| Author | Message | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Rating: N/A |
Kim Komando's tip of the day had a little information that may be of use to those planning on travelling and wanting to stay in contact. Kim Komando Show Daily Tip [kimstipreply@lyris.komando.com] Richard | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
Her Email address is a tip? | ||
| Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Rating: N/A |
probably an autoresponder that will put you on a mail list... | ||
| Linda 4104 MD at the moment Rating: N/A |
Kim Komando has an interesting and informative radio show about computers -- she's the "Digital Goddess" (that's what she calls herself, LOL, but she is in fact pretty). One can get on her e-mail list for tips, but the tips also show up on her web site at http://www.komando.com/tips.asp -- I don't see a tip there (yet) about Internet on the Road, but maybe subscribers get the tip in advance. Anyway, you can check out the above URL. | ||
| Russ Barnes (Neoruss)
Rating: N/A |
The tip was on todays daily tips that are sent no charge to subscribers. I suspect it will be on the weekly tips that appear on the website. Entertaining weekend radio show and good site and free subscriptions. For those of us born pre-computers it's nice to find a place that helps without charging. And yes, she's cute. | ||
| Jim (Jim_in_california)
Rating: N/A |
I've done a fair bit of research here. It looks like a Verizon Aircard is the way to go, but with a major caveat: you need the right PCMCIA card for your laptop (or a PCMCIA adapter for a desktop). The Verizon factory stores are starting to limit themselves to a low-cost card that doesn't have an external antenna jack. This is to be avoided at all costs if you want to use it inside a steel-framed and metal-skinned bus or truck conversion. You can shop around at various Verizon factory stores to find one of two older model cards that DO have the antennae jack - the one I found was the Kyocera KPC650 along with two other parts: an adapter to take it's weird tiny little port up to a fairly standard mini-coax screw connector ($10) and a window-mount antenna about 6" long with two suction cups and about 8ft of cable ($20). These are still available from Verizon but you'll have to call around at various stores to find one. OR use one of the Verizon VARs who are still shipping and supporting the better cards, like these guys: http://evdo-coverage.com More on the Kyocera card: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1814124,00.asp There are also accessory boosted antennas out there: https://evdo.sslpowered.com/Secure-Antenna.htm http://booster-antenna.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=14&zenid=d690641482bdcd3eba537b a65b1c4f3e http://www.wpsantennas.com/index.asp?PageAction=PRODSEARCH&txtSearch=kyocera+Kpc650&btnSea rch=GO&Page=1 If you can't score a 650, the older V620 isn't bad and at least it does have an antenna jack. There's also a way to turn one of these cards and the Verizon service into a WiFi hotspot: http://evdo-coverage.com/evdo-v650-lightning-rod-router.html The Router alone is a grand (eek) but may be worth it to some people. There are cheaper ways to get a desktop working with this though: slap a PCMCIA card reader in it, either internal or external via USB2.0. Or if you're very geeky you can roll your own: http://davesipaq.com/news/004735/evdo_stomp_box http://www.stompboxnetworks.com/index.html The deal with this card and Verizon's $59/mo unlimited 24/7 service (which I'm using right this second in Sacramento) is that in urban areas you get broadband - 100kb upload, between 300k and 700k download. If you're out of that area, you get dial-up grade speeds (56k equivelent range) anywhere a Verizon cellphone would work. You don't need to be a Verizon cellphone customer. Granted, it won't work at all in some extreme boonies but what the heck, we all need a break from the 'net sometime. In my case, when I'm really busy I'll be in urban areas as part of my new job. With startup costs of about $200, this has Motosat and the like beat all to hell and gone unless you need access in the DEEP boonies. Final point: Verizon has a 15-day money-back no questions asked policy so you can see if you're getting enough signal for your needs. Doesn't help us "very mobile" types that much though. | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
Rating: N/A |
John, sorry about that. I thought I was attaching a link to the page. That is why I like her tips for an old geezer like me that is computer illiterate. And she really is cute!! Richard | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
Aww... No apology needed, man! I sent her an email and we've got a date next Saturday. (don't tell my wife) | ||
| Steve Zona (Highwayrunner)
Rating: N/A |
hi guys. I have posted about this before, but the direcway satellite broadband internet system is the way to go. at least for me. and also for the rayhound, if any of you know him. I believe we have both had our systems for over three years, and better speeds than previous posters are talking about. download, after tweaks about 1.3meg and upload around 250 kb. works for me Steve and Cindi 82 mc9 | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
If a person needs broadband while on the road, the "satellite broadband Internet system" is probably the way to go.... If you have the money, and find it's worth the major expense... For others on a limited budget (like me), a cellphone used for Internet connections, and a WiFi box for times when that signal is available, is about the least expensive and most useful means to the Internet. And we have a web-based business! | ||
| Jim (Jim_in_california)
Rating: N/A |
If you're working and going to be in areas with cellphone coverage, I remain convinced that the sat-based systems have already been made obsolete by the best cell-based systems, in terms of both speed and cost-effectiveness. The Motosats and such still rule out in the boonies, but I don't know for how much longer. At some point some sort of 100+ mile range cell system will kick in and we'll get 100% of the ConUS covered. Studying the rate at which the best cell networks are spreading (esp. Verizon) I would put that at around 2008 at the latest. That won't mean broadband everywhere, just in the more developed zones. Boonies will be around the level of a good 56k dialup. But that's good enough for most needs... | ||
