Wireless

[James57]

Exactly how does this wireless work? Who has it? How well does it work and how expensive is it? Can I justify it by getting rid of my current ISP since I only use it for e-mails?:D

[dks99]

are you talking about WiFi ? or Bluetooth ? These are means of transportation they don't provide you Internet access by themselves you still need an ISP

Unless you are talking about some kind of a wireless ISP like AT&T etc...

Just as an example,
I have my internet access provided by a cable ISP which hooks up into a wireless router. from that point on I get internet to my laptop and clie using the WiFi wireless network cards.

The max. speed of the WiFi is about 11Mb (about 4-6Mb in reality) which is still larger then majority of internet speeds out there (1-2Mb max)

The biggest problem with WiFi wireless is security. Its fairly easy to "sniff" or eavesdrop on someone's internet transmission since its being "broadcast" around the block like a radio... and the current built in encryption is not much good...

I hope this helps ?
dks

[James57]

I use MSN as my ISP. Are you saying that with a WiFi card I can have MSN wirelessly transmit my e-mails? I'm a little new to the wireless concept. I appreciate your patience. Thanks:)

[n2ifp]

You need to have wireless access to a LAN network. Range is usually a few hundred feet. Besides the WiFi card you need to have a WAP(wireless access point) connected to your ISP through your PC or a router. It can give freedom around the house. I am not sure if MSN hotmail will work though, unless it's a pop3 account.

Your talking $200.00 USD +/- for the WL100 card and a WAP.

Do a search on Google and look for tutorials. What's presented here is fairly simplistic.

[James57]

I was under the assumption I could send and recieve e-mails when I was out travelling the country. I dont need to get my e-mails when I am around the house. Or am I just getting all of this confused.:confused::confused:

[dks99]

Unfortunately both Wifi and the build it bluetooth will only give you wireless access when they are close to the Acces Point that n2ifp mentioned. There are some places out in the public where you can sometimes get WiFi access (some car dealership, some libraries, airports etc) but I would not call this wide spread yet...

As n2ifp also mentioned, you have to be withint 100feet or so from the WiFi Access point to get a connection.

If you are traveling on a train or car and want to check your email ?

I think the best option would be:
- internet connection plan from your cell phone company
- bluetooth enabled cell phone
- the bluetooth clie

this way you can have your clie contact your cell phone by bluetooth, dial out to the internet, check your email and then disconnect.

however that's just a theory. My cell phone (Motorola 270c) while bluetooth enabled in US, is not bluetooth capable in Canada where I live. :( Therefore I can't tell you how well this would work.

I think there are also some issues with some cell phones not connecting. Check the forums for bluetooth for more detail.

ALSO,
as n2ifp mentioned, your MSN email account would have to allow POP3 access for any clie email client to get your emails out.

second, you will be most likely billed by the minute for the internet access through your cell phone.

decisions, decisions...

Yeah, the time when we will roam the earth free and have instant internet connection everywhere IS coming... but its not here yet...

dks