Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss New Laptop

We just got a new Laptop, our first (a Dell Inspiron 1420), and my Son hooked up a wireless router via ethernet to our DSL modem, so the new 'puter gets high-speed web access anywhere in the house (and presumably for some distance outside, although I ain't taking it out in the rain today for testing). The freedom of use and access is really neat.

I have noticed, however, that it's extremely difficult to use the latop while going to the bathroom. And vice versa.

I have an office set up with my desktop computer in a camper about 80 feet from a pre-N wireless router which advertises a range of up to 200 feet. The signal passes through one exterior wall and there is no measurable difference in speed between my pc and Cindy's which is hardwired.

Too much information Theo, way, way TMI!

...at least he didn't get caught clickin' his mouse

Gallus, Jr. just told me one can set up wireless repeaters wherever you have 110VAC. Since I will have power strung all the way to the pond next year, I could use 2-3 repeaters and have wi-fi out there. Then I'd be just like that guy managing Richmond Mills lake, except for the work barge, the feeders, the budget, ...

Apparently, you can also put an empty Pringle's can on the router's antenna, and make it directional with 3-4 times the range (albeit in a limited area). Kinda like the 21st Century version of the old tin can telephone.

Theo, your kids are not ever referred to as "Jr."

They are referred to as Spawn of Gallus.

I am in the process of upgrading from dial-up to mobile broadband ...... can't wait. Of course, I am on the edge of the real fast service(they claim) but may be able to triple D-U speed. Cable or DSL across the phone lines is still another 2 years out. I guess living away from the hustle and bustle has it's downsides.

Since you are into sharing too much information, I thought I would add, you can in fact use the laptop in the bathroom just fine, if you put it on a TV tray. Speakin' from some experience... Actually the fiance didn't believe I would actually share that on the internet but I have no shame...

Unfortunately, my high fiber diet doesn't allow me to read more than a few lines before the location in question becomes superfluous.

Oh, I should also mention that the wireless router allows file-sharing (we can access the desktop computer's disk drives) and and use of the desktop's printer from the laptop.

...and what of the tractor-top mounting bracket?

B'ski that's no challenge for an engineer. I am waiting for the shock absorbing laptop mount for the jumping jack compactor. Post while you pound - get it from Ronco while they last.

Repeat after me: "Elastomeric Isolators!"

Dang, Theo is throwing out six bit words again.

Theo, I have similar setup as you about a year now. I havn't had a problem using mine while on the throne, but then I am only reading pond boss threads. Mine is also a Dell Ispiration with XP and with my router I have no problem outside within some distance. My daughter had to have the speed and convenience when visiting us from Austin so she could keep up with work at the same time as frequent visits, now she is in L.A., changed careers, but I'm spoiled to the mobility and am glad I did it for her!

BarO,

When we moved just four miles to this location, we lost our DSL. We went with what was then Cingular Broadband. I'd do it again if I didn't have DSL. It doesn't compare with dial-up. Plus, you can use it virtually anywhere your cell phone will work.

About six months ago we finally got DSL back again.

My only caution -- unless you are real close to your cell tower, make sure the card you get can take an external antenna. We had to buy an RV antenna. It made the difference between having and signal, and not having one.

Good luck,
Ken

Theo,

I haven't tried from the bathroom. But, I'm able to get moderate signal from my wireless router (in the house) to my Dell Latitude when I take it down to the barn, which is at least 750 feet away.

We travel a lot. It is amazing how many shared routers are out there. Almost every place we go, we find strong signals from one or more routers to link through. When we stay in hotels/motels, there are always multiple wireless links to tie into.

I'd go into serious withdrawal without the WIFI on our Dells.

Ken

I think Theo is ignoring you guys.

If you guys need more distance/better signal (better speed) on your wireless router, you can add one of these to your configuration: Linksys Wireless-G Extender

I have one on mine to get through some old plaster n lathe walls and it works great even on over to my neighbors who is at least a couple hundred feet away.

Ken,

Thanks. We got an external modem with a flipup antenna and it is about 5-10 times faster than my old dialup. I will be buying a laptop shortly to use on our trips. I can finally look at Youtube videos and watch them the same night.

"I can finally look at Youtube videos and watch them the same night."

I'm not sure if that's good or bad for you, BarO.

in my little bit of research preparing to leave dial up, i heard the new technology is "n" series wireless (to replace "g" series). i have no clue what that means, but have been told "n" series "sees" alot further than "g"

I have a Belkin pre-N wireless router. The N types were out when I bought it, but the reviews I read at the time favored the older model that I got. At 80 feet through one exterior wall I get no loss of speed at all.

Sunil,

It opens a whole new world to me........