Wireless Internet for Laptops

Wireless Internet Access for Laptops

If you have a laptop, it almost surely includes a wireless network adapter. (If not, you can buy a USB network adapter for as little as $20 on eBay.) All you need to get online anywhere is a WiFi "hot spot" - a wireless router, connected to the Internet, that lets passersby connect to it and get online. WiFi routers broadcast radio signals in all directions via which a laptop with a wireless network adapter can connect. All you have to do is find a WiFi router that won't ask too many questions like, "What is the password?" or worse, "What is your credit card number for X minutes of Internet access?"

If you have high-speed Internet access in your home, you probably have a Wifi router already. If you are unable to connect to it, the wifi feature may be turned off, or it may be password protected. You should also have an on/off switch for the wifi on your laptop. If those clues don't get you there, ask your Internet provider for help configuring your router for wifi access, and make sure you read my related article on Wireless Security.

Many WiFi routers in homes, carelessly or deliberately, provide Internet access to every neighbor and even to strangers who park near the home containing the router. Many coffee shops, restaurants, libraries, book stores, and even pool halls offer free WiFi to attract customers and keep them on the premises. There are several ways to find free WiFi if there is any available in your vicinity.

Opening your laptop and checking the display of available networks is a common method. That little wireless network icon in your System Tray will display available networks if you click on it. Highlighting a displayed network name will show whether it is free ("unsecured") or requires an encryption key (password) to use. Note that even after you get into a free network it may still ask for payment or limit the amount of time you can freeload. But this method of checking for free WiFi is cumbersome and tedious, especially if you are standing on the sidewalk with no place to set down your laptop. There are other, easier ways.

Finding a Wireless Internet Access Point

A number of vendors, including Kingston Technologies and Hawking Technologies, sell battery-powered keychain-sized devices that just tell you if there are WiFi networks nearby and if any is unsecured. Learning whether it's worthwhile to open your laptop is as easy as checking the time on your phone. These devices cost around $15 to $75; the more expensive models have wireless network adapters and even signal boosters built into them. They're very handy for office-less nomads.

Many independent Web sites maintain lists and maps of WiFi hotspots, if you know in advance where you will need one. The Jiwire Wi-Fi Finder is one that I like. Enter an address, or even just a postal code, and up comes a selection of free WiFi locations. The only trouble is that the list may not be up to date; the WiFi providers often don't know they are included in third-party lists, or may forget to notify the listkeepers when their WiFi locations change.

Nationwide chains of familiar brands keep more reliable lists of their locations and the WiFi available at them. Barnes & Noble book stores offer free WiFi. Starbucks charges for theirs. The downtown areas of major cities generally offer at least enough free WiFi time to check your email, airline flight schedule, and local attractions. Even some Burger King locations offer free WiFi, but BurgerKing.com does not note WiFi availability along with store locations.

A college or university is a dependable sign that free WiFi is close to you. Fast food places, bars, and any kind of store that wants kids to come in and spend money will offer free WiFi; it's like spreading sugar for ants. There are some potential gotchas when it comes to wifi and the security of your personal information. Check out my article Is Public WiFi Safe? to find out if you're exposed.

Cellular WiFi - Mobile Broadband

Cellular WiFi means never having to search for a WiFi hotspot, and not having to drink gallons of coffee to stay connected all day. A cellular modem, typically in a USB or PC Card (PCMCIA) format, and a subscription data plan are what you need to stay on the Internet while riding in a taxi or bus, or even in the middle of nowhere (as long as you can get a decent cellular signal).

All of the cellular carriers offer Internet service at different speeds and prices. T-Mobile, for instance, has EDGE service that does about 500 Kbps download and 100 Kbps upload for as little as $20 a month if you also have voice service. Verizon, AT&T and Sprint offer 3G (high speed) mobile broadband connection plans for about $60 a month. Sprint allows for superfast 4G in certain cities, and 3G service elsewhere.

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