Wireless Internet Access for Dummies [Paperback]

Curt Simmons (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764508539 | ISBN-13: 978-0764508530 | Publication Date: June 29, 2001 | Edition: 1

Wireless Internet Access For Dummies covers the essentials that beginning users need to explore the technology and gain an understanding of what Wireless Internet is, what it costs, how to get it, and any potential problems with wireless communication. This friendly guide includes descriptions of wireless devices (cell phones, pagers, handhelds, and wireless appliances), explains the different providers and service plans (AT&T, Sprint PCS, Microsoft, Ericsson, Nokia), and explains how to e-mail. Send instant messages, get stock updates, shop online, browse the Internet, get weather and news updates. And it even includes coverage of wireless access from abroad-for the technologically savvy business traveler. In short, Wireless Internet Access For Dummies completely demystifies wireless Internet for the new user!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Wireless Internet Access for Dummies lacks everything that makes a technology book good. It's short on detail. It's appropriate for neither technically minded users who want to design and build wireless Internet devices, nor for everyday people who want to buy and use such a device. It seems appropriate only for satisfying the apparent wish of the Dummies line's publisher to have a lot of yellow-and-black covers present on bookstore shelves, so as to promote brand recognition. There are a few instructional passages in this book's pages, and the 10 percent of its bulk that's devoted to a directory of wireless-enabled Internet resources is pretty good (though you could find the same information online, of course). But that's about the extent of this book's strong points.

Outside of the site directory, far too much of Curt Simmons's work consists of platitudes ("Your money should follow you; it should be an integral part of your hectic life") and unsupported speculation ("Wireless Internet access will get easier, and the coverage will reach even remote locations"). Readers will see no value in this, even if they haven't read the newspaper and magazine articles that have been saying the same thing for years. Perhaps the best part of this book is the entertainment value of its illustrations. One of the best: The clip-art picture of a jogger wearing a headset. "Check my e-mail," says she, speaking in a cartoon balloon. Her magical wireless Internet device (no make, model, or technology is specified) responds: "You have two messages--now playing message one." Right, OK. This book is not worth its asking price. --David Wall

Topics covered: A site directory lists wireless-aware Internet sites. There are some directions for using the Openwave Mobile Browser and a couple of other pieces of software.

From the Back Cover

Get the scoop on wireless devices, service plans, and more!

Includes a handy directory to the best of the wireless Web

Choose the right wireless options and make the most of the Internet while on the go These days, you can access the Web with a cell phone, pager, or PDA. But how do you choose the right wireless device and service plan - and make the most of wireless services? Relax! This friendly guide cuts through wireless Internet confusion and explains step by step how to take advantage of mobile e-mail, instant messaging, online shopping, and more.

Discover how to: Choose a wireless phone, pager, or PDA Use wireless e-mail and instant messaging Manage your money and shop on the go Locate the best wireless Web sites Find a service plan that is right for you

The Dummies Way(TM) Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

Get smart! www.dummies.com Sign up for daily eTips at www.dummiesdaily.com Choose from among 33 different subject categories Get news you can use on everything from money to health to computers

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (June 29, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764508539
• ISBN-13: 978-0764508530
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,593,313 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Good basic book on wireless internet, November 1, 2008

By 

Joyce Schwarz "Joyce Schwarz" (Marina Del Rey, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wireless Internet Access for Dummies (Paperback)

This is a good basic book on going wireless on the Internet. Maybe a bit dated but it's good to see history updating itself and go back and use a reference book like this to see how things change.

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DON'T buy a Web phone (or whatever) until you read this!, July 19, 2001

By 

Alison Trulock (Detroit) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wireless Internet Access for Dummies (Paperback)

I was about to buy an Internet phone and get setup with an account, but I bought this book instead - thank goodness! This book helped me avoid major mistakes and I now have the right phone and the right plan for me (I'm saving more money every month than this book even cost!). Aside from that, it's full of practical tips and advice for anyone wanting to know more about the wireless Internet and how to use it.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Wireless Internet Access for Dimmies, January 16, 2010

By 

J. Ambrose (Argentina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wireless Internet Access for Dummies (Paperback)

Sorry. I cannot give you a review of this product. I ordered it on 11/25/09, paid for it promptly, and I have never received it. I clicked on one star for a rating, but that means nothing at all. This message would not go through with no stars selected.

James A. Ambrose