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need help re using laptop for work - want to move to small town, s.m.

Posted: Jun 18, 2013

I want to move to a small town where hi-speed internet is not readily available. Can i work with a laptop in this situation?

Thanks so much!

You still need some kind of wireless connection - nm

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xx

Of course, laptop just needs a modem. - nm

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x

- - -

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You do not need a modem - just saying

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that is used for dial up. DSL and cable are likely not available which leaves wireless air cards (see my other comment below) or satellite, which uses the ethernet connection on your computer, not a modem.

Modem - Curious

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Regardless of internet service, you need a modem or router. You cannot get the internet to your computer without one. One end connects to the Ethernet port on your computer, and the other end connects to????

You are right. You can use a USB modem - to connect

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via a cellphone provider or other provider piggy-backing on the cellphone system. A wireless aircard is not the only way to connect wirelessly. It is, in fact, possible to do so via a small USB modem.

Yes, but speeds will be affected - just saying

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You can use your cell phone (modem) to connect but I don't think you'd be happy with speeds/performance. And your phone would be tied up being used a modem.

Not if you have a separate account - for the

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internet connection. I have a Verizon USB modem to connect to the internet for work when I'm traveling. I can also use my Virgin Mobile smartphone as a wireless hotspot, which I do when I'm traveling and just want to connect my tablet. I get excellent speeds with both.

I assumed that dial up was her only option... - Just Me

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I am aware what a modem is used for. Since she said there was no high speed internet available to her. I assumed she meant that, well, there was no high speed internet. High speed means cable, DSL, hotspots (air cards), etc. The only thing that is technically not classified as high speed is dial up, so I assumed that is what she meant. Of course if you have hot spots available to you, which I would guess you don't if you are in that rural of an area, of course that would be the way to go.

If she can get - cellphone service

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she can get broadband with respectable speeds. While there are still some areas not reached by cellphone service, they are very few, so it is very likely that she can get broadband internet that way or by satellite. I'd be surprised if there was any spot in the country that was not covered by some satellite's footprint, even if it doesn't have cellphone service.

The laptop is not - going to be

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the issue. How will you be accessing the internet? A laptop is just a PC with a different shape; it can do everything a PC with the same features can do. You just need to determine how you will get internet service in the small town and make sure you get a laptop with the features you need to make the connection.

High speed internet - Curious

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Are you sure there are no options for internet? If you have a land line (there must be phone service where you live) you might be able to get DSL. TV service? Cable, satellite or fiber. In this day and age, nearly everyone has some kind of access; I'm assuming you reside in the United States. Yes you need a modem but it has to be connected to something that furnishes the internet. If you want to work in different areas of your home, make sure you get a wireless modem/router.

Yes you can - just saying

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Nearly all of the internet providers have air cards which are (secured) wireless. A new laptop already has wireless adapters installed likely that communicate with the device. The problem is that depending on how far away from the nearest tower you are your service will waver on speed and that could rule you out for many jobs. An antenna will help but not the one Verizon pushes :) Be sure your connection is secured - don't use a free wireless connection! You can also check into Exede (spell?) satellite. It is far faster than any of the others and I suspect would be a good choice. Many jobs will not accept satellite either but many will.

You can also make the same - connection

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with a USB modem.

Some wireless providers (maybe most now) also offer an option to use your cellphone connection as a wireless hotspot. Mine works right from my cellphone, but you can also get a separate device for the hotspot.

An aircard is not the only option for secure wireless internet connection.

You need to research the area - just saying

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have you researched on line to where you are moving to see what they offer? Made direct calls? the advice i gave you below is still accurate but all you have to do is see *who* serves the area you want to go to - and then see what the coverage maps are for their area. IF you are going to be within city limits and they offer cable or DSL you are golden!

from OP - you guys are great!

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This is why this board is so special - this kind of cooperation and consideration for each other. Thank you!

Agree. - please sm

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I live in a small town (cows outnumber people). Homes a few streets away cannot get high-speed cable, whereas I am right at the cusp of availability. Definitely check. BTW, I tried an air card for my laptop and kept losing the connection, but a neighbor uses another company and it works fine, so don't give up if your first choice does not work out. Good luck!

Laptop transcription - Lola

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Check out the availability of satellite internet service, I think HughesNet is one. Good luck.

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