letterman@invalid.com wrote:
> I just got my first laptop w/wifi card. I have successfully connected
> while on a trip. Mostly at motels, by just parking in their parking
> lot. I also picked up a signal at McDonalds but they wanted me to
> pay, which was not possible because they were closed (after hours).
>
> I mostly want to do this when I am on the road travelling, but because
> I live in a rural area and can only get dialup internet at home, I'd
> like to find a nearby free connection so I can download large files.
> For example, at home on dialup it takes well over an hour to download
> a 15meg file, where using the WIFI only takes a few minutes. I could
> even watch Youtube videos on this laptop, which at home I can only
> watch them after I download them to my own harddrive.
>
> Anyhow, my point is this: I have searched for websites that list WIFI
> Hotspots. There seem to be many, but what good are they when I am on
> the road. I first have to find a hotspot before I can see the list.
>
> Is there a downloadable/searchable list I can download for the USA?
> That way I can put the list on my laptop harddrive and search for a
> spot whereever I am located at the time. I'd expect the list to be
> some sort of database or other common format. I'd appreciate any
> links to such a list.
>
> Thanks
>
> LM

Its really hit and miss. If you travel a lot one of the best items you
can purchase is an aircard or a cellphone that can do tethering. Works
wherever you have reception and maybe even at your house.