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I'm new to the whole laptop thing. I don't even have one yet but am going to get one. How does WiFi work? Does one need a service provider? Some people say they don't pay for it. I'm clueless. All I know is that I looked at Dell laptops and they want you to sign a 2 year contract for AT&T data connect plan but it is $60 a month! That seems really high. Unless I can use it on my home computer too...help!
I have a Toshiba laptop that I bought for $299 about 8 months ago. I bought it at Best Buy and I didn't have to sign any contracts. I do have AT & T for my regular computer and I use a wi-fi modem and so my house is wi-fi. I use the laptop in the dining room and I keep my desktop on all the time, but never use it. I love my laptop. I might be paying around $50 for my AT &T but I have the fastest connection.
I have a Toshiba laptop that I bought for $299 about 8 months ago. I bought it at Best Buy and I didn't have to sign any contracts. I do have AT & T for my regular computer and I use a wi-fi modem and so my house is wi-fi. I use the laptop in the dining room and I keep my desktop on all the time, but never use it. I love my laptop. I might be paying around $50 for my AT &T but I have the fastest connection.
So can you take the laptop elsewhere and use it? I am trying to figure this out because we are venturing from Redneck hell to Florida to find jobs and would like an internet connection on our journey.
Thanks for responding!
Wireless for a laptop is not like wireless for a cell phone. There is limited range. In gy2020's example above, he has an internet connection to his home that he pays for. On that internet connection, he has a wireless router, which is a device that allows things like wireless laptops to connect through it to his home's internet connection.
So it goes like this:
Your computer --> wireless router --> internet connection.
Many businesses offer wi-fi service, such as Starbucks. But while you are driving on the road, you most likely will not have internet service. That's where internet capable cell phones come in. They use the cellphone towers to provide internet service on the road.
A few cities offer wireless coverage, but you would need to check with the individual city to find out if they do and where it is available.
Once you get to your destination, you will need to find or establish an internet connection with a wireless router in order to use the internet on your laptop. Most internet providers today provide a wireless router as a standard part of their equipment. So when you move in and order your internet service, you will probably get a wireless router as part of the equipment package.
Many hotels and motels also offer wireless internet as a feature, though you may have to pay for access to it.
I think the OP's question is more fundamental and basic.
Every notebook computer sold today has wireless ethernet capability. That means it can connect to any standard "wifi" network. These networks have a range of 100-150ft. Not all of them are free. Many coffee shops, restaurants, public places, etc. have free wifi. You simply boot your computer, fire up the wireless network manager, select the network, and click the connect button. You are on your way.
Other places, like airports, and most Starbucks I have been in - have non-free wifi. You will connect just with free wifi networks - but you will have to pay for your time on the network. When you start your browser you will be presented a form to complete and enter a credit card or a wifi userid (like T-Mobile).
Another way to get wireless internet is using cellular networks. That is what Dell is selling. It is a "data" plan with AT&T that probably requires a USB-based cellular modem. Some notebooks have them built in - but usually for just one brand of cellular service. This kind of service generally works wherever cellular service works although the speed will vary widely.
The cellular data plans are also subject to usage limits and much slower than with a typical high speed modem and wireless router.
Most hotels I have been at offer free interent nowadays.
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