getting net when travelling?

[stingygrrl]

I'm very behind on all the phone technology. Can someone point out links that summarize all the features in cell phone, eg, GPRS, WAP, etc and the best way to get the laptop (see it's not OT ) connected when I'm out and about?

I think the best way is prob a wireless link from the laptop to cell phone, but then what? is there a better solution? what's the best way in terms of usage and $?

it's mostly to kill time in airports and send email. some picture uploading to my website gallery.

which phones do you recommend? they have to be unlockable and color. as for the other features, I don't really know what else is out there.
Right now, I'm on TMobile but am free to switch.

 

[arsbanned]

You'd be better off using available hotspots with your laptop wireless and using your phone as a phone. I've used the GSM phone internet connectivity and it's extremely slow and quite costly.
As for cell service/phone info, I used AT&T for 2 years but now have Verizon. Verizon is far superior in terms of coverage and quality of signal, IMO (CDMA as opposed to TDMA). Their America's Network covers nearly every part of the U.S. and starts out at a reasonable $35. I'm currently using an Audiovox 8900 flip with color screen (huge and bright) which I like very much. No dropped calls and excellent sound quality. It also has a cam built in and the Web services, both of which I seldom use. In addition it features voice command technology.
Hope this helps.

arsbanned

 

[Amused]

Most hotels have broadband access now, either wired or wireless. Nearly all Panera Bread stores have free wifi with ISDN speeds and there are T-Moble Hot Spots in Borders Books, most major airports and Starbuck's Coffee shops. T-Moble Hot spots cost about $6 an hour, or $29.00 a month if you sign up for a year.

The key to getting access in airports is to find the club lounge and sit directly outside of it where ever you can find a good signal. Connect to it, open a browser and you can pay for your session with T-Moble. If you travel infreqently, do the $6 for an hour deal. If you travel all the time, join for $29 a month for a yearly unlimited subscription.

For more info on T-Moble Hot Spots in airports, go to T-Moble's page. They will tell you exactly which airline club lounges have hot spots so you can know in advance.

Personally, for me, if I have to sit for more than 45 minutes in an airport, I'll pay the $6 for internet access to kill time. I guess it depends on how much $6 is worth to you.

 

[stingygrrl]

yeah I could do the hotspot thing, but I thought there might be a way to use my cell phone to cut costs. With all the cell phone deals, I could get a new one with the features I need, once I know what features I need.

I hate to pay $6 if I'm just logging in for 10 minutes check my email and see if any news deals have been posted

Same for the hotel use where it's $10/day adn I might be checking email once in the am and once in the pm (I only do leisure travelling).

Also, I think the airports are Tmobile and most hotels are Wayport, meaning you have to subscribe to both? vs adding text only browsing to a Tmobile cell account for $5/mo unlimited use. I think they can connect to teh laptop by IR or BT.

 

[arsbanned]

Well, do share once you've made it a reality.

 

[stingygrrl]

thanks for the help

I've pretty much ruled out Sprint and AT&T. SO that leaves Verizon and Tmobile. I'm hoping for a great deal at amazon to come around. I'm also trying to pre-prepare for friends who've bought about 6-7 laptops in the past few months, and I know the next issue they ask me will be connectivity. I've always been weak in PDAs and cell phones.