chrisguld
Florida
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Joined: 08/07/2004
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This week, in RVNetBlog.com I wrote an article about Wi-Fi hotspots. I'd like to get some feedback from you.
Do you only use Wi-Fi hotspots in RV parks? Or, do you use coffee shops, libraries, or others? How do you find hotspots? Are you able to find Wi-Fi whenever you need it - or do you do without Internet more than you'd like?
Chris Guld
"Blessed are the Flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape!"
Full time in our 37' Gulfstream Endura Super C
See our weblog/travelog, at GeeksOnTour.Blogspot.com
RV.net Blogger
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lgr_001
Out West
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Joined: 11/19/2005
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Chris, truly this has been beaten to death in much more depth than your article. There is very little feedback other than it seems to be a consensus that for many of us, wi-fi is not a "normal" option. I have finally caved in and gotten an air-card as many others have. My biggest complaint about wi-fi in the parks is their lack of stability. Also at rest areas that advertise wi-fi but don't take care of it.
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2oldman
NM
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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could be more in here..
wifi setup 2005.
wifi need ISP?
new and dumb to wifi
wifi/businesses
wifi.. free
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Scarface56
Appleton, Wisconsin
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Joined: 01/31/2007
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I too gave up on WiFi for the same reasons as stated above plus the fact that WiFi is not very secure. Now I'm using an air card. No more trying to find out where there is a WiFi and if my signal strength is enough to do anything. I know that there is an expense to air cards and a broadband service provider but it is much more secure. To me with online banking and bill paying the cost of the air card and service outweighed the risks.
Me & DW
08 GMC 3500 SLT 4x4 DRW Diesel
Pioneer AVIC D3 GPS Nav/Stereo/backup camera
2011 245RL Keystone Laredo
Scooter Buddy 125
17.5 Crestliner Boat
For those of us who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. SEMPER FI
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Nana-Papa
North Olmsted, OH USA
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We have a datacard and generally it is faster then the WiFi provided at the campgrounds that we have visited!
Barb and Bob
2001 Sportsmen 2605 MS
2002 Suburban 8.1L 3.73
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chrisguld
Florida
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Joined: 08/07/2004
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Wow! I sure expected some responses from people who do use Wi-Fi. Data cards have improved immensely in the last year, but are you all saying they have overtaken Wi-Fi as the norm?
There are 300 subscribers to the Wi-Fi in the park where I'm wintering. And, every Thousand Trails park we stayed at over the summer offered free Wi-Fi in the clubhouse that was used by many. I think I can count on one hand the number of parks we've stayed at in the last year that did not have Wi-Fi. And, the majority of them were free.
I agree that Wi-Fi is not stable or dependable enough for any kind of business or critical use. It still seems to me that Wi-Fi is a good way to go for part time travelers who want to check their email and do a little browsing.
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ol Bombero-JC
USA
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Joined: 06/24/2004
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Chris -
Your last paragraph is correct. E-mail and browsing.
If I needed a connection for work, I would have an aircard.
Not "tight", just don't like two year contracts.
Your "sample group" may be pretty small - although you feel it is large.
If there are 300 "subscribers" - does that mean they are paying for WiFi?
Are there more than 300 spaces in the park - or does that mean you're
counting everyone as a "subscriber" just because they're there?
Also, not too many camp at Thousand Trails.
Many "clubhouse" or office WiFi is just a Linksys router for the office staff's
computers - also available to the campers if you go to the office.
JC
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lgr_001
Out West
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Chris,
I agree with JC and others above. I have spent the last 3 years trying to find good, solid wi-fi from our coach without packing it up, walking down to the office area, etc; to do what is needed. We need to be able to check bank statements, bills, etc; online and in our last 38 day trip, we had reliable wi-fi 6 of those. While wi-fi is great for a home network, and an occasional hookup when the signal is solid, I believe it is too early in it's "infancy" to seriously consider for people who need a reliable connection. If we stay at a park that has a decent wi-fi, we are paying for the services one way or another. Your crowds at the campgrounds where you teach have chosen that lifestyle. I prefer to stay in quieter, more remote campgrounds which never seem to have wi-fi without driving around town trying to find it. That's not what it's all about.
In summary, I do use wi-fi here at home, and in those rare occasions when nothing else is available. I consider wi-fi a good "backup" plan but prefer the security and reliability of our air-card. This is not a "quick" decision as I have a closet full of antennas, etc; meant to make sure I could make contact. None were "the" answer although some helped. For Our peace of mind it is easier to find a signal for our aircard that search around a small town looking for an unlocked wi-fi signal.
p.s. I love reading your personal blog and have learned many things about blogging, photos, etc; from you two.
Larry
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chuck4788
West of the Middle
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Larry said it very well.
Chuck
02 Beaver
505hp C12 Cat
Trailblazer toad
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Gdlow
Meridian Idaho
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Chris
We use WIFI whenever and where ever available..
Gary And Cathy
'05 Dolphin 5342
Honda Element following us ">
Pacnats
GS, FMCA
"> Rallys attended
FMCA Albany, Or.'06
FMCA Redmond, Or.'07
FMCA Quartzite, Az. '10...but not again">
Good Sams "The Rally" Redmond Or. '11
FMCA Redmond August 2014
FMCA Indio, Ca 2013
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