Is it possible to use a UMTS (USB) modem with a PDA?
 

I'm looking into getting mobile internet to substitute my landline, ISP and possibly even mobile phone provider!
Got the HTC Touch (windows mobile) which is not capable of receiving 3G signal. Will I be able to get online by using a USB cable to connect this with the Touch?

Yes and No.

First of all; the Touch doesn't have the correct USB mode, so you can't connect USB devices to it.

Secondly; Windows Mobile doesn't have the ability to connect over anything other than Cellular or WiFi.

What you COULD do is get a 3G router and plug the 3G modem into that, then connect the touch over WiFi to the 3G router.

Look at cradlepoint.com. Their router's might do what you are looking for.

The D-Link DIR450 can take an EVDO card. Kyocera has a similar product. Airlink101 has a new router that can take EVDO and HSDPA cards.

I think these may be better routers. I suggested Cradlepoint only because it worked with USB Modems and most routers don't. I've never really understood this because throughout Europe and Asia, many of the entry level DSL modems use USB instead of RJ45 connections.

Why do I seem unable to find any of the above products from any UK/Euro vendors? :(

I use the Cradlepoint CTR-350 in exactly this context and it works very well.

Highly recommended.

I use a special 3g firmware for my Asus wl500gp and Huawei E220 umts usb modem, it works like a charm. Both are very common in Europe.

Third the cradlepoint. It gives you the ability to set up a hotspot anywhere you have a cellular signal. That's KILLER.

The router accepts USB evdo modems (e.g. the 595U from Sprint or Verizon) or hard wire internet and turns it into a wireless signal.

However, if you just want to pull the phone out for a short web session than using a wireless modem to a router is a bit kludgy and you'd be happier with a data plan for the phone regardless of the download speeds. I have a Tmobile data for my Palm 750 and Sprint broadband for the 'puter. I am currently dsl and cable internet free!

http://3gstore.com/ gives the best service for the cradlepoint.

Jim