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    Motels and High Speed Internet Connection?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Brooks, Apr 19, 2005.

  1. Brooks

    Brooks Newbie

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    I have my 1st Laptop on order (Compaq V2000) and I will be going on vacation shortly after receiving it. I am staying at a Holiday Inn Express and they advertise they have free high speed Internet access in each room. Assuming it is not wireless should I take an Ethernet cable? I am new to mobile computers, so I wonder is a cable something laptop users typically pack with them when traveling and staying in motels and if so, how long of a cable is recommended? Also, do most folks leave their laptops out on the desk in their motel room when leaving the room for fairly long periods of time? Thanks.
     
    Brooks, Apr 19, 2005
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  2. qwester

    qwester Notebook Virtuoso

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    When I stayed in the holiday inn express here in center city philadelphia last summer (july) their internet was wireless, and pretty decent speed and signal quality. So no need for a cable. They have an instruction card in the room to instruct you how to set it up. I am not sure if all holiday inn expresses are the same!

    I used to leave my notebook in the room on the desk and never turn it off!

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    N6010: P4M 3.2G, 512MB Dual 333MHz, 60GB 7200RPM, ATI 9700M, 17" WXGA+
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    qwester, Apr 20, 2005
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  3. Quikster

    Quikster Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    I always carry a short network cable with me. If wireless isn't working for some reason, or if it doesn't exist I'm set. You can get a small one that contracts into itself, such as the two I usually carry:

    http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=12-107-914&depa=0

    *this isn't actually the brand I use, but the place where I bought mine from, I refuse to buy from or send business to anymore.

    zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856
     
    Quikster, Apr 20, 2005
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  4. JPH

    JPH Notebook Enthusiast

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    Based on my own personal experience, a small 3-ft RJ-45 cannot hurt. Wireless is fine but if I am working at a desk I ususally prefer wired as signal strength varies from hotel to hotel, floor to floor and room to room. The other thing is, if you really must have wireless (say the wife has a PDA or her own laptop) and need to share a connection, then that's where you will find the portable wireless routers like Netgear's WGR101 useful - you can even surf in the bathroom...
     
    JPH, Apr 23, 2005
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