Travel - Wireless access under $500, anywhere?

Ralphster · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 08:30 PM

Hi everyone,

We're travelling around New Zealand for 7 weeks and i'm looking into options. I have a latop with a Wireless card in it, and would like to access e-mail and light surfing (mainly for info).

Having looked at the Vodaphone and Telecom options, it looks like you spending up to $1000 on hardware before you even started connecting.

Being a numpty - can someone explain what hardware I need? I have a basic Nokia phone, but might upgrade - if so what do I need on the phone ot make it compatible?

Have I missed any other options?

- Are there any free wifi hotspots around NZ?

- Has anyone had experience of wireless access at campsites? Is it expensive? (In France it was $20 NZ for 1 hours access. Ouch!)

Thanks in advance,
Ralph

Noodles · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 09:42 PM

you'd be very lucky to find any free wifi hotspots in nz. Telecom has a bunch of hotspots around, but you're looking at $10 an hour (info here: Telecom wireless hotspots : Telecom New Zealand Limited)

Other options would be connecting your laptop to your cellphone and using GPRS (data plans here: Vodafone NZ - Mobilise data plans and Mobile Broadband Data Plans : Telecom New Zealand Limited)

You may be able to rent a phone at the airport or maybe a 3G card/GRPS card for your laptop.

NZLamb · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 05:26 AM

Although not free, check out SurfSpot. Cheaper than Telecom.

namphongpc · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2006, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NZLamb

Although not free, check out SurfSpot. Cheaper than Telecom.

can you tell me more specifically