How to tether Playbook to android phone via Bluetooth?

usignuolo

Recently bought a Playbook and want to tether it to OH's android phone (Samsung Galaxy). OH has phone dongle for wifi access and wants to tether Playbook to phone via Bluetooth to access internet on the move. (OH has large stubby fingers and finds Playbook swiping easier than phone). In theory it is possible - anyone done it and can outline the steps please?

almillar

You want to use the phone to provide internet for the Playbook - good. You're thinking of doing it the wrong way though, you want to use the phone as a WiFi hotspot instead, this can be set up in the Settings area of your Android phone. Remember to set up a password for your Hotspot. Now you can just connect to the WiFi network you just created just like you would with your home router on the Playbook.

timberflake

You also want to confirm that your mobile provider allows tethering.

usignuolo

I think I may be confusing things here. It is possible to tether the Playbook to a Blackberry to use all the BB proprietary software. I think it may also be possible to tether it to an android mobile phone, if supplier supports it.

Another route seems to be to bluetooth it to an android phone and that is the one I am asking about: we would bluetooth the Playbook to the Samsung which has a dongle for wifi access and then use that to access the internet on the Playbook?.

Thing is we are not familiar with the Playbook software and menus and I wondered if anyone has used the Bluetooth route and could advise step by step on how to do this. Alternatively where in android settings on Galaxy phone is the wifi Hotspot option?

timberflake

usignuolo wrote: »

I think I may be confusing things here. It is possible to tether the Playbook to a Blackberry to use all the BB proprietary software. I think it may also be possible to tether it to an android mobile phone, if supplier supports it.

Another route seems to be to bluetooth it to an android phone and that is the one I am asking about: we would bluetooth the Playbook to the Samsung which has a dongle for wifi access and then use that to access the internet on the Playbook?.

Thing is we are not familiar with the Playbook software and menus and I wondered if anyone has used the Bluetooth route and could advise step by step on how to do this. Alternatively where in android settings on Galaxy phone is the wifi Hotspot option?

But still, if you're mobile operator doesn't allow you to tether devices to your mobile you're either going to a) blow your data allowance and run up charges, or b) have difficult questions to answer when you have a large amount of data being used.

Doesn't matter how you do it, if you're using your mobile phone so that other devices can access the internet, you need to make sure your mobile contract allows you to do this.

usignuolo

OH has Orange contract which permits tethering and sufficient capacity monthly, mostly unused at present, so he would have to go some to use it up. So think that is ok.

almillar

OK so bluetooth for connecting to a Blackberry, and use the proprietry syncing stuff, got it, yes. WiFi tethering is still the best solution for any NON Blackberry device I reckon. On my HTC, I can goto Settings, Wireless & Networks, Tethering and Portable Hotspots. Your Samsung shouldn't be too far from there.