Tablet Question.....Need Help - Page 2

Nuttmeg · ‎03-09-2010

On 7/21/2014 mima said:
On 7/21/2014 grandma r said:
How do you connect to WiFi if you are away?

You have to be somewhere where there is wifi like McDonald's, etc. We live in a rural community and we don't have wifi everywhere like other people talk about.

Even at the airport, it isn't good enough to watch hulu.

I live in a urban area. The Mc D's may not have fast Wi-Fi, many users and unsafe connections. I usually bring my cellphone with me. I do not carry a tablet out of the house.

Campion · ‎10-21-2011

Most Kindles have WiFi, even the originals. The original Kindle connected to 3G (phone service) for free but had limited web capability. You could go to Amazon to buy books, but surfing the web was difficult (there is a function on it, but it is not great.)

The newer Kindles don't have 3 or 4G (cell service) but they have WiFi, so you have to connect to a "hot spot"--as in Starbucks, or McDonalds. Sometimes, as in hotels, you have to pay for WiFi. Some places have abundant free WiFi. I was just in Finland last week and they are devoted to technology, so the city of Helsinki has free WiFi all over and many of the cafes have it as well--even ice cream stands have hot spots.

I connected my Kindle HDX to the ice cream stand hotspot in Helskinki and I could get my email via an app on the Kindle. That's the other piece of the puzzle. You have to install an app (generally, they are free) to download your email or to surf the Web. The Kindle app for web surfing is called "Silk."

To turn on Wifi, you go to settings and turn on the WiFi button. It searches for the closest WiFi hot spot, and tries to log in. If it's a subscription (pay) hot spot, it connects with a small X over the broadcast symbol (a quarter circle with arched lines) Then you have to type in a sign in on a sign in page with password and such. If it's a free hot spot, you still have to sign in with permission (like at McD's.)

The HDX has an optional 4G for either ATT or Verizon, so if you don't have WiFi, or are traveling around you can log in from anywhere. You have to pay for the data plan. I don't have WiFi in my office, so this would be a good idea if I wanted to use my Kindle online at work. (But I'm so busy, I barely have time for lunch so I'm saving my money on this.)

The HDX 's are on sale $100 off today, by the way, so if you have an older Kindle or a bw and want color and hi-def, it's a good deal. I love mine. I use it instead of a laptop and I simply log in using free WiFi at hotspots, like Starbucks.

adoreqvc · ‎03-09-2010

Using your internet provider's wi fi to connect to their hot spots out doors is very easy and free if you have a monthly paid service.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

My iPad connects to cellular service, just like a phone (but you can't call on it). I go through Verizon for the iPad (only) and they offer several options. It works based on cell phone towers just like your cell phone.

grandma r · ‎10-26-2010

Everyone thanks so much. I really appreciate your help. We only have one cable provider in our area, so we have what they offer. They put our modem,router, etc in the cellar. Could that be an issue??? Anyway, I am going to try your suggestions. I guess I'm in the tech wold now.

glb613 · ‎03-09-2010

On 7/22/2014 grandma r said:
Everyone thanks so much. I really appreciate your help. We only have one cable provider in our area, so we have what they offer. They put our modem,router, etc in the cellar. Could that be an issue??? Anyway, I am going to try your suggestions. I guess I'm in the tech wold now.

That IS the problem. Never have it on the lower level. You need to buy a range extender or repeater. It will capture the signal and rebroadcast it. They run about $50. The other option, have the modem and router relocated on the main floor. This type of stuff makes me so angry. Any installer should know better.

adoreqvc · ‎03-09-2010

Hi grandma r,

You are most welcome and I hope the information and your cable company helps you connect to everything with no future problems.

Call and ask them if their cellar installation could be the reason you are having difficulties.

Also inform them you need their help to connect to their wi fi hot spots for free wi fi internet service when you are out and about, and they should be able to set you up.

You are paying for their product which also includes their assistance so let them do the work to get you the best connections.

On 7/22/2014 grandma r said:

Everyone thanks so much. I really appreciate your help. We only have one cable provider in our area, so we have what they offer. They put our modem,router, etc in the cellar. Could that be an issue??? Anyway, I am going to try your suggestions. I guess I'm in the tech wold now.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

If you want to use the internet in an area where there is no wifi service you must buy a service like mifi from verizon or an air card , or buy a tablet that has it built in like ipad air.

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

On 7/22/2014 glb613 said:
On 7/22/2014 grandma r said:
Everyone thanks so much. I really appreciate your help. We only have one cable provider in our area, so we have what they offer. They put our modem,router, etc in the cellar. Could that be an issue??? Anyway, I am going to try your suggestions. I guess I'm in the tech wold now.

That IS the problem. Never have it on the lower level. You need to buy a range extender or repeater. It will capture the signal and rebroadcast it. They run about $50. The other option, have the modem and router relocated on the main floor. This type of stuff makes me so angry. Any installer should know better.

Wow, yes!

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