simple fact that I’m saving on gas, and getting more time at home with my family. Your situation might be different. Regardless, PDANet and your Smartphone can let you access the internet from anywhere that your cell provider has coverage. You are no longer required to purchase the half-double-decaf-half-calf grande mochachino latte supreme to access your data remotely.

You can work wherever you want – this very blog post was written and posted on the VRE and DASH Bus using the technology described above.