Tip: Using the Handspring Treo as a wireless modem

Several readers have inquired about the use of a Handspring Treo as a wireless modem for PowerBooks. Though the software is not visibly promoted, NotifyMail offers an application called simply "WirelessModem" that enables any Mac with a USB port and either Mac OS 9 or Mac OS X 10.2.x to use access the Internet via a wireless-enabled Treo. The application works with the Treo 180, 270 and 300 models.

The process for using the software on the 180/270 is as follows:

1. Download the WirelessModem image from here.
2. Double click the installer
3. Follow the installation instructions
4. Start WirelessModem on your Treo
5. Select Wireless Modem for Port 1
6. Select the 5th port named USB for Port 2 (I'm not sure why there are 5...choosing other ones may crash your Treo)
7. Any speed should work for both ports. Try 57,600.
8. Tap Yes to Enable Pass Thru
9. Launch System Preferences
10. Choose Network
11. Create a new network setting and choose Handspring Treo as the port. Select Treo for the modem script.
12. Make sure that you check "Wait for dial tone"

If you have additional insight, or have been successful in using the Palm i705 and/or other wireless models as modems, please drop us a line at late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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