[snailandthewhale]

Hello all,

Planning to get rid of our ancient pc and buy a laptop to take to NZ. We've got temporary accommodation sorted but need to start house hunting as soon as poss after arrival. Don't fancy attempting this without internet access.

How do you connect to the internet in NZ if you don't have a landline or a broadband / cable account set up? Can you just pick up a disc in the supermarket and dial up like you would in the UK? Even if you don't own the phone line? Can you set up an account with an NZ company whilst still in the UK? How do these wireless things work?

Sorry, but I'm clueless about technology and can't understand how I'll be able to take a laptop out of my suitcase on arrival and it'll just work?! Or should I be checking out internet cafes?

Thanks

Karen

[StevieD]

Hi Karen, Steve here, most laptops now come with wireless, so you can sometimes log on to the internet in wireless hotspots like cafes ( I think!) Probably best for the NZ gang to answer though, but good question, I'll keep my eye on it for my own benefit.

BTW, how did the Blackpool trip go???

[DB]

How do you connect to the internet in NZ if you don't have a landline or a broadband / cable account set up?

Call Telecom on 123 from any landline or mobile and they'll set you up an account, even if you dont have a permanent address. This account will stay with you forever, for when you do get a rental or whatever.

Go into a Noel Leemings and pick up a disk. Enter the stuff the Telecom phone person agreed with you. You have internet.

There is a general perception that Telecom are not a great ISP, but (a) that impression is wrong, they're a great ISP, they just rip you off(!!!), and (b) the minimum service period is just one month, so if/when you want to change ISPs it's painless to do so.

Or, you could also go to a Vodafone shop and get a GPRS card for your laptop, and a GPRS prepay account to go with it. It'll cost more per byte, but it's an instant solution, and it works whilst mobile. Check coverage maps first.

Or, if you are in the Woosh wireless coverage area, you could pop into a Dick Smith and pick up a Woosh modem, and thats all you need.

Lots if options.

[Hannah]

Just to second DB's post - I called 123 (Telecom) and they talked me through the process over the phone (to set up a dial up account) - they just tell you where to go into in the computer/what to click and by the end of the call you can plug into the phone line and you are on line. For broadband they send you the equipment you need (don't know too much details about that as i'm scared of computer hardware stuff, so i'll finish off now and leave someone more techinical to chip in!!)
hannah

[veronica]

you can also access whoosh (or woosh) which is available in some of the city centres and is wireless, only if you are are in range though.

[StevieD]

What special kit is required for whoosh DB??

[veronica]

not sure as we decided to go conventional, try going on the whoosh web site.