1. I have just purchased a new HP PC and it is working out for me well so far. I also use a verizon air card, but my question is...If I am at a truck stop that has Wi-Fi availible am I able to use the Wi-Fi without the verizon air card? I guess i really don't yet understand exactly what Wi-Fi is. If the laptop is new do are they able to pick up Wi-Fi with no external hardware?


2. I thought laptops can last a long time without being plugged in, maybe it is just the battery that came with my computer but it seems to be able to last around 3 hours. Is that normal or are there batteries that you can purchase that last longer?

 

If your pc has a built in wireless capability then no you don't need any equipment. If it does not then you're going to need a wireless card for it to work, pretty much it's just like the aircard, but just a modem no plan to go with it. Check with your pc's paperwork or the salesman you worked with to find out if it has a built in wireless function. When you get wireless working it's pretty much identical to your aircard in function, but the range is obviously a lot smaller, and you have to be within range of something broadcasting a wireless signal. Your computer will have a little menu to chose which signal to connect to. Range is typically less than 200 meters.


2. That battery life sounds normal, especially for 'maxed' out settings/things running. There may or may not be one with more 'juice'. Try to search for a website or message board that deals specifically with your model computer or at least the brand, it would probably be even better to find a battery message board (they do exist)

 

Another thing to note is that WiFi isn't free in most cases - you are going to have to pay to use it. Stick with your air card - it's faster, more reliable, and you are already paying for it.

 

Standard laptop batteries last about 2-3 hours between charges depending on how you are using them.

The do make ones that last 4-6 hours for many brands, but the last time I checked they were well over $200.