In words of 1 syllable or less, can someone PLEASE explain to me how wireless technology works on a laptop computer WITHOUT paying for a monthly ISP service?

What I mean, basically is, if I buy a $2000 computer with wireless internet access technology and I want to use the laptop on the road, how do I get internet access? Will I need to pay for monthly internet fees with the wireless technology?

Wireless internet companies maintain a constant internet connection through DSL. They have networks of what are called "wireless access points" established throughout a region. These give your laptop the ability to access the DSL connection through radio signals, sort of like how a cordless phone might work. You will need a wireless card installed in your laptop if one is not already built in. And you also need a wireless antenna attached to your laptop.

You also have to pay for a wireless access point. Pricing may run anywhere from $30 to $70 a month for unlimited usage to per minute charges that can be around $15 an hour.

This article might explain things a little better:
Cnn.com/Technology

Do I understand it right then that if you travel all over the country, like I did driving over the road, that ou are out of luck probably 90% plus of the time? Like forget Wyoming and the Dakotas etc?

Well, that depends on the quality of hotels that you stay in Gat. More and more are offering wireless internet for a per hour usage. And many colleges and universities also have purchased their own access points. You would probably only pay for your own wireless internet if you intended to use your laptop out in your yard or by the pool. I think the average range for an access point is about 300 feet. Probably just enough for you to take your laptop to a nearby restaurant to use while you had lunch or dinner.

Georgia you do not stay in hotels or motels when you drive over the road. That is why you have the sleeper area right behind the cab. Is there no method for access via satalite yet?

Sure you can access the internet via a satellite. But you'd have to have a dish mounted on near your home and have an unobstructed view of one of the Satellite Systems dishes. You'd also have to connect the dish to your computer using a USB or an Ethernet connection. Satellite is not the same as wireless.

Actually IBM and Rocksteady Networks are working on providing wireless internet access for truckers at more than 1000 truck stops throught the US. And keep in mind that PCS Wi-Fi access is relatively new and started it's major metropolitan city roll-out in 2003. It was created by a company called Cometa Networks and was formed by AT&T, Intel, and IBM. It is their hope that nationwide wireless internet access will soon be possible for every internet user in the US. They will be able to access their accounts anywhere in the states. The plan just hasn't reached completion yet.

Have patience. Remember, 5 years ago business men and women travelled without internet access and managed just fine

Thanks for the info Georgia. I've spent plenty of nights parked at rest areas. In Wyoming that can literally be a wide patch of dirt. Some truckers do have satalite dishs for tv and there is qualcom for messages.

yes i too would very interested in this as i too am over the road. i could really use the dish set up how is that poss. any links ?
i dont much care for the wire less as there is no service in the middle of no where. but a dish would work well i beleave.

Sorry for my delay in answering your question DodgeCity. I just now checked this post. As for getting a satellite hookup all you would need to do is contact a satellite provider in your area.

I have not researched these sites to see if they provide coverage in your area but at least you can read up a bit on satellite providers.

skycasters.com
starband.com
DirecWay
Direcpc.com