Using your laptop (computer) in America

[david viewing]

The popularity of threads on flying in the US reminds me of what I find to be one of the biggest inconveniences there - how to connect to the Internet.

My own solution is to sign up with SBC Yahoo! dial up http://www.all-free-isp.com/sbc_yahoo.php which you can join and then cancel within one month at no charge. You have to give a US street address, which can be your hotel or FBO. When I go to cancel, I tell them exactly why, and they are always completely charming about it.

However, there must be a better way. SBC local numbers are only available in larger towns and cities and for instance there isn't one at Las Vegas, NM. (That's New Mexico, not Nevada!).

So can anyone please suggest a better method, preferably using a toll free number?

[flyingwysiwyg]

Hi David,

Try Pipex dial:-

www.dial.pipex.com (http://www.dial.pipex.com)

They have a global roaming service with local Points of Presence in most places. I use them for work, and haven't found anywhere yet where you can't find a number (usually local).

You might want to post this in Computers / Internet as there are many PPRune computer gurus that frequent that forum who will probably be able to give better advice.

Good Luck,

F - Wyg

[BRL]

I have just moved this from my forum. Mods, please spare him the wrath usually reserved for multiple-posters.. ;)
Cheers....

[david viewing]

BRL: Thank you very much

F - wyg: Many thanks for the tip. But unfortunately Pipex isn't free and has the same local access problem as SBC - not in small airport towns like Page, Kingman, Payson, etc. Calling the nearest POP (Point of Presence) from any of these places can run up massive hotel phone bills and sometimes won't connect at all because of the long distance carrier characteristics.

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

<< Copied from the same identical thread in the Private Flying Forum>>

david viewing,

It is very easy to get a 30 day free trial from an ISP in the U.S. Most stores have the CDs right next to the checkout counters for any who wants to take one.

Also check with the school you are thinking of going to. We offer an internet computer which is a dedicated computer for our students to check email, etc. I am sure the other schools offer similar services.

Happy Flying,

Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.

[amanoffewwords]

ice station zebra Is that a pub? :)

David Viewing:

Netscalibur.co.uk (http://www.netscalibur.co.uk/ipass/index.html) offer a global roaming service too - has a searchable list of locations available before you sign-up and claims a reduction of up to 90% of normal charges on long distance charges (which presumably means you still pay 100% local charges :rolleyes: ).

More info still on the iPass site (http://www.ipass.com/) .

I've never used them by the way, just happen to know about them.

Cheers, merry xmas
amofw

[seacue]

Note that AOL free trial CDs are generally available at US Post Offices. I don't understnad how this comes about, but presume that money changed hands.

I'm certainly NOT an AOL supporter, but this might work for you. The free offer is of something over 1000 hours of AOL time, over a period so short that you'd have to be connected nearly 24 hours a day.

SC

[david viewing]

Thanks for the replies. Prepaid seems the way to go and in addition to maglobe http://www.maglobe.com/ I see that AT&T http://www.consumer.att.com/prepaidcard/cu.html and budget dialup http://www.budgetdialup.com/ offer similar services. The crucial bit is the 800 number (you can always fall back to a cheaper local number if there is one).

Happy new year everyone!