Wireless Internet Connection

[DZ91169]

Hi, I hope I don't sound like I'm repeating an already asked question, but I'm still learnin'. I'd like to purchase a wireless card that I can use anywhere (i.e., outside, vacation) to access the internet. I know I'll have to pay a monthy fee like a cellphone, but I'm for it. Thank U in advance for all the useful information!!

[Richie Rich]

The most common form of wireless is considered WiFi, which uses the 802.11b protocol. Newer formats include the 802.11g, which is faster, but less common, though it is gaining ground.

For a wireless card to work you must have two things, one is a wireless card for your Mobilepro, and a signal, normally from an access point/router somewhere.

The wireless card for the Mobilepros must be a 16 bit card, which limits your choice of manufacturers. The 32 bit wireless cards you see for laptops will not work with your Mobilepro. A search of this website will reveal a multitude of information on compatible brands and links to other sites.

The access point is normally a free type of thing for many places, such as airport lobbies, hotels, etc. Some have a charge you have to pay...Starbucks comes to mind. If you are not within the signal range of an access point, you cannot connect, you cannot access the internet.

Some Pocketpc devices can access the internet anywhere by connecting thru a cellular phone and then connecting to a host internet provider. The Mobilepro cannot do this to my knowledge, but I wouldn't swear to it.

More common are hard wired ethernet ports. You see these more commonly in libraries, universities, hotels/motels, etc. A hardwired pcmcia ethernet card is what you need to connect to this.

Of course, built into your Mobilepro is a nice 56K modem. This is by far the simplest method to connect to the internet. All you need to do for that is find an internet service provider (ISP) that supports dial up connections, and preferably one that has either a toll-free 800 number, or many local numbers in the area you want to visit.

For a long time my local ISP was my main source...I would actually input my ATT calling card number into my dialup sequence, dial my home ISP from a thousand miles away and make a connection that way.

Don't expect tremendous thoroughput though. It is functional and works, but it takes an average of 30-40 seconds for a page to load, depending on the number of graphics. The speed is not much faster on an ethernet connection either...simply a limitation of the handheld.

Rich

[DZ91169]

Hi Rich,

Thank U! I am grateful for the built in 56K modem. I realize that not everywhere will I be able to access the internet. I may wait a while. Thank U!