Job Discussion Forums

ellethecat · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 75 Location: edmonton

Hello. Ive read some of the info on internet access, but Im confused.
First of all, I dont ahve a computer here, but someone suggested I get a laptop from apple, which has dual english and japanese operating sysyems. But this person had some sort of wireless card that allowed him to move around....
I asked him what service provider he used and i got the idea that he didnt pay for a service, that the wireless capacty allowed him to just ride off of signals or something.

alternatively, is it the case that if I can get cable, i can get internet access in my apartment. One of my neighbours told me we cant get internet access in our building, but that doesnt seem right to me . (currently i have no phone line, i use vodaphone....but here is certainly cable in the building)

thanks for the advice

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

Check out all of your internet options to see if you can find someone who can provide internet in your area. (Off the top of my head - Yahoo BB, Flets, JCom to start with)

I looked up the Yahoo BB website and if you type in your telephone number on the site they can tell you straight away where the nearest relay station is and whether you can use the YBB wireless service

Must be able to read Japanese though.

Sherri · Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2005 6:51 pm Post subject:

"...i got the idea that he didnt pay for a service, that the wireless capacty allowed him to just ride off of signals or something."

He probably was using an air mac (air port). If you roam around Tokyo (I know this to be true), you can pick up other people's airmac signals if they haven't protected it and a lot people don't! I used to pick up my neighbour's signal instead of my own depending on where I was in the house. It has also worked here in the States too. I wouldn't recommend it as a sole way to accessing the internet though--a bit sad if you have to go to those extremes, that is wandering around until you can pick up someone else's signal. But when it happens unexpectedly while you are out, it is a nice little bonus.

ellethecat · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 75 Location: edmonton

Thanks for the information. In Canada, I accessed the internet through cable, so Im a little confused about what works here besides a phone jack. I assumed, like Canada, it was a cable modum. I dont think my apartnment has a phone jack. Maybe Im wrong on that...that seems odd.

Is there any other good option on a cheap computer. The apple sounded ideal, but im broke too. Wink

any used computer shops or anything? Im near Hiroshima, but maybe something online. I cant figure out Japanese ebay....

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Yes search carefully. In my first tiny apt there was one phone jack and it was in the genkan. Can only imagine what kind of moron figured that that was a good place to install it.

Celeste · Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 10:47 pm Post subject:

My phone jack is in the kitchen near the ceiling. (There are so few gigantically tall folks around here that I really wonder at the logic of this installation too.)

ellethecat · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 75 Location: edmonton

[quote=" I cant imagine NOVA would rent you an apartment with no phone jack connection.[/quote]

....I dont work with Nova.... but I will look anyway.
The wireless option may be the best. it sounds like everything I need including unlimited service at an afordable price. All i need to do then is find a machine with this wireless card, and sign up with Yahoo.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

I went to the computer shop today and saw the Air Mac wireless terminal and it costs about 15,000 yen for the package. I think the wireless card is extra though.

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

Birdog3344 · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 126 Location: Osaka, Japan

If i buy an ibook here in the States can i purchase the "base station" in Japan? Will it be compatible? How much will it cost and does it work as the modem or must i buy a modem as well? After all the hardware how much will it cost to set up high speed internet if i go with say, Yahoo BB? Initial set up fees and monthly charges? Thanks.

apxmusic · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 2

I got my YahooBB DSL Internet no problem. I went to PC DEPOT. It's a large chain store. They signed me up with no problems. Most of the people who work there even speak english! and I got a 5,000Y Gift certificate for signing up with them.

It took a month to get NTT to come out and set up the phone line (bullshit really) but when all was said and done, I got the hook up.

I recently had some problems and emailed their tech support. A very helpful person emailed me back in English and helped me out. I can high recommend YahooBB!