[MelodyL]

What if someone only wants to go on the internet? Not type any word processing documents, not play games on the computer....ONLY GO ON THE INTERNET.

So they wouldn't need a laptop because you can do various other stuff with a laptop, or notebook, etc.

So, besides the IPAD (which I heard does not play videos that well), is there a computer hand held gadget or laptop size thingee that ONLY WILL GET YOU ON THE LAPTOP?

And if this exists, do they have pre-paid online thingees that you could plug into this gadget for a price of perhaps $10 a month.

If such a thing exists, I would like to know about it.

This device would of course need a keypad (for forums), and it would have to let you go on hulu or whatever and view an videos that are up on the internet.

I know you are probably saying "why doesn't she just get a laptop"

But this is 2010. THERE MUST BE A GADGET THAT ONLY DOES INTERNET.

thanks much

Meloldy

[ewizabeth]

Not for $10 a month. You can get a Verizon Netbook or air card and get the small plan for $39.99 per month but that only gets you 250 mb. For $20 more you get 5000 mb of data (20 times more) for $59.99 per month. Or go to your local library for free access? Or a wifi hotspot? Data plans are not cheap, and that's what internet is, usually.

[MelodyL]

Know why I'm puzzled? Because in this age of technology and pre-paid phones (I have one and I love it), and yeah I have a desktop, but how come (in this day and age), no one thought to corner the market and develop a gadget that only does internet.

And I do not believe that it can't be done. This techo companies can do ANYTHING they want. I bet you some day that there will be disposable internet gadgets like disposable phones.

And I bet everyone will run out and get one. I mean think about it. No more routers hooked up to modems. You just go and buy a gadget, buy a prepaid thingee, stick it in, and THE PERSON WHO INVENTS THIS, will be RICHER than Bill Gates.

lol

Melody
Is there a way to find out which places offer wi-fi? I'm just curious. Like a sort of online database for wi-fi in my area?

[Jomar]

something like hot spot finder { http://v4.jiwire.com/search-wifi-hot...53613281250001 }or use Google maps and put in "free wifi hot spots - "zipcode"

[ewizabeth]

Originally Posted by Jo*mar

something like hot spot finder { http://v4.jiwire.com/search-wifi-hot...53613281250001 }or use Google maps and put in "free wifi hot spots - "zipcode"

But with this you still need to use gas to travel to the free wifi hotspots. With the price of gas I don't know how practical this would be? I know there are supposedly some communities that will put in citywide wifi? But will it be secure? At least with the Verizon air card or mifi you have a secure connection.

[Jomar]

I think she was just curious about any free wifi close to her home.

[MelodyL]

Originally Posted by Jo*mar

I think she was just curious about any free wifi close to her home.

Correct!!!!

See what I found!!

http://www.openwifispots.com/Finder....,-73.993673,13

I can walk to many of these places.

So let me see if I got this straight.

I buy a notebook, it comes all set up with built in wi fi software (I have no idea what this means anyway).

I walk into to McDonalds, get a coffee I sit down,I open the laptop, I click on the IE icon, and it does it's thing, and BAM, I'm on the internet?? And I can go anyplace exactly like I do using my desktop?

And if I want to use this in my own home, I have to install a router on my modem?

Did I get this right?

Melody

[ewizabeth]

Ok, so either I didn't read all the details correctly or I was tired, or both, lol. I hope you can get free access to the wifi in your area. For me it would mean driving to the nearby college town but if it's in walking distance that's awesome for you!

[Jomar]

Yes Melody,
Most netbook/laptops have the wifi card & antenna built inside {real old ones may not} and the connection handling program is built into windows or Linux or Mac OS too.
I know Windows & Linux have it built in, so I'm pretty sure Mac does too.


some free wifi /hot spots places might still require you to sign up & log on but they don't charge for use. But you can't sit there all day and not buy anything LOL - they do frown on that part.

[MelodyL]

Originally Posted by Jo*mar

Yes Melody,
Most netbook/laptops have the wifi card & antenna built inside {real old ones may not} and the connection handling program is built into windows or Linux or Mac OS too.
I know Windows & Linux have it built in, so I'm pretty sure Mac does too.


some free wifi /hot spots places might still require you to sign up & log on but they don't charge for use. But you can't sit there all day and not buy anything LOL - they do frown on that part.

So any NEW laptop that I get should come with Windows 7, right, and before I buy it I would ask the guy "is this wi-fi ready, or do I have to do something?"

Then if he says "no it's all set, just purchase, go into McDonalds, and enjoy.

Since I go out for breakfast in the morning, I have my choice of 4 places that offer wi-fi. Before I buy anything, I'm taking a walk to each and every place, ask 2 questions;

1. do you have wi fi? and if says "sure", then

2. Do I have to sign up to use it.

Now I don't really care if I have to sign up to use it because it would be free.

So....when all is said and done, to rephrase the old adage, HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO!!!

I would have my laptop and Wi Fi TOOOOOO!!!

lol lol lol


P.S One more important thing. I would NEVER do any personal banking, put any personal information WHATSOEVER on this laptop because I know there are people who could be sitting next to me and copying everything off of my hard drive.

I WATCHED MISSION IMPOSSIBLE YOU KNOW!!!!

lol