I think that this was true with the earlier devices, but the iOS4 release provides open tethering support where providers allow it and my provider does. I can find clear instructions to tether over bluetooth for windows, mac and linux (http://apcmag.com/how-to-tether-the-...r-linux-pc.htm).

According to the Apple support site the following profiles are supported including PAN (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3647)

Personal Area Network Profile (PAN)
Hands-Free Profile (HFP 1.5)
Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP)
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP)
Human Interface Device Profile (HID)

I am still stuck at the first stage of pairing the devices ...

Any ideas?

-J