hi just got a new MacBook Pro laptop and am planning a trip.
i'm already wireless in-house, but wondering if anyone can
advise re: hi/low lights of using, purchasing, signing a contract, etc.


what is Wi-Fi?

i'm over 40

GoldiLocks said:

What a cute thing to say.

All the computer geeks are in bed right now.

I'm sure you'll get some help tomorrow when they are back on.

GoldiLocks said:

"WiFi" just means you're accessing the Internet wirelessly (i.e. no wire between your modem and laptop).

Re: traveling: you can't take your Internet service "with" you (unless you have a portable modem that accesses the 'Net via a cellphone signal, etc.) ; you have to use an Internet connection where you are (most decent hotels offer them).

What kind of contract are you talking about? For Internet service?

a portable modem that accesses the 'Net via a cellphone signal, etc.
What kind of contract are you talking about? For Internet service?

the above is what i had in mind.
i'm w/Verizon for my cell service.
but when i spoke to them about this type of modem & service they said it came w/a contract.
i can ask Verizon all these questions...
like does it take up your cell time to use the modem, etc.


i just thought some traveling laptoppers might have a unanimous, experienced opinion
about a particular brand of modem and/or a non-contract service for comparable price.

thanks for your interest in this topic.

GoldiLocks said:

I would suggest using wifi where possible for free and in an emergency use your verizon phone as a modem and access the gprs network

ok, let's say for ease and expense sake . . .

i don't travel much - this will be a short trip.

so i CAN access the basic internet/modem services common at most hotels for most of my needs?
do i need to bring my own ethernet cord?
if it's wireless or WIFI (Starbucks, right?), then somehow my laptop will read it without add'l software installation.

i'm just curious how my laptop "READS" the airwaves in Starbucks initially; i.e., how is it or what is it that is picking up the signal?

any other economy internet travel tips you may have are appreciated.

thank you.
[Edited 11/26/07 19:35pm]
[Edited 11/26/07 19:36pm]

GoldiLocks said:

Yes.


If you're able to go wireless in your house, you won't need an ethernet cord anywhere else, either.


Yes (and "wireless" and "Wi-Fi" are the same thing).


Just think of it like a radio and Wi-Fi networks as radio stations. The major difference is that most Wi-Fi networks will be private (i.e. only unlocked by password).

You are able to pull up a window on your laptop which'll show you which wireless networks are in range, the strength of their signals and whether they are locked or not.

As for using Starbucks' Wi-Fi, that's another story. Which country will you be in?

P.S. Here in Toronto, we have a Wi-Fi network that will eventually cover the whole city (right now it covers most of the downtown core - although I don't know how strong the signal is in high-rises); you can buy time on it. Some other major cities have similar networks.