Public WIFI and the Sony Mylo

[ovationcs257]

I’m wondering what peoples experience with finding public WIFI has been in trail towns? I’m considering picking up a Sony Mylo for an electronic journal device or possibly an i-touch but both require wifi access. I like the thought of not having to pay for a serve (pocketmail) that I will use 3 times a month at most. I wouldn’t need to find a hotspot at every town but if I could find one every 3-4 weeks I would be happy. Any thoughts or segestions?

[Slo-go'en]

Just about all the hostels down south had thier computers on an open Wi_Fi network. Many motels have a wi-fi which can be tapped. I found I could get into the Econolodge network with out any problem, so long as I was in sight of thier building. The farther north you go, the more locked systems you'll run into. McDonalds has a network, but you have to pay to get into it.

[Cool AT Breeze]

Most librarys have WIFI 24/7.

[fiddlehead]

My buddy bought me one of those wi-fi locaters that you hook to your keychain for Chirstmas. The thing is awesome.
I found in the states (PA) i could find Wifi fairly easy.
here in Thailand, I've been presently surprised in the strangest, remote places. Like now, i'm about 3 miles from the Burmese (Myamar) border in a small town in the mtns and am using someone's wifi.

I'd go for it if i were you. I think you'll find more than you'd expect.

[Screech]

I would like to see a device that was just an almost full size keyboard with no display so that battery life is maxed out. Imagine a device that allowed 5-6 hours of full speed typing between charges.

I know for a fact my journal would have been much more detailed that it ended up being.

Sure you couldn't edit the documents but I am not concerned with correct spelling while on the trail, just getting it jotted down. I thought about just using a tape recorder and then typing it later, but I know I would never get around to typing it all out after the fact. Running it through word and spellchecking it at libraries(while it charges) on the trail or when you get home, that sounds more my style.

Id be willing to sacrifice a full pound(or maybe more) of weight for such a keyboard.

[Screech]

The reason I say that is because personally I would rather just write it out on paper than to sit and use a mini keyboard to slowly spell everything out. Even once I get used to small cell keyboards, I could never type as fast as just writing it.

And if I wanted to keep a trail journal online during my hike, I would just jot small notes and then edit it into a full document at a trail library. You are going to want to sit down in the air conditioning and crack out on the internet anyway.

You will surely find that once you are on the trail, you will have plenty of town libraries to use.

my .02

[ovationcs257]

Thanks for the advice I might just go for the pencil and paper but I like the idea of having an electronic journal, phone (skype), MP3 player and free WiFi access at all McDonalds for just 6 oz

[buckwheat]

Video review of the Sony Mylo I found useful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7ATmzbHsuM

[Blissful]

No problems on the trail. Fairly frequent. But not that many McDonalds trailside. :) Library is your best bet.

[Slo-go'en]

McDonalds wi-fi isn't free. It probably doesn't cost much though and I think the same service is found in airports and truck stops. Okay if your on the road, but maybe not on the trail.

I see the Mylo has a notepad function, only question is how easy is it to cut and paste into something like trailjournals. The built in camera is nice, though its low quality. If I didn't already have a nice PDA, I'd consider getting one of these. Only wish mine had a built in keyboard, instead of the on screen thing.

[Gaiter]

and even if you don't carry a device, library's are a good place for internet as well, often they have time limits for when they are busy, just remember to be respectful

[Gaiter]

woops i should say good place for 'computers w/ internet'

[Wise Old Owl]

After reviewing the video Mylo dosn't have "Trail Worthyness!" I have a OLD Nokia 6000 series that I can make typed notes, audio notes, video notes, movies, and digital pictures. There has to be a better way than Mylo by now. Send it back. Use your cell phone.... I can even take photos and mail them to my wife's phone and she can print them/


And I use Skype --

Sorry to break it to you.

if you need help in wifi, Kensington makes a fob that "sees" if there is wifi unlocked in the area. - bearly worthwile in the burbs, forget it on the trail.

[ovationcs257]

Thanks for the update on the limited access on the McDonalds, I’m glad. The Mylo has some kind of setup with McDonalds that is allows it free access. Besides smart phones that I can’t afford any suggestions on a multi use electronic devise that works as a trail journal? I have been looking at the i-touch possibly a palm. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Slo-go'en]

Thanks for the update on the limited access on the McDonalds, I’m glad. The Mylo has some kind of setup with McDonalds that is allows it free access. Besides smart phones that I can’t afford any suggestions on a multi use electronic devise that works as a trail journal? I have been looking at the i-touch possibly a palm. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Since the Mylo is sort of aimed at kids, not too suprising McD's would have a free access contract!

You could look for a used PDA with wi-fi running Windows Mobile 5 or 6. You should be able to find one for about $100.00 I didn't like the reviews of the Palms, so bought a h-p. It should have a replaceable battery and having a spare is handy.

Used smart phones can also be had for cheap - you don't have to sign up for service, but not sure if any have wi-fi built in.