How to use wifi while traveling

[bmjabber2]

I have a 2 year old Gateway M520 notebook w/built in wireless.

I'm so confused. Told to just click in to an unsecured wireless connection which is unfair and I don't want to do it that way.

How else could I get internet service while I'm traveling/staying at hotels in different states?

I have Embarque for my DSL company, use Outlook Express for Mail, Windows XP.

I'm also told I can buy some kind of card for my computer to use.

Any advice appreciated.

Barbara

[M/Q]

Check your other thread as to information about associating with unknown wireless networks.

I would strongly suggest staying away for WiFi access while traveling. What mobile phone service do you use? Cingular/ATT and Sprint have data access that is more secure, less troublesome and user-friendly. I use the Sprint data card as that is what my employer gives me. It is so nice to use, anywhere you have phone access you will have Internet access. No hassles or security issues. It obviously costs, but it sounds like this is for business, thus not having to worry about access would be appreciated. Besides this is anywhere you receive mobile phone access, in a meeting or even in the car. This link is what I use,, and I do not have any affiliation with Sprint except that my employer Orange Business Services partners with them in the US.

http://www.sprint.com/business/products/phoneCategories/connectionCards_phones.html

As a slight aside, I see this as the major battlefield in the near future, where Telcos and WiFi technology will eventually merge. Telcos have the infrastructure to reach everywhere and WiFi has technology that is advanced over the normal GSM/3G. Sprint is already working on 4G and if I understand correctly it is related to WiMax. It is my hedge that the Telcos will win this one and the consumer will also win with everywhere access on computers or mobile phones.

[Planet]

I use the same thing. Clearly its a better business solution, with over 200 million users, who could argue. For the single user or small business application, it is a little pricey at about $60 a month per user but the nice thing is, the cost is the same whether you connect for 5 minutes or 24 hours a day and the connection speed is about 1.4 mbs when your in the upgraded area which is just about every major city and most minor or class b cities.

I once traveled from Yuma Arizona all the way to Newark Delaware over the main highways and never once dropped the connection. It really is a pleasure to have. Now-a-days, even when wifi is available, I still use the pcs card. Its just easier and safer. Great suggestion M/Q.