Expert: Karl Zick - 6/17/2009

Question
I am considering buying a netbook but have a few questions. The monthly fee to get guaranteed internet from anywhere is rather pricey at $60.00 a month.  Do you think that will eventually decrease over time?  BUT MORE IMPORTANLTY if I am usually in areas that have internet access would I easily be able to pick up those signals without that service and just use the WIFI access.  For example if my personal home has internet and wireless could I tap into that?  Can I basically get WIFI anywhere there is wireless?  Any suggestions would be helpful about what they should have air card, etc

Answer
Hi Angie,

Netbooks (or any new laptop) will communicate with any wireless internet service (including your home wireless router).  WIFI is only one of many services available and many hotels and internet cafe's provide free service from their internet provider.  The last hotel I stayed at had a free trial WIFI connection.

Many cities are putting in wireless internet umbrellas' that let you connect from anywhere in the city range.  These usually cost money though starting at a one week service for $15 and going up to a monthly service bill of around $40. Also, companies like ATT are making a little wireless USB stick that plugs into your laptop, works like a cell phone, and lets you connect to their service from anywhere.

While shopping for a netbook, look for specials.  I bought my grandson an ACER for $260 from geeks.com.  I love my Lenovo and I have seen them as cheap as $300.  MSI also makes a good one and they cost $300.  Just do a Google search and see what you come up with.  They are a hot item and lots of companies are making them.  It is a good idea to read the reviews and find the ones (like Dell) to stay away from.