Another WiFi question - Sorry!!

De and Jut

Sorry for another wifi question but am useless with this stuff. Ok i have a laptop with wifi modem that i will be taking to bali when staying in our villa. Villa has no phone line and really cant be bother trying to get one installed. So, I know that i will need a sim card ( going with Telkomsel). What else do i need (laptop doesnt have a card reader).?? Want to be able to connect the laptop as well as the mobile phone. Also can you reload the simcard from outside of Bali?? Thanks :icon_neutral:

De and Jut

Anyone??? :icon_cry:

spicyayam

The question has been asked a few times before, such as: https://balipod.com/forum/threads/plug-in-wifi.8161/ ronb has provided many helpful answers on the topic, so I would suggest looking through some of his posts also: https://balipod.com/forum/threads/3g-plans-speed-and-coverage-in-southern-bali-mobile-internet.7036/

ronb

Some questions for De and Jut. What model of USB modem do you have? Is it locked to a telephone company that you bought it from? - see How to Unlock a USB Modem for more info on locking Concerning your question on topping up pulsa from outside Bali - you can maybe do this by Internet banking if you have an account with one of the major Indonesian banks.

De and Jut

Thanks Gilbert Ronb - the laptop modem is an internal one. It is not a usb one

gilbert de jong

I was hoping some other member would answer your thread, someone who knows a bit more about this then I do... I am no expert, but I can tell you what I've got at home and works. If you just wanted to go online with your laptop, you could just buy a USB modem...it plugs into your USB slot and via that you go online. here's a link to some modems like that Smartfren Modem & Router but you want to go online with your laptop and HP (mobile phone), so you would need a wireless router.. on the same page but at the bottom of the page. I have an older model router, but it works the same....insert sim, plug into a socket, scan for available wifi networks and connect to your router. then go online... as for the smartfren, you could by vouchers and add pulsa to your simcard from abroad... But I think (not sure) roaming data will be expensive...here you can find a list of roamingpartners Smartfren Layanan International Services there are several packages available, be sure to pick the right one.. Hope it helps a bit. friendly greetings, gilbert.

ronb

De and Jut wroteThanks Gilbert Ronb - the laptop modem is an internal one. It is not a usb one

Well then the question is - how is the modem described? Is it HSPDA or maybe CDMA-EVO, or can it perhaps do both? Or maybe if you say what model the laptop is I can Google it.

davita

The internal modem will only be able to search around your location to piggy-back on someone else's router. Most people security-lock their router so probably not be available. If you want to get on the web go to any electronic store and buy a usb modem and pay a fee (pulsa) for usage...I used a D-Link before I got Telcom to put in a phone. It worked in Kerobokan but I've heard may not be successful in every location.

ronb

The internal modem will only be able to search around your location to piggy-back on someone else's router. Most people security-lock their router so probably not be available. ..................

I think you are referring to the WiFi capability of the laptop rather than a modem. I think they are referring to a laptop with built in 3G modem. To get the idea look at this review of an Acer - Acer Aspire 5650 3G review - Laptop - Trusted Reviews. This "feature" of laptops emerged several years ago but has not really taken off. In Indonesia, it is hard to find notebooks with built-in 3G. However, iPads, Samsung tablets, and Kindles are all offering built in 3G on some models.

davita

I think you are referring to the WiFi capability of the laptop rather than a modem. I think they are referring to a laptop with built in 3G modem. To get the idea look at this review of an Acer - Acer Aspire 5650 3G review - Laptop - Trusted Reviews. This "feature" of laptops emerged several years ago but has not really taken off. In Indonesia, it is hard to find notebooks with built-in 3G. However, iPads, Samsung tablets, and Kindles are all offering built in 3G on some models.

Thanks ronb...... I confess i'm not terribly smart around computers. I just attempted to help by saying what I did. btw Interesting that I'm writing this on an Acer Aspire 7551G....does it have a 3G internal modem? If it does it didn't work in Bali, which is why I bought the D-link, which did.

ronb

btw Interesting that I'm writing this on an Acer Aspire 7551G....does it have a 3G internal modem? If it does it didn't work in Bali, which is why I bought the D-link, which did.

The specifications of your model listed at Acer Support: Acer Aspire 7551G Notebook Series Specifications say it has WiFi and Bluetooth, but does not mention 3G. The other way to check is to see if there is a slot for a SIM card anywhere. The one reviewed said the SIM card slot was in the battery compartment.

davita

Thanks ronb...I now know my way around the laptop and how to change the battery if needs. However, no sim slot so I guess it isn't 3G...ahh well! it does have a 17 inch screen which my eyes need.