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Old 02-26-2006, 03:57 PM   #1
Trailer Trash 2
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WIFI ??

How much does it cost to get WIFI? do I have to have a computer with a wireless set up?

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Old 02-26-2006, 05:20 PM   #2
JH Sechelt
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Don & Georgia,

This web site might help.

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm

Wifi works great for camping as you don't need to hook up ( hardwire to use the internet ).
Security might be a little less, so make sure you have a good firewall.

Take Care
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Old 02-26-2006, 06:46 PM   #3
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John, is there a published list of available hotspots.
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Old 02-26-2006, 07:40 PM   #4
JH Sechelt
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Hi Gary,

I'm not sure, most RV Parks have wifi, and it seems to be a 50/50 split if they charge for it
or if it is free to the camper. Most RV web sites tell you if they have it or not.

Last October, wife & I flew down to LA for a week, ( to see the Eagles at the Anaheim Pond ).
I took one of our laptops with the GPS & Streets & Trips so we could find our way around when we
rented a car. It seemed that every light that we stopped at the the computer would pick up
a Wifi in some ones house or office. That was pretty cool you could get an update on streets & trips ( road reports ) at every Light.

The internet is such a great tool, and oldies like me only us a very little part of it.

Take Care
J & D
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Old 02-27-2006, 02:45 AM   #5
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JH Sechelt, Are you saying S&T will show a WiFi signal like a "sniffer"? Do I have to have the Road Results feature turned on? How does it signal you?
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Old 02-27-2006, 05:41 AM   #6
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If you have a wifi card in your computer it should look for a signal ever time you turn your computer on. I have verizon broadband but my wifi card finds all the wifi sites in range every time I boot up

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Old 02-27-2006, 07:47 AM   #7
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Lots of threads in the past re this question. Basics...the computer has to either be WIFi capable on its own, or a WiFi card purchased. This card fits into the PMICA "slot" on the side of almost all laptop computers. You will also need to install the software that comes with the card. That should get you "basic" WiFi....coffee shops, RV parks, etc, etc. Cost (if it is an "add on" wwifi capability) around $100, maybe a bit more, maybe a bit less. Get the card at almost any computer store... That lets you use "freebie" WiFi or "pay as you go" WiFi.

The major cell phone companies offer Internet Connection programs/services. Different deal..That uses either a card, usually with a little antenna on it, to plug in on the side of the computer or a special cable connection from your cell phone to the computer USB port. The equipment cost (excluding cell phone) is around $80 (+ / - ) The subscription to access the Internet via the phone can be very pricy or very inexpensive...depends on the cell phone company, what copnnection speed you want/need, and much you will be using the Internet on it. We use Verizon ExpressNet. 115 Kbps speed, unlimited use after 9 PM. Costs program minutes before 9PM.

Hope this clarifies it all a bit..
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Old 02-27-2006, 09:09 AM   #8
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We have had fairly good luck with WIFI on the road in the last year or so. Seems most CC are installing it.Some are free some are not.You will be paying for it one way or the other.. While at the Toledo RV show in Downtown Toledo we picked up 6 WIf1 connection from Our Hotel room, three of them open.Most , if not all, major truck stops have it and have not yet found one that was not open..
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Old 02-27-2006, 10:55 AM   #9
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Ok!! So do they have a cable going to to each trailer spot, do I have to buy a specal computer without putting my self in the poor house.
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Old 02-27-2006, 11:11 AM   #10
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TT2, the beauty of WIFI is that is really is "wireless", no cable to site. There is a transmitter (or several) in the campground which broadcasts the signal. Most new laptops come WIFI enabled at no extra cost. If not, a simple PC card can be added for WIFI reception.
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Old 02-27-2006, 01:09 PM   #11
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If you travel on the interstates in Iowa all rest areas have wifi. Never tried driving with computer on and picking up wife.I will have to try that sometime.
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Old 02-27-2006, 02:54 PM   #12
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TT2..The average WIFI transmitter has a range of about 100 feet. Most campgrounds have antennas scattered around the CC for better reception//No cable hookup, no wires. Most PC's have a internal WIFI card or you can buy a external card as some have said.If you are buying a New Laptop it will most likely have the WIFI card (ask) just turn on the PC and wifi will be there if you are in range of a transmitter. Go to www.howstuffworks.com search for WIFI and you can get a good explaination of how it works.
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Old 02-27-2006, 03:49 PM   #13
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OK I got it now, I'll just have to buy a new Dell laptop prity soon with that WIFI conection installed in it. thank you everybody for the help I understand now.
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Old 02-27-2006, 06:09 PM   #14
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We have two Dell computers. One uses a card and the other is built in. We had to call Dell to get our wi-fi set up to work. It was easy.
Dell laptops are reasonable now. Better deal than we had.
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Old 02-28-2006, 01:21 AM   #15
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TT2 -

You can get a new laptop with Wifi for a little over $500 from Dell, Best Buy, Circuit City, Comp USA. If you want a little more hand holding, you may want to buy directly from a store. Many have had good luck with Dell. Borders, Barnes and Noble, some McDonalds, Flying J, Starbucks, etc. all have Wifi access - some free, some for a fee. The CG where we seasonal is putting in wifi because they lose points from Trailer Life directory if they don't have it. Ours will cost. We had good luck with our Verizon cell phone as an alternate option, but our new phones have Bluetooth capability and Verizon has disabled the modem capability. Very frustrating that they do not offer a phone that has both bluetooth and modem capability. So many options, so little money - best of luck.
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Old 03-01-2006, 04:47 AM   #16
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My laptop is not WiFi capable, so I picked up the PC card at Radio Shack. I think it was $30.00 or so. Texas rest stops just went to WiFi, as have three other states. As noted, most truck stops are set up for it, as are barnes and Noble bookstores, Starbucks, etc. You don't even have to be in the store to use it, the parking lot out front will work.
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Old 03-01-2006, 05:42 AM   #17
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Some cities have gone WiFi !! We were in Marshalltown, Iowa last summer when they launched a 6 square block free WiFi zone sponsered by the C of C. We sat on a park bench on the square to do our e-mailing and check on our MOC family !! Chicago is talking about doing the same.
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Old 03-01-2006, 05:51 AM   #18
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We purchased an adapter at Wal-Mart for $49.00. It plugs into one of your USB ports. We have used it for a year and works very well.

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Old 03-01-2006, 05:54 AM   #19
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I forgot to tell you.

No special computer. Just need a USB port available. The adapter I purchased is: Linksys Wireless. Sold at Walmart for $49.00.





Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Trailer Trash 2

Ok!! So do they have a cable going to to each trailer spot, do I have to buy a specal computer without putting my self in the poor house.
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Old 03-01-2006, 06:52 PM   #20
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I came back through Chicago Ohare on my last R&R. My wireless picked up three public networks at the airport. $6.95 per day
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