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    gatorette85's Avatar
    gatorette85 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jan 27, 2009, 06:42 PM
    Can I use my laptop in the car?
    Just wanted to know if there was a way to use the laptop in the car and still be able to access the internet?
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
     
    #2

    Jan 27, 2009, 06:51 PM

    The problem here is that you either have to use either mobile broadband or WiFi to get on the Internet. Since WiFi is very short range if you are in a moving vehicle you would be moving in and out of range of a hotspot.

    With Mobile Broadband you hook into the cellular network. This will help maintain the signal like your cellphone does, but data is different then a cellphone call. Also Mobile broadband costs a monthly fee.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
     
    #3

    Jan 27, 2009, 07:11 PM

    Yep. Do it all the time.

    There are a couple of options:
    USB tether
    Bluetooth tether

    Aircard in Laptop or USB version
    A wireless router that accepts an Aircard (multiple laptops)

    The USB tether is probably the best option for a single user because it charges the Cell Phone battery and you can make calls while on the computer too.

    Generally you'll need a data plan.

    Generally, the next problem is power. You can go the 12V to 120V inverter route or get an adapter from iGo.com - Power Adapters and Chargers for Mobile Electronic Devices.

    IGo Laptop supplies used to be sold at RadioShack. Their adapters use a multi-input (12V, 120-240V, Airplane) and have a TIP that selects the power and polarity for your device.

    The good part is, if you buy another laptop all you may need is another tip.

    I have a few complaints with the iGo system:

    1. The output cable is rather inflexible. I've had to buy 3 so far at about $20 each in about 8 years.

    2. The tips don't positively latch into the cable. I've lost a few at $10 each. I now tape them with silicone tape. About $20 a roll.

    3. The 12V lighter plug usually did not make a reliable to the lighter socket. The end can be removed to be used in an airplane. The last time the lighter end broke because of flexing, I replaced the end with an excellent one I obtained from Europe. It claimed it has a different airplane connector. The original cable lasted about 7 years.

    IGo is not very receptive to complaints about their products.

    I used the end (about 6") that plugs into their TIPS and an extremely flexible cable to replace the DC end of a broken power brick. Same problem. Flexing breaks the coax outer shield. I have been unable to find a power coax connector that will accept a diameter of about 1/4". The cable I am using is a 4 conductor with an outer shield. I did voltage drop calculations and using the 4 inner conductors and the shield would have the lowest drop. I'm using an inner pair for + and an inner pair for - and connecting the shield at one end.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
    Expert
     
    #4

    Jan 27, 2009, 07:41 PM

    I also do it all the time, I have a aircard from ATT ( got it when they offered unlimited service)

    Now it is somewhat costly, ATT and Version offers it locally for about 60 dollars a month

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