need quick wifi help

[Ctsplaysinrain]

Hi- Leaving in the AM. Going to run out an do last minute errands in a few.. I just realized that I should probably buy my teen something that will give him wifi for our stay this week.. I use one of those mobile broadband so never thought about it but be may want to watch movies or something and I dont want him to use up all my data.Also, he needs to work on a research paper for finals that is due when we get back...So, he needs some access in between the National Chess tourney he is attending and touring the parks..I've seen people mentioning small internet router that they take iwth him.. He has a new HP laptop that runs Windows 7.. Can someone give me a quick answer of one that I can buy at Bestbuy that should be compatible. We will be staying at BLT and BCV..

 

[erionm]

Just about any wireless router will work if the laptop has wifi built in. If you do buy one, you will want to set it up before you leave to make sure the laptop can connect. While you could do the setup at Disney, it's usually easier to do while at home.

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

HOw about this one? Just want to make sure get the right thing....

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/NETGEAR...5507043&st=internet router&contract_desc=null

will it be real hassle to set up there? dont want to do it here- will probably mess up the household system.......

 

[erionm]

As far as wireless routers go, it looks like a decent one. I can't answer the setup on property question. I have an Apple AirPort Express that I take with, but I set it up at home so all I do it plug it in once we get in the room.

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

I have a MAC- he has a Windows based.. Would an Airport express work with both at the same time?

 

[kansas_wazzu]

What is it that you are looking for? Access to the internet for a laptop that has wireless capabilities? Perhaps you are looking for something that provides the internet itelf wirelessly, similar to a free hotspot at Starbucks, but via mobile device that you own.

If you need mobile wireless, I think that you are looking for a device that provides the internet on a mobile basis. A couple of examples are the mifi from Verizon or the Overdrive from Sprint.

Is that what you need?

 

[erionm]

I have a MAC- he has a Windows based.. Would an Airport express work with both at the same time?

Yes. I believe that you have can up to 10 devices connected to an AirPort Express at one time.

 

[kansas_wazzu]

Remember, the Air Port Express (apple) only works when plugged into the modem that is in the DVC room via an ethernet cable. So, a wireless router like the Air Port Express only provides wiresss access in your room (or down the hall). It provides existing internet access wirelessly, not internet access iteself.

You state, "he needs some access in between the National Chess tourney he is attending and touring the parks". Does this mean in your room or someplace else? If it is anywhere other than your room, none of the suggested solutions (AirPort Express, D-Link, etc. will work).

I'll stop now, unless you want suggestions for wireless access away from your room.

Good Luck!

 

[drusba]

Do you have a wireless router hooked up at home? If you do, you could just take it with you and plug it into the ethernet hookup (and electric line next to it) in the room and that will give you wireless access in the room.

If you really want to buy something to take with and have for trips for the same purpose, don't get a full size router like the one shown at Best Buy above. An Airport Express is good (they work with any computer mac or otherwise). A D-Link Wireless Pocket Router is another possibility (and like all wireless routers work with any computer mac or PC). There are numerous others. They all essentially work the same way and you should set it up at home before leaving to make sure each computer you are taking is communicating with it because doing set up when you get there can be a real pain sometimes.

 

[iloman]

If you're looking to plug a wireless router into the internet access provided in your room then I would recommend the Linksys brand before any of the others. As a Network Engineer by profession I've had the pleasure of working with D-Link, Netgear, and Linksys both professionally and for personal use (including friends and family). I've found their technical support to be the best; if you do find yourself with a working internet connection at the hotel but unable to find out why your new wireless router doesn't work, they've got the best track record for helping people get setup that I've seen.

Edit: best technical support outside of Apple that I've seen. I don't know what kind of support their Airports com with but I do know their Mac Pro's support is excellent. I'm guessing that same support level is available for the Airport as well.

 

[mckryan]

HOw about this one? Just want to make sure get the right thing....

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/NETGEAR...5507043&st=internet router&contract_desc=null

will it be real hassle to set up there? dont want to do it here- will probably mess up the household system.......

I have that one, and I set it up while at Disney. I did have to call Netgear, but that was only because I had a Mac and needed some specific help. I took about 30 minutes out of my day to get it up and running. Now it just sits in the box I take with me to WDW, I plug it in when I get there and we are up and running in a flash.

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

Thanks for all the help.... I decided to take another path...LOL I've been eyeing the multi person Virgin Mobile mifi lately.. I have a verizon mobile but I'm always worried about going over the data plan.. Also, it sits mainly when I'm not traveling so I'm paying 59.00 a month.. I'm going to double check the fine print but looks like this is 40.00 month when you want to use w/ unlimited data and we can both or ( all 4 use) when needed.. ANyone used one of these?