Mobile Internet?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Mobile Internet?

CyberMartyr

3 posts

Wannabe Geek
Inactive user

#2667 2-Nov-2004 05:16

Hello,

I'm working with a band that travels around the world, they have 4 members on 4 G4 imac notebooks. What can I do to get them Internet access on the road while they are touring.

Thanks,
Doug

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
79294 posts

Uber Geek

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#9773 2-Nov-2004 07:45

Not easy question. There are lots of wireless standards around the world. The easiest thing to do is to make sure the iBooks are equipped with wireless LAN. This way you can use the thousands of wireless LAN hotspots around the world - but it doesn't mean they're free. You might have to sign up on the spot to use their services. Companies like Boingo Wireless will have some of these around the world.

Since wireless LAN is not that predominant, you might as well make sure your iBook has Bluetooth capabilities. This way you can have a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone on a GSM/GPRS/EDGE network and use its roaming capabilities to connect to the Internet. For example AT&T Wireless/Cingular roam on Vodafone, and Vodafone is available almost everywhere in the world.

I have these two and I'm pretty much covered wherever I am.

CyberMartyr

3 posts

Wannabe Geek
Inactive user

#9776 2-Nov-2004 08:10

AT&T and Verizon seem to be my best choices, I wish there was something reliable for their tour bus, we will see and I will let you know if they go with something.

Thanks,
Doug

alasta

6706 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#9778 2-Nov-2004 08:30

Getting bluetooth and wireless LAN capability working on a Macintosh is easy. In the case of bluetooth, most USB based adaptors will work (the D-Link model seems to be the most popular) and, in the case of wireless LAN, you simply need to purchase an Apple Airport card and install it in the slot underneath the iBook's keyboard.

I would not recommend connecting with a phone which does not support bluetooth, as you will find it very difficult (if not impossible) to get a cable or infrared connection working with your Macintosh.

CyberMartyr

3 posts

Wannabe Geek
Inactive user

#9779 2-Nov-2004 08:57

Most of their connecting will be done on a tour bus, how bad a factor is this?

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
79294 posts

Uber Geek

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#9781 2-Nov-2004 09:04

It's only bad if it's an area with no mobile coverage. Otherwise most of the times this will be fine.