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The choice to sat “WiFi” rather than “internet” made me pause too, but in this case I think it is appropriate. If you only have access to a cheap laptop or tabl
by nickloewen 6y ago
The choice to sat “WiFi” rather than “internet” made me pause too, but in this case I think it is appropriate. If you only have access to a cheap laptop or tablet, a wired or cellular connection on its own won’t help you get to the information you need. WiFi is now the lowest common denominator of internet access, and that’s worth recognizing.
- CivBase 6y agoIn my experience, cheap laptops are more likely to still have ethernet ports, just like how cheap smartphones are more likely to have headphone jacks. Just give them cheap cellular-equipped laptops instead. Take advantage of the networks that are already in place - no wifi necessary.
- nickloewen 6y agoYou’re right about cheap laptops, but there are still (AFAICT) plenty or WiFi-only chromebooks, which is the big thing in education. Also tablets, kindles, nintendos... I agree with the suggestion that using the cellular network is the way to go, I just think that turning that cellular data into WiFi will allow more devices to connect, and more freedom in how people choose to use their connection. So I would suggest portable cellular-to-WiFi routers rather than building the cellular connection into a laptop.
- ghaff 6y agoNone of my Chromebooks or MacBooks have ever had an Ethernet port. I have a somewhat older Lenovo that has one, as does a monster 17" Alienware. But they're definitely not common in any portable devices.
- lonelappde 6y agoHave people forgot that hotspots still exist? T-Mobile still allows it. One phone can serve multiple nearby devices.