Does anyone know if you can use your own laptop to access the web in any of the internet cafes in Carvoeiro? I have clients staying in an apartment without a landline who need to use their own computer.

Thanks
k

ktee, there is a directory of wifi hotspots in the Algarve here:

http://www.wi-fihotspotsdirectory.com/W ... 17439.html

I think there is a location in Porches but that's the nearest spot I have been able to find so far. Of course, not all of them are accessible to the public necessarily.

Not sure if that's exactly what you are looking for.

If anyone has any experience with any of the hotspots around, I too would be interested in keeping up to date on this.

Thanks.

Oops, this might be a better starting point:

http://www.wi-fihotspotsdirectory.com/W ... al-17.html

But you have to go thru it to id sites in the Algarve.

Thanks for that showwie, but I think he is looking for somewhere in Carvoeiro where he can plug in.

i think you might be able to in the computer bar? if any help

I was told the one near Mungos or is it opposite Mungos? They let you use your own laptop there?

Thanks for the suggestions!

k

[quote="Anonymous"]I was told the one near Mungos or is it opposite Mungos? They let you use your own laptop there?[/quote]
Does anybody know where this is?

There used to be one in the shopping centre behind Mungos (up the steps opposite Happys and Round Up) I'm guessing this is the one?

Are you folks talking "wifi" here or just "plugging in" to a telephone connection?

Plugging in to a phone connection.

You can actually buy time on Portugal WI-FI hotspots. Many of their hotspots are located around Carvoeiro, Portamao etc. They are accessible in hotels, McDonalds, airport in Lisbon. Check out this site to get details and Hotspot sites:

http://www.ptwifi.pt/Default.aspx

Actually this site is available in English. Their only one on their website (other than their Portugal Telecom home and corporate pages).

Brilliant! I see the Tivoli Almansor is "hot"!

Is the other one the Post office, ie CTT?

Hoser, that looks to be just the trick for WiFi access

I won't be in CVO for a couple of months, but would be happy to work with someone locally to test this out in preparation. I've used similar services in airports all over the world and its typically very very easy, and good value.

All you need is a wireless enabled laptop, and spend some time in the Tivoli Almansor bar. I'm happy to pay for the access for this trial (and throw in a free beer). There is a special deal of 50% discount until 31/12/05 - so I'm not being over generous here !. You can pre-buy access in blocks of 1 hour, 1 day or 1 week and pay by credit card. You then get a user name and password on your mobile phone or email, and just fire up your browser while sitting in the hotel, and hey presto, you're on-line at broadband speed.

Ktee, I think this is much better than actually connecting to a phone, which requires more preparation, and will only run at 1/10th the speed. However, if you do not want wireless, and insist on phone dial-up, I can offer help there too (PM me for more details). You just need any old telephone line - it does not need to be internet connected - it just needs to have the standard wall plug that you can swap out for a simple cable from laptop to phone line and some patience as you register on-line before dialing up (yes, thats the catch - you have to do it before you visit).

The other trick is to travel about and find an unencrypted WI-FI site. There are many people and businesses that use wireless routers that have quite powerful signals. All you have to do is sit outside their place with your laptop (equiped with a Wireless Cardbus Adapter, which all new laptops have built in) and connect to the signal and voila! you have internet connection. All for FREE.

I am amazed that where I live, how many neighbours I can access their wireless hookups without having to worry about encryption. In actual fact there is no security problem as usually the person's wireless router you are accessing has a firewall working, so you are protected too.

Soon the world will be one large wireless site. You can also use VOIP on these sites to make all your phone calls too. Have fun.