Computers In Italy
 

I know this is kind of a techincal question, but I will be taking my laptop (Macintosh i book) with me to Italy, where I'll be living for a few months. I will be using the ibook in my apartment for email and the internet.<BR><BR>The computer has an internal modem, but I am under the impression that most American modems (I am from the states) do not work outside of the USA, so I will need to purchase a new modem. Does anyone know about this? I am also concerned since I already have a modem internally that there may be some sort of complications when buying an external modem as well.<BR><BR>Please let me know what your experience with this sort of thing is. Any help or advice or just basic knowledge about this topic would be appreciated. I'm leaving for Italy in about 5 days.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Jackie

I can't think of any reason why the modem wouldn't work just fine. My laptop has always worked there. All you'll need is a new modem cord, one that fits into the Italian wall plugs. Should be easy to find at any electrical supply store or hardware store.

The modem works fine. You just have to set it to not wait for the dail tone as it is not recognizable.

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jackie:<BR><BR>Your iBook will work fine, even the modem. I have used US-manufactured PoewrBooks and desktops in Europe for many years without any problems, provided that the inbuilt transformers are laid out for 220 volts (which they have since the early nineties). <BR><BR>When in Italy, you will have to shop around for a modem cable with the correct plug, however.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip.<BR><BR>Phil.

Thanks for the info, guys--very helpful. also, does anyone have advice about who to use for the internet access? i know i probably can't go with an american company (AOL, Earthlink)...or can i? i'll be in a small town called Macerata in Le Marche region. I don't know if anyone has advice on this, but if so it'd be very helpful.<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR>Jackie

Jackie:<BR><BR>I use AOl everywhere I go. You just need to change the access number before you leave. AOL lets you store access numbers for multiple places, so it's easy. If you're already on AOL, check it out by typing ACCESS into Keyword.

On our last trip to Europe (France, Italy) in October 2001, we found that Earthlink had the most access numbers. Dialing AOL would have been a long distance call in some of the areas, while Earthlink was not.

One thing to keep in mind when using AOL for Internet access overseas is that you will more than likely have to pay a network access charge--I think it was $6/hour (you can look it up on AOL under "Access"). In addition you will have to pay local phone charges. <BR><BR>You might want to get a local ISP when in Italy--you can still get your AOL mail (through AOL Anywhere--accessible over the Web) and even the complete AOL community by accessing the AOL software and setting it to LAN/Other ISP.

Italy has a large number of Isp. The big ones cover the whole "boot" and offer "free" connections, this means that you only pay the telephone call and no further expenses for your connection. On the other hand telephone in Italy is costly. The big providers offering this kind of service are Tin (tin.virgilio.it/), Libero (www.libero.it), Tiscalinet (www.tiscalinet.it), Supereva (www.supereva.it), and several more. Imho, your best choice would be either Libero or Tiscalinet because these also offer thelephony. Adding a prefix to every number you get charged by them instead of by Telecom Italia. If you contact one of their pop using their telephone line (1055 + the number) the connection wil be nearly free. Also, Libero has a connection with cell phone company Wind, therefore this may be agood solution also for you cell phone (ncase you need one).