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Internet Access Portable

Yahoo Message Number: 13104
Help requested:

I am ready to purchace a new computer for my motor home. My 5 year old lap top will no longer support the newer versions of DeLorme.

I have decided on the computer but am having trouble understanding what is required to accomodate the new method of access to the internet being made availble by some campgrounds, fuel stops and also in areas where people have not rendered their systems secure that can be accessed.

I understand there are various payment methods used by the host terminals . At some campgrounds a fee can be paid for so much time into the system.

I think at Fying J an access code is requested , granted and the drivers can work from their truck cab instead of connecting to some phone line in the restaurant booth.
All this said I beleive I am talking about Wi Fi. I am not interested in the system that connects via cellular phone technology, nor am I interested in satilite direct connection.
Considering I will be buying a new computer, if there is some special attribute needed in the computer it would be appropriate to mention that also.

Please respond here or direct. There may be others desiring to have these answers.

James M. Green Intrigue 11021 WB3DJU Rollingghetto

Re: Internet Access Portable

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 13105
Hi James

What you are talking about is indeed WIFI. You would probably find it difficult to purchase a new computer without the WIFI capability you need. I think it quite standard equipment now. Just check the specs to be sure it has the WIFI hardware and software systems built in.

If you prefer to buy an older/less expensive computer, a WIFI card can be added for $25 to $50.

A few of the parks now offer free WIFI.

Good luck
Andy

DW6000 / Satmex5 / Xpndr 1070 / linksys befw11s4 2002 36' Allure #30787 / 2000 Subaru Forester

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Quote from: rollingghetto
>

Help requested:

I am ready to purchace a new computer for my motor home. My 5 year

old

Quote
lap top will no longer support the newer versions of DeLorme.

I have decided on the computer but am having trouble understanding > what is required to accomodate the new method of access to the > internet being made availble by some campgrounds, fuel stops and

also

Quote
in areas where people have not rendered their systems secure that

can

Quote
be accessed.

I understand there are various payment methods used by the host > terminals . At some campgrounds a fee can be paid for so much time > into the system.

I think at Fying J an access code is requested , granted and the > drivers can work from their truck cab instead of connecting to some > phone line in the restaurant booth.

All this said I beleive I am talking about Wi Fi. I am not

interested

Quote
in the system that connects via cellular phone technology, nor am I > interested in satilite direct connection.

Considering I will be buying a new computer, if there is some

special

Re: Internet Access Portable

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 13111
Hi Jim,

It sounds like you are sure that you want WiFi service. To get that, some new laptops include the HW that's needed to connect to WiFi "hotspots" or "wireless access points". If you've already decided on the laptop, the Mfr. description or technical specs should list that it has wireless 802.11b or 802.11b/g capability. If you can't find that listed in the Mfr's description, then it probably doesn't have the necessary HW. However, you can add this HW as a PCMCIA card (assuming your laptop will have one available). Many laptops have two available PCMCIA slots for adding on various HW capabilities to the base system, such as a card capable of 802.11b wireless transmission. You can find wireless PCMCIA cards on the internet and at major electronics/computer stores; your Mfr may also offer them as an add-on to your basic system.
I don't have wireless now, but plan to use it at home for sharing cable based internet access from our computers at home. On the road, I use my cellphone as a modem to connect to the internet from anywhere within my cellphone service provider's coverage. (I want the wider coverage for email and paying a few bills, so I tolerate the slower speed and other problems with my cellphone connection.) There's another RV oriented Yahoo group that you might find helpful for more questions about WiFi internet access: go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/InternetByWiFi.

Paul Thomas

'03 Magna, old '98 laptop

Re: Internet Access Portable

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 13124
Hi Jim,

I just went through the same thing. I had an old laptop with a wireless card added to one of the PCMIA slots and it worked great until I began having compatability problems with some newer software. I purchased a new Gatway with the Centrino mobile processor. The laptop came with built in 802.11b wireless and it sucked. The range on the built in wireless is limited in the power and antenna gain. I was loosing the signal or having a low signal strength at what I considered very short distances. EVen in my own home, 50 ft was too far sometimes. To cure the problem I opted to use an external wireless car/antenna that plugs into the USB port.
Now I have a good strong signal and 802.11g.

Based on my experience, I will not buy another laptop with built in wirless that depends on any type of antenna. External is the only way to go.
Jim

Quote from: rollingghetto
>

Help requested:

I am ready to purchace a new computer for my motor home. My 5 year

old

Quote
lap top will no longer support the newer versions of DeLorme.

I have decided on the computer but am having trouble understanding > what is required to accomodate the new method of access to the > internet being made availble by some campgrounds, fuel stops and

also

Quote
in areas where people have not rendered their systems secure that

can

Quote
be accessed.

I understand there are various payment methods used by the host > terminals . At some campgrounds a fee can be paid for so much time > into the system.

I think at Fying J an access code is requested , granted and the > drivers can work from their truck cab instead of connecting to some > phone line in the restaurant booth.

All this said I beleive I am talking about Wi Fi. I am not

interested

Quote
in the system that connects via cellular phone technology, nor am I > interested in satilite direct connection.

Considering I will be buying a new computer, if there is some

special