Wireless internet USB thingy

[gunlovingirl]

I'll be at my Mom's in Michigan for a week. Last time I was there I couldn't get online with my laptop because all the available signals were secure. I don't know how I'll make it for a whole week if I can't get online! I'm wondering about these things that plug into a USB port so you can get online. Can anyone offer me some advice and/or how they work?

 

[scottaschultz]

I don't know if you have Cricket in your area, but here is one (of many I am sure) company that offers those USB "thingies" to connect to the Internet:
Cricket Wireless | Cricket Broadband

Good Luck!
Scott

 

[BobL]

Misty,
Google "satellite broadband internet" for information on the units you are interested in.
BobL

 

[diamonback68]

Misty, if you go online with one of the satelitte "thingy" you will have to subscribe and pay a monthly fee just like you do now.
If you have a wireless laptop, you can just go to any McDonalds, Paneras etc. and have a cup of coffee and get on their net cloud.

 

[deadin]

Most public libraries have free internet access. You just take your laptop, sit in a corner and go online.

 

[DeathGrip]

Most public libraries have free internet access. You just take your laptop, sit in a corner and go online.

Sit in a corner?Misty have you been bad?

Best wishes for Mom.

D.G.

 

[gunlovingirl]

Thanks all. It wouldn't make much sense I suppose to have to pay a monthly fee, when I'd rarely use it. Maybe I'll be able to get a unsecure signal this time. If not, I'll go to the library or McDs.

D.G.- Bad? Who? Me? Nooooooo!

 

[45Wheelgun]

Another option for "wireless thingy" would be a cellular internet device. Available from all major cellular providers. Usually they give you the "thingy" for free, but make you sign up for 2 years of service for around $40/month.

Going to a local restaurant or coffee shop is probably the best thing to do.

Another option, if you know any of the neighbors, you could always ask them for the passcode to their wireless.

 

[Wayne02]

Another option for "wireless thingy" would be a cellular internet device.

We use this technique when camping but we don't have to pay a recurring monthly data fee nor have an air card. One of our verizon phones gets tethered to a wireless router which broadcasts the high speed connection for the other laptops. (not all phones are tetherable) This of course assumes you are in a data coverage area, though we have found verizons area to be pretty extensive.

We turn the 'feature' on and off as needed and it costs about $2.00 per day. It basically 'pro-rates' the $60 per month data plan. We usually call when headed out on Friday to have them turn the feature on, and tell them to turn it off Sunday night. The really nice thing is it's true high speed, same speed as our home verizon fios service. I'm assuming other carriers have similuar offerings.

 

[ladder13]

I'll be at my Mom's in Michigan for a week. Last time I was there I couldn't get online with my laptop because all the available signals were secure. I don't know how I'll make it for a whole week if I can't get online! I'm wondering about these things that plug into a USB port so you can get online. Can anyone offer me some advice and/or how they work?

Maybe one of the neighbors will let you connect to their service. A friend let me connect to their wireless router when we visited Orlando couple months ago.

 

[m657]

....manyManyMANY hotels across the country these days have a password you get with your registration for WiFi....if you travel and use hotels, this is another possibility.

Made a cross-country trip earlier this year; used GPS & WiFi all the way, it was certainly a new experience for me!!!