Using WiFi at Starbucks ?

[Raydeo]

Hello All :

I'm new to the Thinkpad and wireless all at the same time :
Would like to try going to Starbucks and using the Internet on my T21/2647-21U running XP Pro.

I read on this forum threads dealing with the hard-wiring of cards and using a built-in antenna , etc. I'm looking to use a plug-in module of some sort that will work with this early model laptop with only the inconvenience of schlepping around another gadget.

Please pardon my ignorance, but I've never had the desire or the occasion to use or need a wireless connection , let alone be willing to pay $5 for a cup of coffee...

Thanx in advance,
Raydeo

[nikki605]

I bought a Netgear WAG511 off ebay back in 2006 for $12.95 that has worked great for me. It is a PCMCIA card that just plugs into one of the card slots (CardBus) in my T21. It sticks out the side about 1-1/4" but has never been a problem for me. Its a dual band, 802.11 A/B/G compatible card. I've used it in various hotels and Starbucks and its always worked fine. At home, it connects great to my Verizon FiOS wireless router.

[RealBlackStuff]

Welcome to our Forums.

Your TP does not come with wifi-ex-factory.
Best bet is a PCMCIA wifi card, which slots in on the left of your TP.
Any card will do for Starbucks, i.e. an 802.11b card will suffice.
These are available all over the place (like a dime a dozen).
If you can find one, the Orinoco Gold cards come highly recommended.

Better performance MAY be had with an 802.11b/g card but there's no guarantee. The Buffalo and the more expensive Netgear card varieties seem to perform really well. Also, Atheros-chip based cards have the edge over most other cards.

Stay away from Belkin and Linksys (IMO).

Expenditure: between $5.- and $35.-

[JaneL]

If you can find one, the 3Com X-Jack PC Card ones work well.

[Raydeo]

Thanx to all who replied :
Think I'll give the WAG511 Netgear a try...

Raydeo

[ArtShapiro]

Think I'll give the WAG511 Netgear a try...
Raydeo

Just want to make sure you're aware that the service is not free at Starbucks, as it usually is at smaller chains or mom-n-pop shops.

Art

[Neil]

the service is not free at Starbucks

Just curious. Is there an extra charge, or is it included with purchase?

[mpcook]

the service is not free at Starbucks

Just curious. Is there an extra charge, or is it included with purchase?

Generally Starbucks has T-Mobile wireless service. Purchase of wireless service is independent of Starbucks, can be bought by so many minutes. hours, or monthly etc.

Mike

[ArtShapiro]

just curious. Is there an extra charge, or is it included with purchase?

I've never used it (not being of infinite wealth) but it's something like $30/month or $10/day. It's a T-Mobile product.

Once in a while one can pick up a free wireless signal from elsewhere, just as with any other location where you might stumble upon an unsecured wireless access point. And again, it's a frequent selling point for other chains or individually-owned local coffee houses.

Art

[Neil]

Oh, OK. I've never had the need, and likely never will for the service. I've only used wireless at hotels, and often they provide an access code for guests, but sometimes access is available to anyone who would be in their lobby or resturaunt.

[ekincam]

I have a Proxim 8470-FC card and I have found this card to work better than any other adapter that I have tried as far as range goes. It is a 802.11b/g card based on Atheros chipset.