Internet Access on the go

[Francie]

I will be travelling and need mobile internet access for my laptop. I am renting a TV home which doesn't have internet access.

Does anyone know a fairly inexpensive way to get remote access for about a week without having to buy an expensive laptop connect card and having to activate for a long period of time?

[JeffBorn]

Starbucks, Panera with limited time sessions at lunch and McDonalds all have free Internet access. Not at your home but available.

[Hal :-)]

On my last stay I was fortunate that the home next to me had an open router. I assume it was a rental. No one was there that week but the WiFi was active. I knew where it was because the router ID was the same as the nameplate on the house.

The time before I used my Android phone hotspot. It was painfully slow, but it worked.

If you just want access and don't mind leaving home, it's generally available these day, Starbucks, McDonalds, Barnes and Noble, Library, etc. I was told Seabreeze has WiFi, maybe all Regional Rec Centers have it. Finally, if you just drive down the street I'm sure you'll find open WiFi all over. That's probably not technically legal (although they are public airwaves) but a quick email or download shouldn't be a problem.

[saratogaman]

All of the rec centers have free WiFi

[Ohiogirl]

I think you still need your ID # to log on - resident guest ID would work as well, but not sure a regular guest pass would work (don't even remember if those have an ID #) - if you have a regular guest pass, you might ask the owner for their id # if you don't already have it

[Freeda]

The Waterfront Inn hotel also has free wifi you can use if you are dining, or having drinks at the bar/in the lobby, etc, there.

[getdul981]

If you use Verizon for your Cell phone, they have a device called MiFi that is free (at least it was a month ago). All you have to do is pay the monthly fee of around $40. You could buy an inverter to plug into your car's lighter socket and have internet access anywhere you have a cell phone signal.

[Francie]

Thanks JeffBorn....Starbucks, Panera, Barnes & Noble are going to be "plan b"!

[Francie]

Thanks all! Great tips and feedback. See you in a month! Coming down from beautiful Buffalo, NY!