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Hi all up till now we have only ever gone away for a couple of weeks, but we are now planning longer trips 6 weeks or more.
I never used to bother about internet access when away for just a couple of weeks but now feel it would be advantage.
I have looked at various methods such as pocket surfer, 3 modem etc.
I would like to try using wifi hotspots first to see how we get on. I have a wireless enabled laptop, but wondered if the in built aerial would be up to the job.
I have searched for wifi aerials but they all seem to have a bnc type connection. Is there one I can use that just plugs into a usb port and that I could then stand either outside or near the windscreen for better reception.
Any advice tips much appreciated.
Pete
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I have a Belkin Wireless USB Network adapter. It is like a large USB memory stick but also has a wired stand into which it plugs and that can be put about a metre away from the computer.
It came free with something so can't be expensive.
Hi...if your laptop has WIFI then you won't need an extra aerial.
Try going on sites with Wifi ......I am on one at the moment in Spain......unlimited access and free......take your Skype phone with you.....download skype if you dont already have it...then you can use the free connection to call home.
Lynda
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Hi...if your laptop has WIFI then you won't need an extra aerial.
a
This is good advice Linda if the wifi transmitter and your van are quite close together. We found on many sites - France, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia especially, that having the extra metre of aerial lead meant we could use the laptop on a table in the van and not have to get into contorted positions or go outside to "see" the transmitter.
Definately have Skype. Put a bit of credit on it so you can phone landlines in UK.
G
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I am in Almeria on campsite WiFi @ just 5 euros a week. No ariel needed. A decent laptop with WiFi is all you should need.
Maybe I should be in Alora as free is always better.
Last edited by apxc15 on Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:07 pm; edited 1 time in total ______________________________________________________________ So much to learn and so little time.
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Thats interesting to note Grizzly......I have never had a problem accessing wifi on sites whilst sitting inside at my table.......so i didnt know it COULD be a problem. The site I am on at the moment has WIFI thoughout the site and its a pretty big site......so does that mean they must have a bigger transmitter ?
Or could it be dependant on the quality of the laptop ?
Having Skype is great.....I ring all the family lots more when I am away and have more time.
Lynda
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Thats interesting to note Grizzly......I have never had a problem accessing wifi on sites whilst sitting inside at my table.......so i didnt know it COULD be a problem. The site I am on at the moment has WIFI thoughout the site and its a pretty big site......so does that mean they must have a bigger transmitter ?
Or could it be dependant on the quality of the laptop ?
Lynda
I don't think it depends on the laptop Lynda; we used a state of the art Mac one and my grotty old Sony one with no difference. I think it dpends on the transmitter though and where you are in relation to it. In Metz for example we had to go to sit beside the river with the laptop to be able to pick it up.The transmitter was in a hut neat the aire. In a site in Slovenia we had to hold the laptop to the window or go an use it in the laundry until we put in the dongle. In a site in Italy however we got 5 bars all the time in the van. I think it also depends on how many are using the connection too. The Slovenian site had lots of Poles downloading videos which made it run very slowly at times !
France is working very hard to make all cities and many towns into wifi zones and will give you access for free if you call at the tourist office. You will have to give them your home address ( security we were told) and you get a password to access the service.
G
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that chaps the I serve my wifi too, pick it up using a standard USB plug in reciever, and that is attached to a USB extension, about 3 meters..
this enables the stick to be lashed to a mast outside and they can pick me up at nearly 100m.. wouldn't be possible inside their vans in this case..
cost, about £15 all in (worth having for some occasions when trying to 'push the envelope')
hope that helps
John
______________________________________________________________ Chevrolet 1984 Midas 23´ work needed !
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