Hi all. I've been testing the tethering solutions available for the iPhone and I would like to share my thoughts, comparing the pros and cons of the two applications now on cydia, both named iphonemodem: "iPhone Modem 1.0" from
www.iphonemodem.COM and "iPhone Modem zsrelay" from
www.iphonemodem.DE.
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iphonemodem.DE - "iPhone Modem zsrelay":
Pros
1. It's free
2. has an helper app for the latest version of Mac OS
Cons:
1. I (and many others
iPhoneModem Comments) have concerns on the purpose and security of this app.
On the Mac side, the 4MB app as a security scanner inside (nmap), a dhcp server and an airport configuration terminal utility. They still haven't explained the need of a security scanner which can easily pinpoint any weakness of my Mac's configuration.
On the iPhone it's still worse. The socks server is opened also on the EDGE/3G public IP making it a piece of cake to connect to your Mac (or entire LAN) from the outside. It even runs on the background so you cannot know what's happening.
That's really great. These guys are boasting on WEP and SSH security and they're leaving a HUGE hole on the net just inviting anyone to come in.
2. What were these guys thinking when they posted the "don't use the fake app" message everywhere on the net and on their site? I don't think iphonemodem.com is fake and I certainly don't think that's a way to market a new app.
3. A normal user does not understand what to do with the iphone and with the Mac app without going through the website read readme files on written on shaky english that is difficult to understand.
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iphonemodem.COM - "iPhone Modem 1.0":
Pros:
1. it's extremely user friendly - really one click setup
2. real one-to-one user support going on
3. also supports MacOS 10.4
4. the web site and everything is written in clear english
5. packaged on small (90k on the iphone; 200k on the mac) app(s)
Note: I like things small because they are more likely to be bloatware free and that what they think is good software.
Cons:
1. it's $10 to disable the recurring 500KB traffic reminder
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Final thoughts
I'm happy to pay $10 for a nice easy app with user support and no suspicious malware or security holes.