cyber use in usa

[albal]

Hi

On the transam next year and i would like to know what type of device i should take with me for i/net access, I have a blackberry but i guess this would be far too expensive in data charges.
Do i take a netbook? and scan via wi fi? Or someone tells me (i would never of known this) I can access on a ipod? this interests me as it is light, I'm carrying x3 bags only.
Thanks and any ideasi have not mentioned would help a lot.

 

[Brains]

Keep in mind that a mobile phone that works in the rest of the world will not work in the USA (or Japan) as they use a different incompatible system you need a phone that is 'tri-band' to work in the USA and Europe

 

[rsvdaz]

my suggestion would be a smart phone of some sorts....BB/android/iphone (most new phones are tri-band)...then utilise wifi as and where possible then buy a local payg sim for data charges

 

[sabian92]

If you want to avoid taking a laptop/netbook, you can get a new iPod touch 8GB for about 170 quid, and second hand less than that. Worth taking one - you'll have music you can listen to as well at night in your tent or hotel room. Reading big web pages is a pain on it but for basic browsing it's good and if you use gmail or anything like that you can download the app which is a great way of reading your e-mails on the move as it's formatted for the screen.

It's got Google Maps built in as well, but you can't use it as a GPS - no 3G on the Touch. You can get a cheapo car charger as well, so you can charge via dynamo hub too.

 

[mark]

Lots of libraries have public computers, which are available for a nominal fee. If you've got a tablet or a netbook, lots of places offer free Wi-fi.

 

[montage]

How long are you in the USA for?....if you buy a sim card with a month's worth of credit (they call it prepaid) then you may be able to pick up a deal that allows you certain amounts of data downloads. I'm living in the USA at the moment - if you were to be visiting a lot of towns, then there will almost certainly be coffee shops, which almost certainly have free wifi access. A fair few bars do as well - it's common to have to ask the bar staff for the password though.

Coffee shops and a smart phone should see you through ok.

 

[Yellow7]

Hi Albal. In 2008 I cycled Route 66 and found it relatively easy to find internet access, mainly used libraries (I never took a laptop or a phone).

PS It was an awesome tour and the Americans were extremenly friendly, so different to how they're perceived on TV, I'd like to tour the coast-to-coast Lincoln highway next.

Mark wallisonwheels.com

 

[Riding in Circles]

Use your Blackberry on wi-fi for emails, there is free wifi all over the place in the USA, coffee shops, fast food places, shopping malls etc..

 

[albal]

Thanks guys, seems taking my BB and purchasing a prepaid sim is the answer, tho' i'm not too bothered if i have to use libraries etc, my only concern was to come back to uk with huge bills from o2. Departing May and returning aug sometime.

 

[Simon_m]

Hi there, when are you going? I'm starting it on Sat 19th May. Maybe see you out there. Personally I'm taking an iPhone and a small netbook type thing. From the blogs, I hear wifi is pretty easy to pick up along the route. Just about to ask a question about bikes and planes, so maybe have a look at that for help too

 

[BigonaBianchi]

This has been a plan of mine for a few years now..had to put it off due to some 'issues' but am getting closer now...how long do you anticiapte the transam taking?

 

[Simon_m]

For me, I'm doing the Adventure Cycling tour:
http://www.adventurecycling.org/tours/tourdetail.cfm?t=EV12&id=281&p=1

Total Days: 83 Riding Days: 72 Orientation/Rest Days: 11