travelling with iPhone...?

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mbear

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#66668 21-Aug-2010 12:42

Hi,

I need some help as I know nothing about iPhone/wireless networks/anything to do with technology...

I am travelling around central america and need to purchase a device to access wireless networks over there (I have confirmed that these networks are free to access in the places I am staying)... I want/need to take something small hence leaning towards an iPhone so I can also use it for calling etc.

So my questions are:

1. Most importantly, as it is unlocked, can I purchase mexican and costa rican sim cards over there and it will work?

2. Will i be able to access the wireless networks, or do I have to pay for some sort of plan (rather than a prepay sim)?

3. Would taking a laptop be a better idea? I am more concerned with being able to access my emails etc than calling but would be good to be able to do both.

I don't want to buy it then find out I cant even use it over there (or will cost me sooo much that it is not worth it) so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks :)

n00dy

482 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#370647 21-Aug-2010 12:50

iphone would be ok has both wifi, gsm & wcdma so nearly all networks are covered, the only issue would be getting the mexican apn setting to access the net via cellular network but most store could sort that out

bigshoes

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#370656 21-Aug-2010 13:15

If you are in a free wifi zone you just have to go to settings>wifi and it will detect networks in range and you just connect to whichever is free/unlocked. As long as you don't mind usung the small iphone screen for reading/writing emails, then you should be fine with iphone. A laptop/netbook will come in useful if you want to transfer photos and maybe book flights, etc while you are on the road though.

MattD

663 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#373422 27-Aug-2010 07:04

A laptop/netbook will come in useful if you want to transfer photos and maybe book flights, etc while you are on the road though.

transfer photos would be a benefit, also the size of screen to work with. Also if doing a lot of typing of messages, blog etc you may get sick of small iPhone keypad. You might have other alternatives like internet cafe if not wanting another device, powerpack etc

I book flights using iPhone and iPad already, would not require Notebook

JimmyC

726 posts

Ultimate Geek

#373478 27-Aug-2010 10:26

Incidently, you can transfer photo's off your iPhone by plugging it into a PC with a USB cable. It appears as a removable drive, access the Cameral Roll folder to copy\move\delete pictures off your phone.

MattD

663 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#373830 28-Aug-2010 06:28

But what if using a dedicated camera or SLR, the iPhone will not be of much benefit.