Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2004 12:09:27 -0500
Reply-To: Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Subject: Re: RoadHaus - Wireless Internet Report
In-Reply-To: <200402142138.i1ELcRv16421@lsh139.siteprotect.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Rachel my friend .....
I would respectfully suggest it's a bit of an apples and oranges
comparison.
For the Techie, like yourself, I think WiFi is a way cool and fun thing
to pursue.
Driving around with an externally mounted directional antenae looking
for Hot Spots seems like a neat treasure hunt.
Not slamming the WiFi approach at all.
For many it would be an excellent way to go. And the connect speeds can
definitely be awesome.
But my objectives are a little different.
1. Internet & Pop Email availability.
2. Coast to Coast Coverage
3. From Rural rather than urban locations.
I tend to traveling the back roads.
Lots of National Forests, BLM areas, National Parks, State Forests, Open
Range land etc.
These are really very suitable for WiFi.
By the time I ready to camp for the night I'm usually far away from
neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas that would be WiFi Hot
Spots.
While the $79.99 (unlimited usage) Verizon Plan is far from my ideal
solution. I have yet to find a better solution that meets my objectives.
- I have been able to connect from many, fairly remote areas across the
country
- The connection speeds are not blazingly fast (~46k) ... But they will
do what I need done.
- If I'm in a signal area, I can have my email downloading while I
drive. Ready to be ready and replied at a rest break.
- No brainier usage, click and on. No driving around looking for Hot
Spots.
I think they are both excellent solution.
Just different tools for different objectives.
Now if someone can offer a Wireless plan for $29.99 per month .... I'd
be a happy boy.
BTW ... I always wanted to an "Entity".
Thank You.
Larry Chase
Email: RoadGuy@RoadHaus.com
Web: WWW.RoadHaus.com
Cell: 408.202.1217
What: North American Road Trip
How: RoadHaus - 1990 White VW Westfalia Syncro
Today: Florida
- - -
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2004 00:27:06 -0700
From: Gnarlodious <gnarlodious@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: RoadHaus - Wireless Internet Report
Entity Larry Chase spoke thus:
> http://www.roadhaus.com/Wireless%20Internet.html
Frankly Larry, I'm not impressed. $80 per month subscription for such a
slow speed with exhorbitant hardware outlay is not my idea of a viable
solution for the average mobile user. There are many sites with up-to
date searchable Wi-Fi databases, 2 of which
are:
http://www.wifinder.com/
WiFinder - Worldwide Hotspots Directory
and:
http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/
Wi-FiHotSpotList.com, a directory of public hot spots for finding Wi-Fi
wireless Internet access network nodes
These free hotspots typically hit 650k down AND up (DSL), and with an
external antenna you can sit and internet from your Vanagon. The only
difficulty can be sending POP email from a public access point, but
webmail is still usable anywhere you can surf.
The best strategy is to drive around running a "Stumbler" application,
which announces in voice all access points in range. Once you start
doing it you'll be amazed how dense the AP's are. Plus, there's a real
thrill in finding a real fast hotspot, doing your stuff and making a
fast getaway.
All you need is an 802.11 card, either PCMCIA or Airport (for Mac),
under $100 for the card. Older cards run $40 used, but may have lower
security. An external antenna for a laptop can cost $80 or an like I
have can run $120 for the antenna and hardware:
http://www.Gnarlodious.com/Vanagon/Electrical/Pages/Internet.html
Hope your many fans don't consider your solution the only one.
-- Gnarlie
