www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Many of us travel with laptops that are WiFi equipped. However, obtainment of signal can be problematic due to the reality that ICE controls who gets what. Many of the smaller hotels or B&B's want wireless internet but just can't get it. The antenna inside your computer WiFi system is a joke.

Solution? Travel with an external antenna. Here is a link to purchase such a device. I have been using these things for a couple of years and am astounded at their performance. As long as the wifi signal you can lock onto is not password protected, you're good to go. Here is a link to this Quebec, Canada operation. They ship worldwide:

http://www.innovativedevice.com/asp/InformationYagi.asp

I am not an affiliate for this outfit and make no money on providing this data. (Admins: Hope I haven't broken any posting rules with the link...sorry if I have).

The yagi comes in a modular design as well which breaks down into three seperate pieces and fits easily in your suitcase. There is also a "cantenna" which you ask about which is cheaper.

Here is an ebay link to the outfit's store: http://stores.ebay.com/InnovativeDevice

What is also very nice about these antenna is that they're preequipped with WiFi cards in them! Just plug into a USB port.

I have used the cantenna in San Jose and was amazed at the number of available networks with very good signal strentgh.

I have used both the cantenna and the yagi in Los Angeles Sur and was truly amazed at the fact I got strong signal strength off a puny Linxys wireless router from an associates home more than 1mile from where I was. Granted, it's line of sight and it was a straight shot, but I was getting signal from all over the place irrespective of my associates wireless router.

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

is the price of about 130 dollars on ebay (buy it now) sound right?

I see way higher prices on other websites.

how much is a general price range?

thank you

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

Depends on which antenna you pick. If you're picking the modular antenna which breaks down to three parts, I think that sounds right. The cantenna is less expensive but not as "strong". Surf around the ebay sight and see if there are better deals.

I can attest that this stuff is NOT junk. It's all on the up and up and pursuiant to the Laws of Physics which dictate antenna construction. Heck, just email the guys. They'll help you out.

Check ebay auction Item number: 150231987325. I don't think there are a ton of people making bids. Check the outfit's store. They have some "best offers" too.....YMMV

All I know is that I have the cantenna, the yagi, and the modular yagi and use all three of them for different purposes.

If you live in Costa Rica, you can also set up a "repeater" system for a bit more money but it's well worth it as you'll gain access to high speed instead of simple dial up. We all know that ICE is SLOW with new installs. If a buddy has highspeed set up, he can place a yagi on his end pointing at you (he'll need a wireless router to do this...big deal as they're cheap as dirt....and you can use a yagi to receive. Each one teach one!

Oh, and this stuff works great in the good ole USA too! Any other locale for that reason.

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16