by Chris Guld, www.geeksontour.com
Just because you buy a computer with built-in ‘Wi-Fi’ doesn’t mean you can connect to the Internet from anywhere. You need to have a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect TO. Usually that means being in a Starbucks with a Wi-Fi hotspot, or a Hotel, or an RV park. Your computer connects to their Wi-Fi hotspot. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could carry your own Wi-Fi hotspot around with you?!
I’m not talking about plugging something into your computer. I’m talking about having a Wi-Fi hotspot in your pocket. You computer can connect to it, just like you connect to Starbucks or the RV park.
The Mi-Fi
There is only one button on this little device. It’s either on or off. Stick it in your pocket and your computer can connect to your own private Wi-Fi hotspot whereever you are. And 4 other people with Wi-Fi enabled devices can connect as well.
This device has been around for almost a year now. My favorite review is a video by David Pogue. Verizon now has a complete tutorial video on it. We don’t have one of these so I can’t give you a firsthand review. If you have one, leave a comment and tell us what you think.
Many geeks don’t like them because they can’t accept an external antenna and they’re not a true router that they can configure themselves. The convenience of this single-button-hotspot-in-your-pocket seem to override a lot of drawbacks to me.
Mi-Fi is also available on the Sprint Network
Walking Hotspot
About a year ago, someone wanted to show me how her cellphone, in her pocket, was a Wi-Fi hotspot. I corrected her, saying that she had her terminology mixed up. A cellphone can provide an Internet connection, but Wi-Fi is a different technology. Luckily, I see enough new technology every day, that I know not to stick to my guns too forcefully. “Show me” I said. I brought my laptop over and proceeded – like the scientifically proven flightless bumblebee – to fly! I opened my wireless network list and, indeed, I could see her cellphone listed as a connection! I connected with the password she gave me and voila! I was browsing.
How did she do it? With software from www.walkinghotspot.com. It only works on cellphones that use the Windows Mobile software – so that leaves a lot of us out of luck. Verizon is out.
After that experience, I immediately updated our ‘Internet on the Road’ seminar handout.
Palm Pre Plus
The latest new Smart Phone (or ‘App Phone’ per David Pogue) from Verizon is now a Hotspot right out of the box. Well, almost – you do need to download the app for 3G Mobile Hotspot. I went straight to Verizon to get one, but …. Jim is so enjoying his Motorola Droid – that I decided to wait a bit. Maybe something similar will be available for the Droid. Upcoming article: Internet by Droid 🙂
Beam me Up Scotty!
Chris Guld, www.GeeksonTour.com
Computer Education for Travelers
