I am about to purchase this netbook on Amazon.com.


Samsung NC10-14GB  10.2-Inch Netbook

(1.6 GHz Intel Atom Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 6 Cell Battery, XP Home)

The specs are great and for what I need it for. (internet & web surfing & email while on the road mostly)


I have never had a laptop or netbook before so I am very unfamiliar with wi-fi but I will definitely use it.

This machine has: 802.11 b/g WiFi, BLUETOOTH 2.0 + EDR, 10/100 BaseTX LAN  

I live in Westchester County and have Optimum Online at home. I read that Optimum recently shot up many 'cells' in my area that allow free wi-fi pick up for subscribers.  (GREAT NEWS!)

I am a wholesaler & sell on Ebay. I buy from many warehouses (out of my area) whose general merchandise changes all the time. I basically want a netbook so BEFORE I buy from my distributers, I can run back to my car, check the COMPETITION and see if I can make any profit on the item.

MY QUESTION:

Is it possible that I will be able to pick up any kind of FREE signal in other areas? (Outside of my designated FREE area without having to go inside a Starbucks or Bookstore)   

THANKS!!!

Denise

Denise,
Can you gibe some location information without giving you exact location?
WI-FI can have a range of about a mile in some cases. Larger coverage requires more power, equipment and permission to cover a large area. A small business would not want to invest in equipment that would benefit people outside of their place of business. Sometimes a small community may decide to put up a Wi-Fi at the local college. Or they may choose the downtown are to draw business AWAY form the big stores outside the city limit.

So, in a word, I would say no.

There are sites that will provide maps of hot spots.
And on d Bay you can buy antennas that may extend your range.


Wow. Never heard of antennas that would extend my range. Good to know.  Must ask nest time at Best Buy.


I would mostly be in Maspeth NY 11378 & Brooklyn, NY 11237 (Both places are about 3 minutes from each other actually) 

I would really appreciate you checking for FREE wi-fi in these areas for me. THANKS SO MUCH!! Your reply will determine my purchase.


DENISEI live out in California.
There in Brooklyn you can look in the Yellow Pages.
But here is a list I found on Google:
Brooklyn, NY Wifi Hotspots


I really don't know the area well at all so the list doesn't really help. (Brooklyn is large)

Is there a way I can search a radius from a zip code or specific address??


THANKS AGAIN!!Yes, here is a map of Brooklyn. wait for the map to load. then 'gap' the map with you mouse by holding down the button mad slowly poll the map down so you can see the area north of Brooklyn, near Jackson Heights area.
I have been in Brooklyn only once or twice, and I know much less that you do! Just play around with the map. Not too fast, unless you have a really fast connection. Look around. From the map you can see thee are some free spots near Broadway and 39th.  Hop this helps.

http://hotspotr.com/wifi/map/33-brooklyn-ny
 - OR-
http://hotspotr.com/wifi/map?ll=40.7277237%2C-73.8948295&name=11378&zoom=12Thank you soo much.

Now can you tell me if I can more than likely pick-up the connection from right outside the location in my car?  (I am sorry. I am wi-fi retarted. LOL Never had anything with it before)  My dad is not too keen either about wi-fi but said something about maybe needing a code?? Is this so you have to come in and buy something? If yes, do these codes change daily? (That would stink to have to purchase something everytime for the 5 minutes I need connection....but I will if I have to)

THANKS AGAIN

DENISEParked on the curb withing 50 feet of a Internet Cafe you will pick up a signal good engulf for bardic surfing. Go inside and buy a cup of Coffee and the signal is much better. And yes, some places with not give the code unless you pay.
You will find out from the locals what the rules are. The map you have shows the free ones in green. They will give you the code for no charge, or may not even have a code.
Many will have some kind of code, not to make a lot of money,  but  just for their own protection for seasons you will learn about in the local area. I have no clue what is being done in Brooklyn. The use of WI FI is very widespread and each neighbor hood has to make their own rules. And this is what the FCC, apparently wants. Any effort to lay down hard laws for an issue that can be resolved locally is not worthwhile. Sorry I can not be more specific.  Bur it is wrong to deliberately interfere with the ability of others to use WIRELESS services or to violate their right to privacy. Ask locally what the rules are.I DID NOT SEE ANY CODES (OOPS.CAPS) but if I have to, I will go in and get something like coffee. I will never know the locals or area well since I go to my wholesalers (they are chinese...I am white)  and make my purchases and then leave. I live 35 minutes away and never go to brooklyn unless I have to.


I guess I will see when I have the machine. Did not realize AMAZON.COM charges friggen TAX!!!  *censored*. Smack me with another $35 bucks. Grrrrrrrrrrr

Thanks so much for all of your brain power. I appreciate it!!


DENISE