| Jojo Colina (Du1jec)
Rating: N/A |
I just completed a 2100 mile trip from Huntsville AL to Ramona CA. Most of the trip was along I40. I had a Sony GC-83 GPRS Edge PC(pcmcia)Card on Cingular service and I pretty much had Internet any time I wanted to get on. Speeds ranged from 30k to 120k depending on signal and location. I was quite happy with my connectivity while on the road. Jojo | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Rating: N/A |
I just finished dealing with this problem. Verizon wireless actually has up to 3 Megabyte speed in some areas. Cingular is about a year behind them in broadband and, in my opinion, WAY ahead in customer service. Also, Cingular has service everywhere they have cellular service. Verizon did not have internet access on all towers last October when my son used worked at his computer (for a living) to from Florida to Canada to Tennessee and back to Florida. I believe they still don't. I am currently online using my Motorola Razor cell phone as a modem working at dial up speeds North of Los Angeles. Right now Cingular is having a few growing pains and occasionally I get misinformation from them on service, but they always stand behind what they say. If you are thinking of what to use for on the road internet service next year I recommend Cingular. But this year Verizon still has the broadband edge. With either company, if you buy your own PCMCIA card you can avoid the one or two year contract. WiFi would be great if the RV parks and other locations had one provider or a bundler for multiple providers. Right now there are too many small plans that you use in one RV park and don't see again in 2000 miles. What we need is a reseller like dialup internet access has. | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Rating: N/A |
A note about computer equipment and placement: While a notebook is a handy item, they are more expensive, less durable and harder to work on yourself if you need a replacement disc drive, DVD/CD writer etc. I just upgraded from a windows 98 notebook that had been in the family for a while to a HP Pavillion PC with an AMD Athalon 64 X2 3800+ processor. The same as the Pentium Ds (dual core, 2 processors in one) that are coming out but faster and better. Light scribe DVD/CD writer (it can label a disc made for its system) a second DVD ROM drive, 1G memory (upgradeable to 4Gigs), front panel access for digital video input, 3 USBs, various memory cards and sticks and audio in and out and headphones, all on the front panel. $899 at CompUSA. I am using a 17 inch LCD combinataion computer monitor and TV that can be set on a table for computer use or the stand folded and hung in a recess mount on the wall for TV viewing. Figure $350 to $500 a 17 inch to 19 inch monitor/TV combo. CompUSA had a 23 inch Olevia TV/computer monitor for $399 after rebate. 17" H X 23" W X 6 inches maximum depth, . It is too heavy to move from the high positon to the table easily, but it could be built in with springs and slides to lower to computer monitor height. I can't do that easily because my coach is finished, but it could be done on a converison in process. You won't get that size screen and processor for near that money in a laptop. So I have decided to use a desktop type computer mounted in a cabinet and an LCD monitor with built in TV tuner and DVD/VCR inputs. Once I have a solid internet connection I can't think why I would want to carry a laptop anyway. I will have to put my computer cabinet in an existing front cabinet in the bus sideways and add enough ventilation to be sure it cools well. But if you are starting from scratch I would recommend building a cabinet for a computer with enough space and ventilation, including filters and fans. My computer is about 15"H X 16"D X X 8"W. Other brands I looked at were similar in size. Plan for at least 18' deep to allow for the connectors on the rear. you will want a computer with lots for front connectors. The cabinet should be about 1" larger in all dimensions to allow for air flow. Top of cabinet should be vented, either in door or cabinet top. you can buy what is called a breakout box to make all your connectins too if you need to make them in an easier location. I plan to edit a lot of old home video into DVDs while I travel and this unit should work just fine. | ||
| Jim (Jim_in_california)
Rating: N/A |
On the other hand, while laptops have their disadvantages, mine can go with me on my "toad" in a backpack along with the Verizon datalink card. My "toad" is a motorcycle with it's own garage in the back of the truck conversion... Some people need a laptop. If you can avoid that though, go for it, price/performance for desktops kicks butt, esp. home-brewed. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Rating: N/A |
As FASTFRED says "Do it your way". Our way is to use a laptop because ours has our GPS programs in it and we installed a bracket for it on the dash. With a 12 volt adapter, out GPS program is accessible to both driver and co-pilot. When camped, the laptop snaps into a docking station installed and prewired in a drawer. Set the 15" flat screen on the dinette, grab the wireless mouse and keyboard and we can compute as easily as at home. Printer is connected to the docking station. Just our way, YMMV. Jack | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
Stephen - The older laptops were a pain, but the new models are worth every penny of their cost. There are peripherals to do anything that can't be built into the small area of the laptop, and priced as low as any accessory for a desk top PC. Laptops are engineered to take some modest bouncing around, where the average PC will have some problems. The power supply for a laptop contains it's own UPS, so if the AC power source quits or fluctuates unexpectedly, no data is lost; the laptop suffers no damage. And when I have to leave the RV and take the car, I take my computer with me, without having to take anything apart and borrowing a wheelbarrow. I bought my Sony Vaio 1.2 about four years ago. Complete with 2 usb ports, firewire, card slots, cd/dvd read/write, stereo sound, serial port, and modem.... and a few other things (I won't bore you), for the then high price of $1,100 smackers. But... comparable PCs were selling for $800-900. I can buy a laptop today, with a larger hard drive, more memory and faster cpu for 1/2 of what I paid four years ago. After having this laptop, I'd never bother with a big box full of electronics again, especially if I plan to continue RVing. Just another opinion...... | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Rating: N/A |
