The inclination might be to think of a cell phone as a stand-alone device, used for making calls or possibly getting directions to the local golf course via Google Maps. But many smartphones double as MP3 players or wireless modems (remember modems?) when you’re out of Wi-Fi range. The head-scratcher can be how to make the connection, especially since every phone works a little differently.

 

Here’s how to connect four popular mobile phones to your Mac. For Bluetooth connectivity, you need built-in Bluetooth (standard in new Mac minis, MacBooks, and MacBook Pros, and available as an option in new iMacs and Mac Pros) or a USB Bluetooth adapter, such as the D-Link DBT-120 ($34.99). Access Bluetooth options in System Preferences’ Bluetooth pane, or click the Bluetooth icon in the Finder’s menubar.

 

Copy Contacts From a Blackberry 8800

The RIM BlackBerry 8800 ($499.99) is an email addict’s enabler. Mac users can copy their Address Books (and all email contacts) in just a few steps. Here’s how.

 

1. On the phone, navigate to the Manage Connections icon and click it. Place a check on Bluetooth. On your Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the Finder’s menubar and select Set Up Bluetooth Device. Follow the instructions to type the matching code on your phone’s screen. This “pairs” the devices, enabling them to work in unison.

 

Search for your mobile phone using OS X's Bluetooth Setup Assistant.

 

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2. Once your Mac and BlackBerry are paired, download PocketMac for Blackberry (free) and install it. To sync your Address Book contacts to the Blackberry 8800, launch PocketMac for Blackberry, click the Contacts tab, place a check next to AddressBookContacts, and then click Sync.

 

This handy helper app makes syncing a snap.

 

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Transfer Media Files to a Motorola KRZR

The Motorola MOTOKRZR K1 or K1m ($299.99 to $339.99) works seamlessly with the Mac for transferring media files like photo, videos, and music. There’s no need for a third-party helper app.

To connect, press the center Menu button on the phone and select the Settings icon (far right). Select Bluetooth, then Add New Device. Confirm the message that pops up about being in discovery mode, and wait for your Mac to appear. Click Pair, type any code (such as 1111), and then type the same code on your Mac (you will be prompted automatically). On your Mac, select the Bluetooth icon in the Finder’s menubar and select Browse Device. The folders on your phone will appear. Double-click the one you want and click Send to send files to the phone.

 

The MOTOKRZR connects to your Mac the same way as the popular RAZR.

 

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Use Wi-Fi on a Nokia N80
The Nokia N80 ($499.99) can connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi from anywhere a signal is present, such as a public hotspot. Wi-Fi is a better option for copying music and video files to a phone than Bluetooth, since it has a much wider coverage area (about 600 feet, compared to only 30 feet for Bluetooth) and much faster speed (about 3Mbps from this phone, compared to only 200Kbps for Bluetooth).

 

 

First make sure your wireless network is running and your Mac is connected to the Wi-Fi signal. On the phone, select the WLAN Scanning option on the main screen, and then select the option for Web Browsing. The N80 will prompt you to select your Wi-Fi network. After selecting it, choose Yes. On your Mac, copy the files to a .Mac account using the HomePage feature. Now, on the N80, browse to your .Mac HomePage and click the link to download files.

 

Another way to transfer files without Wi-Fi: Insert the microSD card that came with the phone into the phone (if it’s not already inserted) and connect the phone to your Mac via the included USB cable. The microSD card will appear on your desktop as a storage device—you can just copy files from your Mac to the phone this way.

 

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Use a Palm Treo 750 as a Modem

If you’re stuck in an area where there isn’t a wired or wireless Ethernet connection, a phone connection can at least help you get online to check your email. You can connect to the Palm Treo 750 ($650) using Bluetooth, and then access the Internet using the phone’s wireless network.

 

On the phone, click Start, then Settings, then the Connections tab. Click Bluetooth. Place checks next to “Turn on Bluetooth” and “Make this device discoverable.” On your Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the Finder’s menubar, then select Set Up Bluetooth Device. Follow the prompts to pair the Mac and the Treo, and then select Access The Internet. Click Continue. Enter your username and password (provided by or already established through your wireless carrier) and your mobile phone number. Click Continue - now you’re ready to surf. Speeds on your Mac will typically run about 600Kbps on a 3G network such as EVDO.

 

Once connected, you can use the Treo as a modem to access the Internet.