wireless newbie question

[moonie]

Hey guys

I would like to use my laptop in a place where I dont have a router setup. Presently, I can move all over my house, yet I see people with what looks like a plug-in when they are in restaurants or ski lodges using their laptops.

Can someone tell me what it's called, and where I can get one o these?

Muchly appreciated

[earendel]

Hey guys

I would like to use my laptop in a place where I dont have a router setup. Presently, I can move all over my house, yet I see people with what looks like a plug-in when they are in restaurants or ski lodges using their laptops.

Can someone tell me what it's called, and where I can get one o these?

Muchly appreciated

Some of them are using wireless cards provided by their telco (AT&T, Verizon and Sprint all have them, I believe). They cost extra (not covered by cell phone plans). If you have a Centrino processor you may not need such a card - just let your computer detect the presence of a wireless signal.

[fantine33]

Hey guys

I would like to use my laptop in a place where I dont have a router setup. Presently, I can move all over my house, yet I see people with what looks like a plug-in when they are in restaurants or ski lodges using their laptops.

Can someone tell me what it's called, and where I can get one o these?

Muchly appreciated

I think my niece has a bluetooth thing she plugs into her laptop that uses her cell phone. Because what better use of those precious cell phone minutes than taking your laptop everywhere you go to listen to mp3s and watch youtube videos?

[themanintheseersuckersuit]

What you are probably looking for is a Wi-Fi hotspot where you can use your computer. Look around at some of those places and see if they are advertising wireless access.

[ulysses5019]

I just got off the phone with Verizon because my new laptop has a slot that is too small for my Wireless Card. I would have to upgrade to a new card which is USB compatible. Since my contract goes through June I've decided to wait. The wireless card is separate from my cell phone and it works anywhere I get cell service. I pay a monthly fee no matter how much I use it. I do go to a lot of places and use wifi but there are plenty of places that don't. And it pays for itself when I travel. Hotel rooms generally charge something like a $10.00 a day fee to use their internet.