Stephen - Haven't had a chance to chat with you since we were laughing so hard at dinner w/ Fast Fred & JJ at Jack's Party awhile back. . . You gonna cross the Grapevine and get into the Central Valley on this trip? If you've come this far, you've GOT to see Yosemite! Send me a note privately, and I'll give you my cell #. Just click on my name above, email addy is on profile page. RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Rating: N/A |
This is an update on using the Cingular Edge/GPRS internet connection. I am still in the same place using my Motorola Razr cell phone as a modem. I can talk on the phone while using it as a modem. My biggest problem is my location. I am a mile from Interstate 5 in Northern Los Angeles County, near Santa Clarita. I am working off a tower that has some of the busiest commuter traffic in the country and during the day and especially during rush hour the connectin gets really slow. After 9PM until morning rush hour the connection becomes very fast. Most places I have stayed have not had the congestion of this location. I swear, I think every car is using a computer as they drive with only one occupant. I haven't seen it but the slow down in daytime makes it seem so. Are some of you still able to use your cell phone as a modem free? I am paying $75/month. it would be $59/ month with a year or two contract, but I want to be able to go back to a cable modem when I get home. | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
Still free with my Verizon plan! (but I can't talk and use it for a modem at the same time)(Actually, if I'm chewing gum, I can't do anything else) | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Rating: N/A |
I just purchased a data cable yesterday from Alltel for my LG 5550 phone. I downloaded the sofware and connected my laptop yesterday afternoon at the Fire Station for a test drive. I do not know what the speed is, but it is faster than our home computer (limited to 26K because of the phone companies "multiplier") and slower than the Fire Station computer (ComCast cable connection. By using my home ISP, the only charge is airtime and nights after 7 PM and weekends are free. They do have have a plan through their "ISP" that you have to pay for, but I think it is a faster connection. The data cable and software cost me $69.95 Hope this helps, Jack | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
Rating: N/A |
I've been using Sprint's Vision plan for several years - $10/mo for 230Kbps, about 1/4 true broadband speed, unlimited use, no impact on minute allocation. Three year old phone w/datacable from ratshak. They don't 'officially' offer this anymore, but so far so good. Am lightly following EVDO though, because everything's changing, and my deal won't last forever. I don't dare change phones or the gig will be up probably. | ||
| airless in Jacksonville Rating: N/A |
Hey anyone wishing to use their cellphone... the data cable is needed however the software isn't. Windows dialup networking does everything without the additional cost of the software The only thing you need to know is the phone number of your cellphone (ISP) Sprint is #777 Chuck I have the same plan as you except it was only 5.00 per month. | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
Rating: N/A |
Airless, yup, no additional software required on the OSX side either, where I've been using it exclusively. You've got a real sweetheart deal at only $5/mo, but I'm not gonna wrastle with the retention department trying to get your deal. They might just shut me down altogether.  Continued best wishes as you adjust to your new environment. | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Rating: N/A |
I wanted to give you all a note on my overall cell phone experience with Cingular and retract my previous endorsement. About the time I last wrote, September 2005, I was accepting the change in customer service and the outages I was experiencing as growing pains that would soon pass. Instead I found many more dropped calls and periods of service unavailable. Not Places but tlime periods when the system just was not available to me. I spent $225 for three montehs of wireless innternet service. Fot that I had to get up between 2AM and 5 AM to use the internet and sstill only had dial up speed. In San Diego, one of Cingular's five broad band coverage areas nationaaally, I had high speed service for one day and about 1/2 dial up speed for two. It was not unusual to have an Edge connection and only have 16kbs speed on the trip East. That is little "b". i did not travel through the Katrina damaged areas. While house hunting in Tennessee I found that I had about 30 miles with no coverage and the locaals told me I needed Verizon there. I previously touted ATT and then Cingular, but, sad to say, I would not currently recommend their service. I have had a continued problem also with voice mail being delivered many hours late. I am in my home area now and there was a 7 hour delay in getting a voice mail left by the realtor. Yhat seems to be a regular occurance. If you have access to Consumer Reports, check this months Issue. In a Nationwide Survey, Verizon was number one in every market in service and satisfation. Cingular is now last or near last with a lot of (deserved) black marks. The Los Angeles abyamal rating was exactly my experience. I believe they have over-sold the capacity of their equipment. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Rating: N/A |
Steve - November or December issue of Consumer Reports? RJ | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Rating: N/A |
January 2006. |