Being a newby to Class C traveling, Id like to know if any members carry a computer when they travel and if so, what do you use to connect to the internet?
Thanks for the info.
I usually carry my laptop. In addition to RV campgrounds, in many places you can find an "open" WiFi hotspot -- around schools, libraries, coffee shops, etc. Most operators who leave them unsecured won't mind modest bandwidth use. Many truck stops offer WiFi service for a usually reasonable fee.
Then there is cellular internet access. There is a lengthy thread on the subject in the Technology Corner forum. Briefly, the carriers want you to buy an "Aircard" data only service, typically at $60 /month with 24 month contract plus the card at $50-$150. Accordingly, they are closing up formerly available methods of "tethering", using your regular cell phone as a modem to connect the laptop to the Internet. Some of these methods cost voice minutes, others did not. AT&T, and I'm told Alltel, still offer cell phone browser data service for $15 /month, and allow it to be used in tethered mode. All such modem systems require software which may or may not have to be purchased.
I'm using AT&T MediaNet service on a Motorola Razr V3xx phone, and tethering to my laptop through Motorola Phone Tools software, via either Bluetooth or USB cable. It works, at more or less 100 kpbs, though the software is flaky.
We have four computers on board, two we use for communication. We also have a cell phone. The two computers have wifi and the new laptop also has a Verizon broadband air card. We can link the two computers with secure wifi and both use the air card at the same time. When free wifi is available, we use that unless it is slowed by heavy use. We don't pay for wifi.
We just arrived in CO Spgs from NC and used the air card on the road to keep up with hazard and construction information. That helped a lot, especially going through St Louis and Kansas CIty. It was amazing to see live video of traffic ahead on various routes. However, the broadband air card didn't work in many rural areas, like western KS.
Thats why I asked the question.
Iv been looking at the Verizon Air Card and was wondering how well it worked.
From what Verizon has told me, as long as I get a cell signal, the card will work.
Most providers will show a coverage map-study it and see where you usually go,then choose,I'am writing this and linking through a high speed wi-fi-of unknown origin to me-all I know is "network connection 2 default"
bbarbee wrote: We always carry a laptop and use campground WiFi when available and it none available, we have the Verizon Broadband service.
I don't understand why you would use WiFi when you have the Broadband? Your air card is more secure than the WiFi, isn't it? It also has unlimited minutes, right? We have a Sprint aircard, and it wooks everywhere that the cell-phone works so I don't understand why a person would want to go somewhere and share an open service?
Am I missing something
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so I don't understand why a person would want to go somewhere and share an open service?
