Date:         Fri, 29 Apr 2005 07:29:46 -0700
Reply-To:     Paul Guzyk <paullist@GUZYK.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Paul Guzyk <paullist@GUZYK.COM>
Subject:      Re: Internet access using a cell phone
In-Reply-To:  <ffd6b09050429061835e9ae5b@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"

>Solutions:
>(1) a notebook computer with a wifi card enable us to connect at free access
>places and we could even purchase the access plans available at truck stops
>along the way. The problem with this is that I have to hunt and find a place
>with wifi Internet access.

Even if you have a cellphone for internet, make sure you take along a
wifi compatible laptop.   You'd be amazed at how many places have
"free" wi-fi.  Not just coffee shops and other businesses, sometimes
you can just park on the street near someones house and use the
Internet that leaks from their house.   Around 50% of the people with
wireless routers don't put passwords on their networks.  Since people
pay a flat rate for their Internet, I don't feel guilty using it for
a few minutes since it won't impact them financially.

Also, mid range motels along interstates all seem to be adding wi-fi.
Just pull into their parking lot for a few minutes to check your
email.  Easier and more plentiful than truck stops.

It's worth getting a pocket "wi-fi scanner" to check for signals
without having to setup your laptop. You just drive slowly down the
street until the light turns green, then park and check your email.

Try and get one of the new wi-fi scanners that searches for wide open
unsecured networks (i.e. no password needed).  That will ensure no
false expectations.

Or, if you have a passenger in your Westy (Vanagon content), have
them watch the laptop and get software like netstumbler to help with
your "war driving".  You'll be amazed at how many wi-fi networks are
out there...

http://wiki.personaltelco.net/index.cgi/NetStumbler