I will be driving cross-country USA in April (Philadelphia to San Francisco) and was wondering what would be my best bet for Internet access. I won't bring a laptop computer. I just want to do a quick check of e-mail every other day or so.

From previous trips to the US I remember that there are few Internet cafes such as you'd find in many other countries. And most of this trip will be in rural areas, so I am wondering where to find Internet access.

Thanks in advance.

Public libraries often provide free Internet access.

Kinko's (FedEx) stores provide fee-based access, which isn't cheap--25 cents per minute.

The motels where you stay may well let you check email.

Sometimes, some coffee shops (not Starbucks, but local places) have a public access terminal.

Virtually all hotels of any worth at all now in the US have internet access, even in rural areas. All the midrange hotels will offer it for free as well. VIrtually all of these offering in room service will have a PC or two in the lobby for customer use.

Expensive properties are another matter. It seems the more you pay for a room th elees you get - expect tp pay for internet access in these.

I believe Starbucks offers T-Mobile wi-fi and more and more McDs do as well.

On my last road trip, I tried to find a public library for internet access, but it's actually pretty hard. A lot of locals didn't know where it was.

A lot of libraries are also requiring a logon ID based on your library card (free to locals, of course).

I think because a relatively greater proportion of Americans have laptops, public internet access is not as extensive in the US as it is in other parts of the world...

Check with your cellular provider--- most offer a data access bundle (you might already have it) which lets you access the Internet from your cell phone, as long as your cell hardware is up to specs. I use Cingular and have two cell phones--- a Motorola v551 for personal use, a Nokia E62 (similar to a Treo) for work--- both get Internet access. I have the cheapest plan on my personal cell and unlimited data on my work phone, and use both for web-based email when I don't take my laptop on a trip. It's not always pretty, especially on the Motorola's tiny screen, but it gets the job done. Just be careful with the plan you choose; the monthly data bundles can be quite affordable but depending on the carrier, the overage rates might be painful.

You can always add the data service for your trip then cancel it when you return. I've done that for other cell services like International calling. Usually your carrier will want you to sign a new 2-year contract when you make these changes but I really like Cingular so that isn't a deal-breaker for me. Or get a pay-as-you-go plan on a PDA-type device that is more suited for Internet access: Treo, Blackberry, Blackjack, etc.

The coverage I've gotten from Cingular has been consistently very good, with few dead spots in the US or Canada, and if you get a good device, you'll be surprised how functional the mobile browsers are.

Folks, he isn't gonna have a laptop with him so WiFi options or cell cards aren't really a solution.

Your best bet is what some others already mentioned - Kinko's, libraries and the lobbies of some of the chain hotels (the Inn's - Hampton, Fairfield, Comfort, etc). Unlike many other countries, Internet cafes never really took hold here in the U.S., even in larger cities. Everyone that wants internet access carries around their laptop and finds a wifi spot or uses a cell card.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

What everyone else said... I can visualize that juicy, free computer in the lobby of the last Marriot Residence Inn I stayed.

Rural areas? Try to get a copy of "Blue Highways" by William Least Heat Moon, preferably the audio version, for company.

Too bad you won't have a computer because many public libraries offer a free download of the eaudiobook version.

And now back to the topic.

Jim

Is it easy to find a free wifi spot ? Where should I look for one ?

Local coffee shops often have free wifi. Not Starbucks, though.

www.wififreespot.com/

www.jiwire.com/

I have had very good luck with local public libraries. It is best to go when the kids are in school since otherwise they may beat you to signing up for the terminals.

As to a logon ID, generally, you can use your home library card or a driver's license. I just used the net at a Chicago suburban library. When I told the lady I was from out of state she immediately let me on the computer without any problems. ^

By the way, the library in Santa Fe has both net access and a great location by the Plaza. Nice garden, too. Haven't tried the New York Public library yet, but I wonder how that is?

In the end, bringing a laptop is probably the most convenient approach, especially since OP is driving.

In August 2006, I was able to get a free one week pass to use the internet at the Las Vegas libraries. They did not ask for ID or anything. (nor should they!)

I almost forgot this one: Tmobile is doing a promo with Kodak that gives you a free month of wifi. Here is the link:

https://selfcare.hotspot.t-mobile.co...romo=KD1MTH105