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Using Your BlackBerry As a Modem On Linux

Posted by timothy on from the repurposing-for-the-win dept.

ruphus13 writes "Now, the suits and the geeks can unite — Barry allows BlackBerrys to serve as modems for Linux machines. From the news post, 'Barry, created by open source software vendor Net Direct, lets you not only sync your contacts and calendar but also use your smartphone as a computer modem. Sure, it's not as fast as T1 or cable, but you can't beat it if you're stuck somewhere with no Internet access. Currently, there are packages available for Ubuntu, Debian, Mandriva, and Fedora (although syncing is not supported on Fedora 9). Most older BlackBerrys work just fine with Barry, but the newest generation of devices — the Storm and Bold — are not yet fully supported.'"

3 of 135 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Modem use forbidden by corporate policy? by betterunixthanunix · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Cell providers also routinely filter data traffic, because they want to charge extra for mobile Internet and fax plans. Verizon definitely does this, and T-mobile kills fax but not dialup users. How this is not a violation of the Sherman act is a mystery to me.

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    Palm trees and 8
  2. Re:Modem use forbidden by corporate policy? by Shadow+of+Eternity · · Score: 3, Interesting

    They have lots and lots of money.

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    A bullet may have your name on it but splash damage is addressed "To whom it may concern."
  3. Not practical... by NineNine · · Score: 3, Interesting

    This just isn't really practical. I just came back from a trip in Central America, and Internet access was easier to find than land or cell phone service. I have a feeling it's that way in lots of developing countries. My phone was useless. There were very very few land lines, but I could hop on one of many computers at hostels or Internet cafes and check my email.