[migratory birds]

Wondering how wireless access works for traveler's laptops? Is it worth bringing my laptop (with a wireless card, not built-in) on our 2 week exploratory trip?

It could be great for easy access to a wealth of resources in NZ...but can I just plug it in and access an open band of broadband? Or will I need to $ub$cribe to a service that leaves me, in the end, better off hitting internet cafes??

Tips for this traveler who has only traveled with a backpack, never a computer??

[IanW99]

There are a few wireless hotspots around that are free e.g. at some libraries, also see Free Wi-Fi with your coffee (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/freitasm/3899).

Would also check out what Telecom have to offer as they have a lot of hotspots including in hotels. Don't know what it costs though as its free if you are a Telecom customer.

Having said that, not sure that it would be worth the extra hassle of having to look after a laptop if you were only actually going to use it for a couple of hours. Last time I used an internet cafe it was NZD$4 per hour.

Ian

[constablechuck]

You could try woosh.co.nz and I think Vodafone also offers wireless service, I don't think you have to sign up for a fixed term, however you would have to pay for their wireless card which cost about $100.

[CjChris]

We found that even in Wellington, wireless is not easy to come by. You can hook up to wireless in some internet cafes for $4-6 per hour, but as far as hooking up at "hotspots," they are often much more expensive than that ($10-20 per hour). Some cafes have "free internet with purchase," but these are not necessarily convenient or available everywhere. In hotels we've stayed in (various places on NI), wireless is expensive...nonexistant at hostels (many of which have a coin-operated computer for internet around $6-8 per hour).

I know some folks will offer differing experiences here, but for us, overall we've found the state of broadband rather disappointing and expensive. Wireless seems to be a rarity (of course, this is coming from a gal who is used to free wireless internet in the US in almost every city center nationwide).

I, personally, would not lug around a laptop unless I absolutely had to. It is much easier to either go to internet cafe and use their computers or just talk to people and do your research that way. People are so friendly and eager to help...we've gotten lots of great advice from everyone from hotel conscierge to taxi drivers.

Christine

[sfordjasiri]

There are lots of internet cafes where you can get on the internet, even in small cities, so you don't really need to bring your own computer. If you avoid bringing a laptop you can avoid worrying about leaving something expensive in your car or room when you are traveling.

[cathgates]

I had a question relating to using my laptop and pc in NZ. We are in the UK at the mo, but if all goes well should arrive sometime next year.

I was wanting to know wether my pc and laptop would work ok in NZ with regard to windows compatability? I am of the understanding that windows bought and registered in some countries do not work in other countries.:confused:

I assume that all will be ok between UK and NZ?:yes

Cath X

[swissmissdesigner]

I took once, never again.
Just to go the any internet room cost the same as you pay at wireless internet coffe shops for using the own laptop.

[IanW99]

I had a question relating to using my laptop and pc in NZ. We are in the UK at the mo, but if all goes well should arrive sometime next year.

I was wanting to know wether my pc and laptop would work ok in NZ with regard to windows compatability? I am of the understanding that windows bought and registered in some countries do not work in other countries.:confused:

I assume that all will be ok between UK and NZ?:yes

Cath X

I wasn't aware of any problems with Windows compatibility moving countries, if this is what Microsoft are doing, wouldn't have thought it was acceptable e.g. visiting a country on business and your laptop stops working? Not heard of this?

Anyway, I can tell you that we brought over several computers with various Windows OSes on from the UK including Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista without any problems, so you should be Ok.

Ian

[IanW99]

I took once, never again.
Just to go the any internet room cost the same as you pay at wireless internet coffe shops for using the own laptop.

Some of the coffee shops are now offering free access with any purchase (as I posted above), are you saying that there are also some internet rooms that do the same? Otherwise, would agree the costs for using your own laptop are around the same costs as an internet cafe.

If you have trouble finding an internet cafe, then check out the local library, most seem to have access available for a charge.

If you just want local information (without the internet) as you tour around, then I recommend visiting the i-sites, seem to be in every town and great for information on the area.

Ian

[jdbob]

Internet access at hotels is pretty grim. If they have it they seem to pull the price out of a hat. The cheapest I saw was $5 per day (minimum two days) to $35 per day at a couple of places or something like $10 per hour at other locations.

Unless you need to use special programs on your laptop you would probably be better off using internet cafes.

Next week I'm staying at the (dis)Comfort Inn near the Auckland airport for a couple of days. They say they have free wi-fi, I'll believe it when I see it.

[cathgates]

Hi, IanW99, thanks for that, I think it has to do with the lower costs for buying windows in some countries that do not have as good an economy as others, to stop it being sold in countries with better economies??

[swissmissdesigner]

"Otherwise, would agree the costs for using your own laptop are around the same costs as an internet cafe."


That's what I meant..:nice1

[RamblingPaddies]

are travellers likely to get any hassle from customs or immigration vis a vis what might be on your laptop - like i've copied all my cds into itunes and have done the same with a few films onto a portable harddrive.

[IanW99]

are travellers likely to get any hassle from customs or immigration vis a vis what might be on your laptop - like i've copied all my cds into itunes and have done the same with a few films onto a portable harddrive.

We never had any problems with Laptops through the airport or PCs in our container, haven't seen or heard of any problems either.

As long as you are legally entitled to the material and are not attempting to bring items into NZ that are not permitted, then I don't see why it would matter even if they did check.

Of course if you do attract their attention e.g. buy bringing in food without declaring it, then they may well check everything.

Ian

[james the mechanic]

There you go,
Once again its different strokes for different folks, I’ve stayed in plenty of places in NZ which offer free internet (never wireless though) in your room. I always take my laptop with me, have also had no problems at the airport, and find it pays dividends as I can then use my VOIP phone in my hotel/motel room.
The only problem I have encountered was when I made a very high volume of calls on one occasion, I was single handily I guess, hitting the hotels download limit (calculated daily it seems) and thus making it revert to dial-up speed, which I,m sure was nice for the other guests.:laugh
I at that point found internet cafes expensive, inconvenient and not very private and still not wireless.
However if you are backpacking, staying in hostels etc. I would leave the laptop at home.
Best wishes:nice1
James