In order to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot, your computer must have a Wi-Fi Adapter (technically referred to as 802.11b or g Wireless LAN Adapter). They come in all shapes and sizes. If you bought a new computer with a Wi-Fi capability built-in, you're all set. If not, you need to purchase one. Even with built-in capability, you may need to purchase an external adapter to increase your range. Expect to pay around $50 - 60.
There is a dizzying array of choices. A quick search on BestBuy.com for Wi-Fi adapters turns up 29 results. Some people call these "Wireless Cards", but that is a misnomer because *cards* are just one type of adapter, and usually
not the type we recommend for RV park usage. A PC *card* looks like this:
These *cards* plug into the PC Card slot of your computer and therefore are very stationary. You can't move them around to get the best signal. They will work fine if you are in an indoor, small hotspot. But, when you're in an RV park, you need more power and more positioning flexibility.
We recommend USB Adapters because they plug into the USB port of your computer and have a long wire. So you can move the adapter around to get the best position. They also have more antenna power. On the cards above, the antenna is just the gray or black part that sticks out the side of the computer. On the USB Adapters below, it's the entire white or silver part that is the antenna.
There are some special cards where you can snap off their built in antenna and plug in an external antenna on a wire, but these tend to be a bit pricey.
We recommend:
1. The USB type of Wireless Adapters
2. Make sure to match your USB specification - older computers have USB 1.1 ports, newer computers have USB 2.0. If you buy a USB 2.0 adapter it is
supposed to be downward compatible with 1.1 ports but we have seen LOTS of problems. It's better to be matched.
3. The 802.11*B* specification. The newer, faster 802.11*G* type do not give you an advantage in a Wi-Fi hotspot. G's are meant for small networks where you're looking for high-speed among the different computers on that network. In an office for example, where workers are sharing files. For connecting to the Internet, you are limited by the speed of the Internet (1Mbps), which is slower than either the G(54Mbps) OR the B(11Mbps). Wi-Fi hotspots are B networks, so it makes sense to get B adapters. However, if all you can find is a G (some places are out of stock of the older Bs), they
are downward compatible and usually work fine. It's just that you don't
need the G. Don't be taken in by the hype of the faster speed.
4. Read the system requirements on the box and be sure it matches your computer e.g. Supports: Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP
(if you have Windows 98, or Macintosh, don't buy this one!)
Requires USB 2.0 port
What brand is the best?
This one is impossible to answer. After over a year of supporting Wi-Fi users, we've seen a lot; D-Link, ZyXel, Buffalo, Netgear, Microsoft, Senao, Linksys, SMC, Belkin, US Robotics and probably more I can't remember. They've all worked great in some situations and they've all had problems in other situations. We've been baffled when we've had 2 similar computers (but different brands) and 2 similar adapters (different brands) side by side and adapter #1 works fine with computer #1 but doesn't work at all with computer #2. Our conclusion: if you can't get Wi-Fi to work on your computer, don't give up, just try a different adapter.
Last, but not least, if your computer is more than 3 years old ... you may need a new computer. Realize that Wi-Fi has only been out about 2 years. If your computer is 5 years old, you
may be able to get it to work, but don't count on it.
And, meeting rooms - so groups are encouraged to come here.
Then, lounge in the comfortable living areas in between meetings.
And, here's my favorite part - the jacuzzi.
We could stay here a while ... but, it's time to go. We did our seminar for the staff yesterday. And, today Jim helped a couple other folks. Here's Doc, who couldn't get his laptop to connect out in his RV because he left his external adapters in storage. So, Jim had him come into the lounge area and it worked fine with the built-in adapter. Hey Doc, I'm glad you forgot your adapter so we could get to meet you!
Doc and his wife, Sue met on the Internet 3 years ago. They just put everything in storage and started living full-time on the road a few weeks ago. Doc says he pays all his bills online so it's important to find RV parks with Wi-Fi. They signed up with Coach Connect at Dakota Ridge RV park in Colorado so, when they came to New Mexico, they looked for another Coach Connect park. Hey! Maybe we'll see you again at another CC park. Happy Holidays Doc and Sue.
In the middle of the day we gave a Wi-Fi seminar. Several people brought their laptops with them. A couple of them didn't know that they had Wi-Fi built in to their computers. When we showed them how to connect to the Internet, they were Happy Campers! What a treat.
Then in the evening we took the suggestion of friends and visited the historic district of town called "
I just love hand-painted tiles. These were on the adobe wall around the parking lot.
We're here because this is another Coach Connect park and we're scheduled to do a couple of our Wi-Fi seminars. We made sure to get here in time for their Margarita party on Friday night. Yep! That's right. They serve free margaritas every Friday night. Pretty cool. It gave us a chance to mingle with the guests and talk about Wi-Fi too as we warmed ourselves by the adobe outdoor fireplaces. It was a delightful 70 degrees when we arrived yesterday afternoon, then it started to get cool in the evening. This morning we woke up to 34 degrees. Ay Carumba! You should know that it is a testament to my dedication to this weblog that I'm up writing this. It's also a testament to the power of our little electric heater!
Yes, there IS scenery in West Texas. Actually I understand it is VERY spectacular in Big Bend National Park, but that was well to the south of our route. Our friends Diane and Andy went there at the beginning of their RV trip and list it as a 'must see'. Here's what we saw:
Notice all that clear, blue sky? That's why it is such a good place for an observatory. And, if you take a look at the 
On the tour we got to see the 300 ton dome move into position.
There are actually 3 telescopes at this site. The "Hobby-Eberly" telescope has the largest mirror in the world at at 11.1 x 9.8 meters. And, it's housed in such a pretty, shiny dome!
They gave an extremely informative tour - we learned about solar flares and how they can fry entire satellites - hmmm, wonder what that does to Wi-Fi?!? To learn more, go to 