TetherBerry Review

Software Design
There are two components: an application for your BlackBerry, and one that can be used on an unlimited number of PCs. 

To initiate Internet access, you launch the program on your desktop. If the BlackBerry is not connected via USB the program will prompt you; after the device is connected it will prompt you to start the TetherBerry app on the device. When running, the app displays status information (as shown at right).

If you wander in and out of signal coverage, the app will not re-initiate itself but will display an error message instead.

Performance
Desktop: When connected via TetherBerry, your browsing experience will vary depending mainly on what kind of service you have (ex. EV-DO, EDGE, 3G etc.), and your signal strength. Thankfully, the app will attempt to work with whatever it is given -- from one EDGE bar to full 3G in my experience. It appears there is no minimum signal level required to work, and on the other end there is no limitations on the speed it will serve.

Testing the service on a recent road-trip, I was able to stream music via Pandora, run Outlook, a few tabs in Chrome, Google Talk and even view a friend's webcam through Yahoo Messenger, all at the same time. Though the webcam was choppy, this may have been due to Yahoo Messenger. This was also in a 3G coverage area, so your results may vary.

Users will definitely notice that connection speeds are slower than normal, but they aren't too slow to use effectively and be productive... or unproductive. The program is reliable concerning uptime. As long as it has a signal to process, TetherBerry will keep you connected.

Testing via speedtest.net, I saw an average of 359 kbps down and 151.75 kbps up. This doesn't sound too impressive, but it does include both EDGE and 3G signals at varying signal strengths. Some of these data points were taken in a moving car which may have impacted the results as well.

For most users, being able to get online, manage email, surf the Web, and play the occasional stream will be enough. If that is the case, TetherBerry is an excellent application to consider.

BlackBerry: When running, the app has a simple no-nonsense look. It tells you simply that the device is connected, and the application has started. The menu offers one option, close, with two submenus: Exit to [BlackBerry] desktop, or close the program.

When running TetherBerry, your device will continue to receive and transmit all data, including calls. The developers say that when users receive a call they will be unable to surf, but I was able to continue surfing while on a call. Perhaps this is due to the Bold's asynchronous data capabilities.

Because the device is connected via USB, your battery will not be drained, unless you happen to be calling as well, at which point it appears the battery drains quicker than it is able to recharge.

The biggest downside of the app in my experience is how hot my device was while I was using it. This may be impacted somehow by the processing requirements the 3G signal poses, but my phone was uncomfortably hot sitting on my lap. This means that if you are going to be using your device for long periods of time, you will want to use a Bluetooth headset to make/receive calls.

Reliability: TetherBerry is an effective solution, but it is not an elegant one. The apps on both the computer and the BlackBerry are bare-bones, and although they both work as claimed, they could be improved.

There were a few instances when I tried reconnecting several times throughout the day, when the app appeared confused and required a PC restart before it would work.

Installation and Licensing: Characteristically, the app installation is quick and simple.

Licenses are distributed after registering your phone's PIN, allowing you to use your BlackBerry with as many computers as you'd like (though not simultaneously). If you wish to change your device you have to pay $9.99 to register a new PIN. The company's wording on this matter suggests that you will only be able to use one PIN at a time.

Requirements: There are no special requirements for your PC or BlackBerry, so long as your BlackBerry is running an OS build 4.5 or later, and your PC has the BlackBerry desktop manager installed. 64-bit Windows builds are supported as well.

This app was tested on an AT&T Bold 9000 with BIS service.

Wish List: One improvement the TetherBerry creators should consider is the inclusion of an "all time data counter" that gives you a monthly data transmitted readout. It would be even nicer if the user could specify the start time of the billing cycle. I ask for this because TetherBerry warns that some users will incur charges if they go over the 5 GB threshold that most providers set as the cap on their "unlimited" plans (this according to the TetherBerry website). For heavy users, it would a good peace-of-mind measure to be able to see this metric. If you're paranoid, read the user-agreement carefully and review the fine print of your carrier's data policies before installing.

Bluetooth support is not currently supported, but plans are in the works, according to the TetherBerry site. It will pose a nightmarish problem with battery life, but it would still be nice to have the option.

Finally, sorry Mac users, but for now, you are out of luck. Macs are not currently supported, but plans are in the works.

Though there are several areas that could be improved, most users will be happy that TetherBerry released a working version rather than waiting to have a fully polished product.

Conclusion
TetherBerry does exactly what it claims to do, and it does it fairly well.

If you are clever, there are free alternate methods out there, especially for Windows users. The drawback is that they are not as easy to use and require some effort to locate, try, and troubleshoot. TetherBerry offers an easy solution and even comes with a money-back guarantee.

Though you can certainly get by without TetherBerry, for those who want to use their computers on the go, this is an excellent product. You'll wonder how you went without it!

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Uses whatever cellular signal it's given
• Doesn't drain battery

Cons:

• Doesn't guarantee against additional carrier charges
• No Mac support
• No Bluetooth support, currently