Dumb Wi-Fi Question

[SilkyTofu]

Hi - I'm rather new to technology

So far I'm loving my Treo-700, but had a question.

I see that the Treo Store sells Wi-Fi adapters for the 700, but can someone explain to me why someone might want to purchase one?

I mean, the 700 is already able to access the internet - so why would you need or want a Wi-Fi card? Even if a place like Starbucks has a Wi-Fi network, I would assume that the 700 could still access the internet even without and adapter. I believe my data plan already gives me unlimited access to the internet.

...I'm just tying to understand why I would want or need a Wi-Fi adapter.

Can anyone explain it to me in layman's terms?

Thanks.

SilkyTofu

[bubbatex]

Basically, you are correct - for the most part as long as you can get a signal on Verizon, you are on the internet. However, this option still allows you internet access when the network is down or when you are outside of the network (say, out of the country) or you don't have an unlimited data plan - or you just want to connect to your home or work network for various reasons. It is a nice option to have. I am sure others can offer additional reasons.

[cwranger]

If you are not on the EV network, WiFi is much faster than the cellular connection
(11 Mbps vs. 55 kbps)

I also use the WiFi to connect to the local network at my job. I can get real time data and submit work orders. I can't get to that from the internet on the outside because my IT group won't give me what I need to set up VPN access.

FYI the wifi adapter by Socket is shorter that than the one by Palm.

[SilkyTofu]

So if I was in a building that had poor to no connection, a WiFi card would let me make/receive mobile calls, and I could get on the internet too? (provided that the building had a WiFi network).

SilkyTofu

[cwranger]

If you were in a building with no cell signal that had a wifi signal you could access, you could surf the intenet. You wouldn't be able to make phone calls unless you did it over the intenet with a progam like Skype.