 Poster: A snowHead
|
Does anyone take their Laptop when they go away skiing?  I want to take mine to France so that i can keep up with e-mails, Have access to the internet mainly so that my children can continue with their schoolwork whilst away ski training/racing.
I thought a walk and web modem would be the simple answer but apparantly they don't work abroad?
What does anybody else do?
Thanks Guys.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
If you stay in a hotel with a wifi facility that would be easy (especially if you have a wireless modem)though I have found some French wifi connections very expensive (eg 10 euros an hour, in a marina!!). Most resorts will have internet access in a cafe or two, or maybe the tourist office. I don't know what a "walk and web modem" is, but my ISP (AOL) has a series of access numbers you can use from France, anywhere you can plug your computer into a phone socket (French phone sockets are very different from ours though!). It costs, but not an arm and a leg. Obviously you'll need an adaptor for your power line.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
|
I take mine. I have access to broadband so it's a good way to keep in touch with home and work. Using Skype or iChat it costs nothing or just pennies to speak for as long as I want.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Gillian,
'web n walk' might work - but if it's using the mobile phone network, it will be expensive and slow. If you are used to 'broadband' at home, you'll find it very slow for anything beyond basic email. ask you ISP (T Mobile, I'm guessing) whether it works,and what, if any, setup you need to do.
If you have 'dialup' (plugging a phone cable into a modem), then you'll best off finding out if your ISP has international phone numbers for the modem (i.e. you'd dial a number in France), otherwise, you'll be making an international call from your chalet, which will be expensive. and slow.
In short- if you want to _use_ internet/web, then you need:
- wireless enabled laptop
- WiFi in the chalet OR somewhere in the resort that has wifi (normally, if you have to pay for it, it's 'expensive'.
Best option if you have no wifi in the chalet, is look for a cheap cafe/backpacker hangout - they often have wifi to encourage people in. Starbucks often do likewise.... not sure how many of those you'll find in the mountains though.
Without wishing to be rude - if you're asking the question, you might find getting it working quite hard.... consider how much _internet_ time you need, versus _laptop_ time - you might only need to check emails every few days, but being able to work on a document every day could be more useful....
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Most bars seem to have Wifi free now, just go in and settle down with some hot chocolate and internet away! 
You will need a wireless card or adapter in the laptop though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Not sure if this is a silly question but is WiFi available on any planes? I'm travelling with NorthWest to Minneapolis then Kalispell on Wednesday and wondering if I can help pass the time on the 9 hour flight with a bit of geeking.
If not I'll be using my laptop for some DVD watching. Do any planes have power sockets or will I have to rely on my laptop's dodgy battery?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Planes don't have Wifi (BA did a trial but I don't think they rolled it out.)
Business class and sometimes premium economy have power sockets......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In a word No.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gillian, it doesn't really matter where you get the wifi card, but if you get it in the uk the chances are the instructions will be in english
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Gillian, If its wi fi compatible it may already have a wifi card in it. Have you got a PC literate friend who can help you and check it ain't got wireless already? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
If your laptop can connect to a wireless network then you will not need an additional card.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your laptop will need it's own passport, with a photo, stamped by an IT professional to show that it has been vaccinated against major viruses. It is no longer acceptable to have it added to your passport.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
yep travelling with it more often, no major headaches to date and even accor formula 1's have wifi...perfect for keeping up with everything snow related while u are on the move  We found it really useful when trying to ski in other places day to day...check the reports/cams etc before heading out
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
I'm taking mine. It's small with a 7" Screen, so doesn't take up too much room. Loaded about 50 movies (from my own DVD collection) into it, so we will be able to plug it into the chalets TV. The chalet also has wi-fi, so should be able to check emails and do a bit of surfing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
Gillian, I never go anywhere without my laptop.
If your laptop doesn't have wireless built in, it's time you replace it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
Jonpim, Did you use the laptop to file the great waffle hunt report? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
) then just need to find room in the suitcase for it and off we go to the snowy mountains. 