Email/Web access while travelling

[Rollyko]

I would like to broaden the discussion about IPAQ/cell phone bluetooth connections to ask what is the best method of staying online when travelling.

Is it signing-up to a wireless contract with someone like T-Mobile and going from hotspot to hotspot? Or is it by getting a cell phone with a dialup connection and linking through bluetooth? Do some companies offer both as a package? Which combinations of IPAQ plus cell phone plus dial-up ISP offer reliable coverage? Are there any reviews of this issue or is it all trial and error?

[usa1811]

I have a 2210 which has a CF slot that fits an anolog modem. It's not wireless... but it works great for me when traveling from hotel to hotel.

[Npitlor]

I've been traveling for several years with just a PDA (After my laptop broke, and I didn't see a need to replace it...).

Here's my history:

I started with a Jornada 568 connected to a Startac with a cable (Using Verizon). It was SLOW, but reliable. I would try to find hotels with business centers and free internet access.

I upgraded to a WIFI/BT PDA. Still needed a cable to connect to my cell phone (No BT on Verizon). I also started to look for hotels with free wireless access (Hampton Inns will all have it by the end of the year). I also purchased a cheap wireless router for when I'd stay at hotels with free in-room internet. Worked pretty well.

I just purchased (yesterday) my first BT Verizon phone (v710). It's nice, as I can now throw out that cable... They say it should be much faster than my old setup, but I don't see that much difference. It's especially nice since my connector stopped working about a month ago.

I've considered subscribing to a Hot spot service; T-Mobile would be the one (as they are in all Starbucks and Boarders -- so I am never more than a block from access!!! -- BTW, I hate coffee). I don't see THAT much of a need for me, as there are usually free access points around that I can use:

-Apple Stores
-Many Libraries
-Many hotels
-Continental Airline lounges (Works well if you stand right outside)

I'm sure that there are a zillion others. I don't need to get online more than once or twice a day, and my secretary will check my messages fro me if I discover I can't get them.

[Rollyko]

Thank you. It is hard to know how readily you can find hotspots when travelling. It seems that dialup access may not be necessary for me. Much obliged.

[AnswerDude]

Originally posted by Rollyko
Thank you. It is hard to know how readily you can find hotspots when travelling. It seems that dialup access may not be necessary for me. Much obliged.
Here's a site that allows you to search for hotspot locations internationally, both free and commercial.
http://www.jiwire.com/

[Syno]

I just purchased (yesterday) my first BT Verizon phone (v710). It's nice, as I can now throw out that cable... They say it should be much faster than my old setup, but I don't see that much difference. It's especially nice since my connector stopped working about a month ago.


Hi,

I'm in the same boat with Verizon. Did this phone work for you? How did you set up the BT to access the internet for you?

Thanks for the idea! May need to go get a v710. I'll wait to hear how your experience was.

Thanks again,

Syno