Hotels with high speed internet

npoon · 09-20-03, 09:37 AM

I am planning on bringing my ax. I have a ethernet compact flash card. Do I simply plug the ethernet cf card in, rj45 cable, connect and away I go? Do I have to be concerned about tcp/ip, etc? Does the ax (with rom a04) auto detect the connection?

ikehiker · 09-20-03, 10:27 AM

I tried this on my last trip. I just plugged my ethernet card into the LAN port in the room, opened IE and it asked me to sign in (WayPort, I believe). I actually had free access in the hotel lobby so I didn't bother actually connecting but it seemed like it was going to work from that point.

Have you used the card elsewhere? I use mine all the time at work so I knew it was functional and that it was set to work with DHCP.

Howard2k · 09-20-03, 10:31 AM

Yep, they use DHCP so as long as your card is set for DHCP you should be away. The only issue you might have is if their internal authentication systems use some funny java apps or anything like that. Generally though the experience that I've had is that you'll be fine with Pocket IE to authenticate where required. (And by authenticate, some places make you enter credit card details, some places just make you agree to terms and conditions, a few will just let you on directly).

Normally I have my PC with my anyway, so I plug the PC into the highspeed, use a wireless NIC on the PC and Internet Connection Sharing and then surf wirelessly from the Axim. So use the PC to share the Internet connection with the Axim over wireless.

NYSTECH · 09-20-03, 11:10 AM

I just went through this in a Chicago hotel.... I had to call the provider an set up an IP Address, DNS and a subnet mask. After that it worked like a charm. Only problem I had was that I found that theres is no way to directly update avantgo via direct internet connection!

The IP's Helpdesk guy said that this was his first PDA (call which i thought was kind of surprising).

Howard2k · 09-20-03, 11:31 AM

Wow! Remind me not to go to Chicago. :) The last place I went I opened my browser and they even gave me the option of a public or private IP!! Very nice. All dHCP and all pain-free.

What hotel was it?

npoon · 09-20-03, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ikehiker
I use mine all the time at work so I knew it was functional and that it was set to work with DHCP.

What is DHCP? The box just says, 10mbps compactflash ethernet card

ikehiker · 09-20-03, 02:15 PM

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It's the process by which your PPC (or PC) can obtain an IP from the server (as opposed to the alternative, you setting a static IP). (It's a setting, not a piece of equipment).

09-20-03, 02:32 PM

I've seen less high speed internet in hotels over the past year. Seems that some are removing it since no one is really using it. What I do like is most Westins I have stayed at have WiFi. :D Of course expect to pay at least $10 a day to use internet at any hotel.

npoon · 09-20-03, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ikehiker
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It's the process by which your PPC (or PC) can obtain an IP from the server (as opposed to the alternative, you setting a static IP). (It's a setting, not a piece of equipment).

Does PPC 2003 take care of this?

ikehiker · 09-20-03, 04:46 PM

The drivers for your ethernet card should have the settings.

Howard2k · 09-20-03, 05:14 PM

I find most of the places I stay have free high-speed.. I did stay at a place recently that was $10 per day but the alos gave you the option of public or private IP. And they have free wifi in the lobby.

I think $10 per day is pretty reasonable. As long as the connection is reliable.

09-20-03, 05:22 PM

$10 a day is fine when you travel for business... Any you don't personally pay for it...

Howard2k · 09-20-03, 05:46 PM

Very true. Good point. But if I was travelling for pleasure then yeah, $10 per day is probably a bit steep. In hindsight though, even 3-4 years ago I paid more than that for dialup in France... So at least prices have come down :)