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Ipad WI-FI........ how well?
- Thread starter Strom1
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That depends more on the strength of McDonalds signal than the ability of the iPad to pick it up. The iPad functions well with WiFi, just as well as any other device. Most of these "free" public places do not broadcast very far and are intended for use inside the establishment, and not for outside.
Too many factors to say if you could pick it up or not. It's one of those things where you would have to test it, but depending on the distance even if you can connect then it might be really slow.
Also I am pretty sure the free Wi-Fi you are talking about has limits (maybe a time limit, or it might kick you off at random times, etc).
Why don't you just have your own Wi-Fi AP where you live? I thought that was pretty normal these days unless someone completely lives off their phone for internet.
Also I am pretty sure the free Wi-Fi you are talking about has limits (maybe a time limit, or it might kick you off at random times, etc).
Why don't you just have your own Wi-Fi AP where you live? I thought that was pretty normal these days unless someone completely lives off their phone for internet.
We might better understand what you are really wanting to know if you explained a little more. Is there a reason you are asking if it will pick up outside versus inside?
I've used my iPad at McDonald's before and it really depends on each individual restaurant. The McDonald's in my neighborhood, and the one I frequent the most, has a very strong signal throughout the restaurant, even the parking area, while the one near where I work, you pretty much have to sit in a specific area to even get a signal, and that signal is not that strong.
I never have a problem at a stand alone Starbucks, but the Starbucks in the mall, although they say there is free wifi, have not been able to connect. The mall even advertises free wifi in the food court, but have been unable to get a signal on either my laptop, iPad or iPhone in wifi mode unless I am near the Apple Store which is no where near the food court.
I never have a problem at a stand alone Starbucks, but the Starbucks in the mall, although they say there is free wifi, have not been able to connect. The mall even advertises free wifi in the food court, but have been unable to get a signal on either my laptop, iPad or iPhone in wifi mode unless I am near the Apple Store which is no where near the food court.
As alluded to before, the answer has far more to do with where you park relative to the building, where within the building the AP is located, and how the AP is configured.
Generally speaking, places offering free wifi aren't doing it as a community outreach measure, but want you to come inside and buy something then hang around and probably buy something else.
So... is it capable of doing so? Yes. How well will it work? Depends on too many things independent of the ipad for a meaningful answer to be possible.
Simple thing is just go inside, enjoy a cup of coffee or a soft drink or something, and have no worries.
Generally speaking, places offering free wifi aren't doing it as a community outreach measure, but want you to come inside and buy something then hang around and probably buy something else.
So... is it capable of doing so? Yes. How well will it work? Depends on too many things independent of the ipad for a meaningful answer to be possible.
Simple thing is just go inside, enjoy a cup of coffee or a soft drink or something, and have no worries.
Nothing specific. I just need quick access to the internet on the road occasionally. Not having to go into their facility would be easier and faster..........That is all.
In that case it will definitely be hit and miss based on the McDonalds or other establishment... what equipment they use, where it is located, etc. It will have nothing to do with the iPad. It works well with WiFi when the signal is present.
Guess it depends on which ones, I was in a Marriott several days last week. Wifi was free and fast, both in room and in the lobby.
I am not sure I agree with this. Sure the strength of the signal matters ... a lot ... but not all wifi antennas are created equally so I totally get the OP's question.
Sitting in my house, I can connect to wifi using my imac, macbook or ipod touch. My macbook receives 7 or 8 neighborhood wifi signals. My imac receives 3 or 4 neighborhood signals. My ipod touch receives one ... mine ... and not all the time. I don't understand why the imac antenna is so weak and wish the ipod touch's was a lot stronger.
I am planning to get my first ipad next week and I am also interested in the relative strength of the ipad wifi antenna. I sure hope it is at least as strong as the ipod touch and here's hoping for something more like the imac.
Yes and no. Depends on the location and with many being franchised it will depend on how each has implemented wireless. I've been at some that I just need to pull up and park at and some that required me to go inside.
I can pick up my home wifi a number of houses away. I often do as when its cold and raining I'll drive my son to his bus stop and check email from there.