Wireless Laptops...info please...

[imax2268]

Can anyone out there give me more info on Wi-Fi setups...?
Does anyone out there use this type of service or is there something better...?

I was thinking of using Earthlink's Nationwide service but don't want to spend a fortune to do so...anytime anywhere I could connect to the internet...vs the Wi-Fi where I can only sign on at certain locations...

Any info of companies are plans would be useful...thanks...

[NYC]

1. I met someone tonight.

Paul Garrin (not sure of spelling) in New York City.
WIFINY.org or
WIFINY.net

He said something about a 27 mile range with a laser beam. He was talking about broadcasting live video from protests.

Sorry I didn't get details; I don't have WIFI. Sounded good.

[imax2268]

2. thanks for the info..

but I live in Arizona...!

I'm just trying to find the best deal that I can...and maybe just a bit more info on this whole thing...I did a google search and all's I keep getting is companies that want to sell me their products...

go figure...

well...guess I'll keep plugging away...

[WeirdSceneGoldmine]

11. 27 miles is max with Line Of SIght

I guess you could bounce off a fixed object with permission tho.

Getting 27 miles out of NYC would assume you're mounted on a very tall building with no obstructions.

[sfecap]

3. I've got wireless at home...

and I use it on the road in the USA and Europe. What do you want to know?

[imax2268]

4. basically

the best plan and service I can get...it seems to me that Wi-Fi is to limited in places that you can hook up to...and a nationwide service like Earthlink's is so expensive...$300.00 for the air card and anywhere from $30.00 a month on up...

I surf the web quite a bit...and I have a design business...I want to have it so I can go to bars, resturants, just about anywhere and show them my designs on my website...I would like to be able to do that in house instead of having to meet at a kiosk...plus I would like to work on and upload pages to websites that I work on anytime I want to...

[sfecap]

5. Got it...

You want an "anywhere" set up. Can't help you there. I use T Mobile, but it's limited to their hotspots...

[imax2268]

6. Yea...

I checked into that and from what I can tell it's only availabel at Starbucks...

Thanks though...I'll keep digging...I figured I would try DU because I have gotten so much info from this site before...!

Thanks anyway...

Do you like the T-mobile set up even though it's limited...?

[sfecap]

7. Yes....

I use TMobile for my cellphone service. I travel all over the world, and their WorldClass service is excellent.

The Hotspot service is good, as many airports have them, also Starbucks and Borders. They are rumored to be partnering with a couple of other wifi providers, so many more locations will be available.

In Europe, TMobile is kind of spotty, but they have coverage in the hotel I stay at in Germany, so it works pretty good....

[mobuto]

12. Spotty Service in Europe?

Wouldn't of thunk it. TMobile is just a branch of Deustche Telekom. You'd think if any of the American providers had a good European network, it'd be them. I guess not.

[Kellanved]

13. only in Germany and Austria

There it should be almost 100% coverage. They're not even present on most other European markets and their roaming partners tend to suck.

[WeirdSceneGoldmine]

8. If there are no wires in your laptop

I'd return it.

Sorry. Seriously, wireless ethernet cards and receivers are pretty cheap and most will work well beyond the range of most property owners.

[imax2268]

9. Ok...

I didn't quite get what you were saying...heh...figures...it's 3am here in AZ and I'm a bit tired...5 hours to go...!

I just don't want to get stuck into a contract with a company and find out that it's crap...!

I'll just keep looking and studying...please keep the answers or suggestions coming...they are well appreciated...!

[WeirdSceneGoldmine]

10. Don't get wireless from an internet provider

Get basic DSL, Cable modem, 56k phone or whatever and use the receiver/router to dial / connect and use any number of clients to connect to the receiver/router. Much more flexable to go ethernet. You can firewall or whatever from the single internet entry point (receiver/router).

About 200 bucks one time cost.

[ikojo]

14. I wouldn't pay for earthlink's nationwide service..

Here in St Louis, the St Louis Bread Co (Panera Bread to the rest of the world) has free wi-fi access as do many hotels and other places. I go there and open up my computer and surf away...all for free! I don't even think you really have to order food but I do because I'd feel weird not doing so.

I think there is also free wi-fi in the Central West End in St Louis but I am not sure.

Do a google search for wi fi hot spots or nodes in your area. There are bound to be some free places.