boxhauler

I have a few questions about travel routers. The model I'm looking at is a D-link pocket router DWL-G730AP. It has good write-ups and looks good. What brand and model do some of you guys use that you are happy with? And finally have you ever had problems using it at any hotels. The reason I ask this is the tech geek at the computer store told me he didnt think most hotels would allow the signal to be re-directed to wireless and then said a bunch of things that sounded latin to me. Any comments and suggestions would be welcome before i commit. thanks

rickair7777

Not sure why you'd need your own router at a hotel?

Most of them have wireless anyway, and the ones that don't normally provide an ethernet port. You could plug their ethernet (RJ-45) jack into your router but I doubt that the internet connection would function after being redirected to wireless.

boxhauler

Actually most hotels are not wireless. wish they were.the point is to free myself from the ethernet cable and be able to use my laptop on the balcony/bed/ or anywhere but the desk. that's what the manufacturers claim to provide with their TRAVEL/WIRELESS routers. I just want some input from somebody who actually used the device. thanks anyway.

machaf

You shouldn't have any problems doing what you want to do?

BTW - 98% of hotels in the US have wireless. I've stayed at maybe 1 or 2 that have hard wire. I'm guessing you do international stuff.

FlyerJosh

Wouldn't it just be easier to purchase or make a 30' cable instead. Sure you're still connected, but in the end it's probably cheaper and would work everywhere you travel (domestic and international).

Never used a travel router, but I have used a Sprint Broadband card. Works well and almost as fast as high speed internet.

StripAlert

Don't have any info on the D-Link, but here's a review I wrote about my Linksys. Works like a champ.

http://www1.epinions.com/content_366370197124

I love guys who give advice on things they know nothing about. There is no way for the hotel to differentiate between this and your computer. You can even clone the MAC address to make it match, if you want.

I've been to plenty of hotels in the U.S. with no wireless access or only wireless in the lobby. Most of the rooms are wired, and I'd much rather have a wireless connection in my room than trail 30' of cable all over the place. The Linksys router is dual-voltage, so you just need a plug converter to use it internationally.

Pair a wireless router with a standalone Skype phone for cheap international calling--$0.02 per minute to the U.S. from anywhere with Internet access. (Make sure to update the firmware on the Linksys WIP320 Skype Phone for better battery life.)

--

I also have the Sprint broadband, and it's very useful at hotels that can't seem to make their Internet access work right. Also great for airports without free wireless, riding in the car, or anywhere else. If you fly old equipment without good dispatch support, it's also valuable for double-checking weather from the cockpit. Used it one night to get an up to date radar snapshot of the Chicago area before taxiing out of ORD in the 747 amongst a bunch of thunderstorms. Downside is that it doesn't work internationally or in Alaska.