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Topic: Wireless Computer/Laptop set-up in a LD 26-1/2 IB (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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Wireless Computer/Laptop set-up in a LD 26-1/2 IB
Yahoo Message Number: 58597
Hi, I have a 1995 LD, 26-1/2, IB and I LOVE it.  I am preparing to spend Jan., Feb. and March in Quartsite, AZ., but before I leave I need to purchase a laptop, the necessary software and hook-ups.  Can someone help me with this?  I have read about wireless and wi-fi and am totally confused about what to buy and what not to buy.  I want to keep in touch by email and with the internet while away.  I didn't see anything in the FAQ's regarding laptops or wireless.

I would truly appreciate your help.  Thank you.

Sincerely Joanne and my Maltese dog "Pickles"
Re: Wireless Computer/Laptop set-up in a LD 26-1/2 IB
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58599
If you get a WiFi-enabled laptop, Dustyfoot has an Internet Cafe set up on Main Street -- I assume he'll have it again this year.  There's also WiFi available from a vendor in Rice Ranch on Kuehn east of US-95.
 Verizon has a strong signal in Quartzsite, even out on the BLM land surrounding town, so a cell phone with the proper Mobile Office kit would work, too, and would mean being able to download email and surf in the comfort of your RV rather than carting your laptop into town to take advantage of the WiFi.

Linda Hylton 2004 Red 23.5' TK From Mountain View RV Park Susanville, CA See where we are: http://map.datastormusers.com/user2.cfm?user=1167

 Sent via the WebMail system at mail.escapees.com
Linda Hylton
Re: Wireless Computer/Laptop set-up in a LD 26-1/2 IB
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58601
Linda
 We hope to get to Quartzsite for a few days this winter to purchase a couple of solar panels and some other gear for the LD. Any advice of when to go, where to stay and if this is a practical idea.
Nice to know that the web is available to Verizon users.

Thanks

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Wireless Computer/Laptop set-up in a LD 26-1/2 IB
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58602
Quote
Linda
 We hope to get to Quartzsite for a few days this winter to purchase a couple of solar panels and some other gear for the LD. Any advice of when to go, where to stay and if this is a practical idea.
Nice to know that the web is available to Verizon users.

Thanks Larry

 Larry, there are several solar dealers in town.  I've heard good things about Solar Bill, although we've never had any work done by him.
 As to when to go, depends on whether or not you want to be there when all the shows are on in January.  It can be a mad house, and some people don't like it, but we think it's exciting.  The Sports, Vacation, and RV Show is toward the end of January -- the 21st through the 29th.  There are also rock, mineral, and gem shows throughout January and into February, as well as swap meets.
 If you want to dry camp, there is lots of free BLM land north, south, east, and west of town, as well as four different LTVAs south of town on either side of US-95.  The LTVAs, while not free (last year's rates were $30 for 14 days or $140 for a 7-month period, 9/15 through 4/15), have the advantage of having water and a dump available on site.  If you prefer hookups, there are many RV parks in and near Quartzsite.  I can't give you any recommendations, because we've never stayed at an RV park there; however, if you want to come to Quartzsite in January, particularly during the RV Show, and stay in an RV park, you'd better be making reservations NOW.

Linda Hylton 2004 Red 23.5' TK From Mountain View RV Park Susanville, CA See where we are: http://map.datastormusers.com/user2.cfm?user=1167

 Sent via the WebMail system at mail.escapees.com
Linda Hylton
Re: Wireless Computer/Laptop
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58634
"before I leave I need to purchase a laptop, the necessary software and hook-ups. Can someone help me with this? I have read about wireless and wi-fi and am totally confused about what to buy and what not to buy."
 Joanne, I've set up many Macs to use wireless networking (AirPort or WiFi--same thing), as well as one PC. Both types of computers can do the job, but Macs are much easier to set up for wireless networking. If you're "totally confused" about this technology, my advice is to get a Mac--there will be much less complexity to deal with, and you'll find connecting to be extremely simple: pull down the AirPort menu and choose a network, and you're on. An iMac laptop would be an affordable solution for you--check Amazon for good prices.

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: Wireless Computer/Laptop
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58636
We took a trip recently to Canada and stayed in motels along the way.  Every hotel we stayed at had wi-fi except two.  One didn't have any Internet connection, and the other had a wired system.  I brought along my Hewlett Packard PC laptop which came with wi-fi built in.  Setup amounted to getting the laptop out of the case and turning it on.  Presto, I was connected! Don't see how much easier it can get than that.

Dick
Re: Wireless Computer/Laptop set-up in a LD 26-1/2 IB
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58693
Buy the kind of computer you are already used to, PC or Mac.  (I always found it amusing that while Macs have a reputation for being easy to use, since I had a PC-brainwashing instead of a Mac-brainwashing I found Macs difficult to use...)
 I think modern laptops of either flavor will be easy enough to set up.
My wife's IBM PC laptop has wi-fi builtin and I don't recall any setup needed for an open wi-fi network except selecting it.  Of course, if the network is secured than some sort of login or other access hurdle will have to be crossed.

If you are going to use Verizon for wi-fi, the you need to get the kind of computer that works with Verizon office.  Not sure if there's a Mac version.
 In any event there's a Yahoo group on this subject.  Forget its name.
Look it up.  Much more info there.

best,  paul
 
Re: Wireless Computer/Laptop
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58795
Hi Andy, Thanks to you and the others that responded to my request. I will start shopping for a MAC.  I appreciate all the help.  I will send you an email from Quartzsite