We are wireless!!!

[stevie_d_64]

Be afraid, very afraid!!!

Inspiron 1720!!!!

I need to hear some grunts!!!

Yes, it is a Merry Christmas!!!

Hope y'all have one too!!!

[Kalrog]

*grunt* *snort* *fart*

Oops. Sorry. That one got away from me.

What wireless router are you using to connect the laptop to the network?

[atxgun]

w00t

[KC5AV]

What took you so long?

[stevie_d_64]

Ok, I need some geek support here, or at least some idea that will keep me on the straight and narrow while I get edumacated on all this stuff...

I am fairly computer literate, so if I stray its only because I have a dream... A dream of internet and email accessability of a broadband nature, in a traveling situation, and while I am mobile in a vehicle if that is possible...

The Dell computer laptop I got has a very good "card" installed inside the computer, and is accessable for maintenence or other upgrades...

I can acccess the internet, and email (once I get it setup with my ISP, and right into my "Outlook" I have on the computer)...

I want to know if I need some sort of bridge or "router" I have been looking at tonight??? And will that puirchase allow me to setup a mobile wireless internet accessable station while say traveling in my vehicle(s)???

I know I could get this setup wherever I am when I get there, once I settle down...But I was wondering if it would work if you could get it setup in a car or truck...

I know it might be cumbersome and somewhat a pain, but as long as the driver is not distracted, and not using the system while driving, just let a navigator use it...

What additional hardware should I get to make this work, in a truly mobile fashion???

I have 5 total USB ports, two of which can and will be used by a LT-20 GPS hockeypuck and the latest DeLorme 2008 mapping software...And possibly a wireless mouse...Both of these which have been tested over the last weekend, and they worked really well...

So I am left with three to plug in this "bridge" router that could be powered and pluged into a UPS port to allow internet access...Either in a stationary hotel room situation, or idealy in a mobile situation in a vehicle...Which would give me all I want out of a laptop at this time...

Any ideas or refinement of my perceptions of available technology are welcome as always...

I do understand that there may be dropouts or loss of signal situations in a mobile application here, depending upon cellular and other data coverages...

I guess I need that device that sniffs out the WWW better than hoping you fall into a WiFi bubble that drops off after you leave it...Like at your average Panera's Bread, or Starbucks coffee shop, etc etc...

Feel free to PM me if you have a hardware model number or store where I can go get this tomorrow...No pressure, I just have one day off before the end of a short week for us...And I'd like to see what can be done here...

Thanks fellers...

Later,
Steve

[stevie_d_64]

*grunt* *snort* *fart*

Oops. Sorry. That one got away from me.

What wireless router are you using to connect the laptop to the network?

I don't have one, but when I was up on vacation this last weekend, I got online through my grandmothers wireless modem (router) right on the spot...

So I just want to know can I get a device (bridge) that I can hook into the laptop that will give me my own "network", either stationary in a room somewhere, or in a vehicle while trundling down the road???

Any ideas???

Or am I just whistling dixie???

[LarryH]

If you visit a motel chain that advertises "free high speed internet", your internal wireless card can access their network with no additional hardware.

For the truly mobile situation, I'll be watching for answers, too.

[KC5AV]

The only thing that comes to mind for truly mobile access is access via a cellular carrier. A lady at work recently had an AT&T air card installed in her laptop so that she could get wireless access when she went to visit her husband when he is working on drilling rigs. She would only have dial up access, otherwise. Of course, there are sure to be additional charges associated with that option.

[Kalrog]

The only thing that comes to mind for truly mobile access is access via a cellular carrier.

Now that really only applies if you want to truly have access anywhere. Including while driving in a car. If you don't mind stopping for your access, then you can easily pull over into a McDonalds or Starbucks to get free access. But there isn't anything else that will work for the truly "ON THE GO" person.

[KC5AV]

Don't forget hotels that allow free access to their guests. I always feel like I'm a guest when I pull into the parking lot to check the map for directions... and check my email.

[stevie_d_64]

Yep, I have just received an education...

The "card" I do have installed works in those situations where I can tap into the WiFi bubble they have setup already...No problem...

And I can do the same at hotels and other establishments that provide either the wireless or a hard-jack tap into their network...Whether its broadband or not is no big deal in the long run...

Now, I did get it confirmed that you can get a mobile internet access by purchasing (yet another) a device like this AT&T, Sprint, etc etc "card" that slides into that available slot on the side of most machines that will give you the access where it is available down most major roadways and other places where the data and cell phones hit...So theoretically I can get the internet in a tree, a hole, in a pond, down in the bushes...Just like the guy says on TV...

I guess I had thought I had one of these types of cards installed when I ordered the computer...I just had to activate it...Oh well...

Thats a cost of the device (card) and the service...And since we already have AT&T as our cell provider, that fee can be rolled into our monthly statement...Looks to be fairly reasonable, cost-wise...

So I guess thats about it...I'm going to go over and scope the situation out and make sure I got it all down pat...

This has been enlightening!!!

[KC5AV]

You might also take a look at your cell phone. I have a friend in Garland who uses his phone as a cellular modem, and gets Internet access that way. You might be able to skip the cost of the card and simply buy a cable. I don't know how the speeds would compare, though.

[Mike1951]

I sometimes use the cell phone with a special cable and get 115k.

I have Verizon. Where you have normal service, it will work and just bills at minutes used at your regular rate.

However, if your phone says 'Extended Network', as it's liable to away from large towns, the internet connection won't work at all.

[stevie_d_64]

Figured it out, and obviously its working here now...

AT&T's broadband "Air" card is up and running now...So it looks like I did graduate to the 21st Century today...

Lessee if it works in the basement level of the building I'm at tomorrow...

Cell phones work, so I figure this one will too...

Thanks guys for all the help...

BTW, Microsoft "Vista" and these firewalls (both the Microsoft, and PC-cillin Security 14) are not an issue, nor does any special configuration need to be done to get these new laptops to working in this capacity...

I think the dragon has been slain!

But the war still rages!!!

[KC5AV]

Great to hear. Let me know what kind of speeds you see with the air card.