I am hoping to get the latest advice on what I should do when I bring my ibook to Rome. Do I have to put in a land line? The ibook comes with an airport card so wireless is an option but I am a bit fuzzy on the how-to. I will have a cell phone there so is that an option to use as my connection to the internet? Really confused. Elizabeth
Posts: 178 | Location: Los Angeles/Rome | Registered: 13 October 2003
I assume you're talking about sending receiving emails.
Your quandry revolves around how to connect to the internet and you have basically two options: local Italy based access or calling your current ISP from Italy.
Local Italy access can be via modem (land line via RJ11 cable) or 802.11x WiFi at your hotel/passport, etc.
Calling back home is another option but could get expensive. If you have AOL or another provider with a international presence, you might be lucky enough to find local access phone numbers.
Calling back home can be done one of two ways: via your cellphone (works like an external modem) or using your laptop's built-in modem connected to a wall jack.
There may be other options, but I am unaware of them.
I think you would be better off if you can find an Internet cafe or some such place where you could hook up to their network using your iBook AirPort card. There is a list of wifi hot spots here although I'm not sure how complete it is.
The cellphone as modem option works (although friends with Macs have had problems with the configuration) but--unless you have a GPRS phone and subscribe to a GPRS service--I think you will find the connection painfully slow.
I used the GPRS option two years ago and found it too clunky to be of much use. I have heard that it has improved and I will try to experiment with it next month when I am in Florence.
Internet cafes are everywhere in Rome and more and more are installing wireless internet access...I used Lot 87 on Via Pellegrino last June and it was pleasant and convenient.
If you can get a land line and a local free dialup Italian ISP--I use Kataweb but there are many others--it will serve for your basic needs (as long as you don't want to do too much speedy surfing or download large files.) You could just turn on your wireless connection and see what is available in the neighborhood. You may be surprised to discover a unsecured wireless hotspot.
Or you could ask about getting DSL installed in your apartment....however that might take a long time.
Jim, is that at 87 Via Pellegrino? If so then it must be just a couple of doors down from the apt I just rented, at 81...this would be great, I wasn't planning to bring a laptop but maybe I will...
You will be neighbors of Lot 87....if their signal is strong enough and your antenna powerful enough, you might be able to get their signal in the apartment....Then you might be able to negotiate a deal with them to access the internet right from your dining room table.
Jim...took a look at Lot87's site...looks cool, I have a feeling it will be our breakfast spot! Pros and cons about having that right next store I guess...I see that they are open to 2 a.m....I hope its cool enough to sleep with the windows closed!
>>Where do you store your laptop<< Depends on the size of the laptop and the size of the safe of course, but I have slipped my slim Toshiba Portege 2000 into a room safe on occasion.
But most likely--if I am inclined to hide it--I put it in one of the pockets of my suitcase. However, I have also been known to leave it out on the desk in the room if I am feeling lazy or confident.
So far no problems...and believe me, I would be very distraught if my laptop took a hike.
I have had no problem with thefts in hotel rooms...including myself and my clients.
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