In Reply to: When taking Laptop to Bali, should I posted by shubbaz on Friday, 21. May 2010 at 12:29 Bali Time:
hi cheryl,
i have the impression that you don't understand what is wi-fi and USB modem
first of all if your computer is relatively new, you should have wi-fi facility equipped within your computer, i.e. when the wi-fi network adapter is switched on you will see all the wireless networks within the range of your location. in this case all you need is to connect to any one of the wireless networks with a password, or an open network without a password (which i will NOT recommend - always access a wi-fi network with at least WEP or better WAP2 security). most places (hotels and restaurants) in bali do offer wi-fi, but most of them are slow
secondly if there is not wi-fi network around you, you will need to access internet using the mobile telephone network. for this to work you need an USB modem (such as Telstra 3G modem, but DON'T use roaming as colleen has mentioned very expensive). you can buy this in australia and use it here in Bali without the SIM card. you only need to buy a local mobile SIM card which enables you to access internet, just like using the handphone. so long as there is mobile signal you will be able to connect
hope my explanation helps you