[csjk789]

Originally Posted by Mark Rejhon

To UNIX-experienced Mac users:

A test though; do you have any new serial services in your /dev/ subdirectory? A Linux user reported that a serial port 'showed up' when they plugged their BlackBerry in.

This may be a standardized USB serial port. Can you UNIX users jump to your Mac xterm/terminal and check out the /dev/ folder? (I think that exists on Mac too, I don't have a Mac at hand to check.)

To your question, yes, a new port does show up. When connected via PocketMac in 10.4.6, a new port shows up titled "blackberry" there is not much you can do with that port without a driver, but it's a start.

I also connected my blackberry to a Knoppix Build and some crazy things started happening in the console; it looked like a few new ports opened up, but nothing as drastic as 10.4.6.

[csjk789]

Originally Posted by alexkingorg

I thought the same thing, unfortunately I couldn't get the XP install running in Parallels to "connect" to the BlackBerry - it kept reporting that the device was in use (my guess is by the OS X PocketMac drivers).

I did get it working by booting into Win XP using Boot Camp. I've got a blog post on this forthcoming.

Although virtual PC, not parallels or bootcamp, virtualizes USB ports fairly well, I cannot get virtual PC to recognize my 8700c when its connected.

[alexkingorg]

(Apologies in advance for cross-posting this in the several threads on this topic, I want to make sure that those who have expressed an interest in this are able to see it.)

I've started a bounty for the ability to tether a BlackBerry 8700 to a Mac (running Mac OS X). I've kicked in $50 to get things started, I'm hoping that some of you will want to contribute as well.

I've posted the details here:

www DOT alexking DOT org/blog/2006/06/08/tether-blackberry-8700-mac-bounty/

(I still am not allowed to post proper URLs)

[oodude69]

Originally Posted by alexkingorg

I've started a bounty for the ability to tether a BlackBerry 8700 to a Mac (running Mac OS X). I've kicked in $50 to get things started, I'm hoping that some of you will want to contribute as well.

I'll kick in $50, with the additional terms that it must work with my 7130e on Verizon and must not rely on PocketMac, since I was not able to get it working.

[slapshotw]

Originally Posted by oodude69

I'll kick in $50, with the additional terms that it must work with my 7130e on Verizon and must not rely on PocketMac, since I was not able to get it working.

oodude-

I believe that PocketMac WILL be necessary, because my mac doesn't even recognize the BlackBerry as connected and as a possible modem without PocketMac running.

Can we help you fix your installation somehow?

-Matt

[alexkingorg]

My hunch is the same... the fact that the BlackBerry shows up as a port in Network (with PocketMac) looks promising to me.

[Wreathian]

I'm in for $50.

[slapshotw]

Originally Posted by Wreathian

I'm in for $50.

I'll probably put in also. Alex, we send the money
via paypal to the address on your site to add to the pot?

-Matt

[alexkingorg]

Yes, please do. I've got all the details at the URL above (if someone with more than 10 posts wants to post a clickable link, that would be gre-e-a-a-t).

The payment address is "paypal AT alexking DAWT org", and please put xxx8220;BlackBerry Bountyxxx8221; in the subject/comments.

[dmoffitt]

I will pay whoever figures out how to do it, but I'm not simply paypal-ing a user on a web forum $50 or $100 -- it's not that I don't have a reason to distrust you, but I also have no reason TO ;)

[alexkingorg]

Take a look at my site and my history there - you'll see I've done this sort of thing in the past with contests, etc. and I've got a pretty good online reputation. Do a search on Google or Yahoo for "alex". ;)

This has also been picked up by RIMarkable, MacNN and a number of other online news outlets. Couple that with the fact I make a living primarily based on my online reputation and I hope you'll see "a reason to trust me".

Having a bunch of people saying they "will pay" is not nearly as powerful as having one lump sum as a carrot to dangle.

[emansouri]

I had an easier time getting my non Bluetooth Treo 600 on Sprint PCS to work as a modem for my PowerBook G4 2 years ago. I thought certainly the bluetooth 8700g would have no problem serving as a modem for my new MacBook Pro with T-Mobile either via USB or Bluetooth but I have been screwing around with this and reading all these posts for 12 hours and haven't come close.

What a joke.

[cortesi]

Originally Posted by alexkingorg

Take a look at my site and my history there - you'll see I've done this sort of thing in the past with contests, etc. and I've got a pretty good online reputation. Do a search on Google or Yahoo for "alex". ;)

This has also been picked up by RIMarkable, MacNN and a number of other online news outlets. Couple that with the fact I make a living primarily based on my online reputation and I hope you'll see "a reason to trust me".

Having a bunch of people saying they "will pay" is not nearly as powerful as having one lump sum as a carrot to dangle.

I finally decided to stop waiting for the Mac solution to using an 8700g as a modem - I needed a new computer anyway. I bought a Macbook and loaded Bootcamp, fully expecting to install the Blackberry Desktop Manager and then use it as a modem. Unfortunnately, even after following all the PC instructions I found online I received an error 736. I contacted T-Mobile and they told me the email/dataplan with the Blackberry ($19.99/month) on top of a voiceplan was NOT enough. I was told I also need the $29 unlimited Internet option. Has anyone confirmed this? Are you all really paying the extra $29/month to use the Blackberry as a mdodem.

Thanks for your help!!

[slapshotw]

Originally Posted by cortesi

I was told I also need the $29 unlimited Internet option. Has anyone confirmed this? Are you all really paying the extra $29/month to use the Blackberry as a mdodem.

That's incorrect, I've done it on my windows computer with the $19 plan a bunch of times. Are your APN settings in place?

-Matt

[applerokr]

the $19 plan isn't even offerend anymore, correct? what is the difference between the 19.99 plan and the 29.99 plan?

[cortesi]

I checked them and my APN settings on the Blackberry did not match my settings on the Mac. Once I changed these - this worked great!! BTW - I am running this now on a MacBook in Bootcamp - works fine. Has anyone been able to get this to work using Parallels Desktop?

Thanks!

[alexkingorg]

It doesn't work in Parallels yet.

[cortesi]

Originally Posted by alexkingorg

It doesn't work in Parallels yet.

Thanks for the info. Seems that Desktop Manager works fine, but it doesn't see the Blackberry modem.

[tobes01]

Just for the record, I'm typing this off a MacBookPro with my Nokia E61 (T-Mobile UK BIS) as a 3G modem - broadband speeds and faultless operation. The only downer is that you have to temporarily disconnect BIS to take over the packet data connection for modem use, but for me it was a killer reason to move from my 8700.

Toby

[Doxology]

Originally Posted by applerokr

the $19 plan isn't even offerend anymore, correct? what is the difference between the 19.99 plan and the 29.99 plan?

The 19.99 plan is still available, but it requires a line that has a voice plan on it. The 29.99 plan is the same one, but it can be on a data only line; it doesn't require a voice plan in addition.