nirvana4all Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 Anyone know if any of the computer stores offer unlocked wifi? I would like the option of sitting outside their store (BB, etc) in line at midnight and ordering something from WM, etc online that can only be found online. This was asked last year, but it was very close to BF and I did not see any conclusive follow-up. I want to know about OD, BB, CC & staples if anyone knows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 Most stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, and Staples have some type of WiFi running but I doubt that you'll be able to get into it. Now, Office Depot DOES offer free Wi-Fi at most of their locations, details here: http://businesstravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/free_wifi_at_office_depot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvana4all Posted November 3, 2007 Author Share Posted November 3, 2007 Thanks aaron, anyone else know one way or the other about BB, CC and staples for certain? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cannon1 Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 Man, you are bringing this to a whole 'nuther level. Thanx, I did not even think of this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebirth Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 I wouldn't order something over public Wifi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coleman4905 Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 I know alot of stores are offering WiFi in sitting areas but as was said in the last post I owuld be nervous using a CC over the wifi to order something,..too many hackers.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvana4all Posted November 3, 2007 Author Share Posted November 3, 2007 You just use the one time only paypal credit card numbers and such. Jeez guys. Besides, I am likely to be the ony guy out there at the store with a laptop using the wifi, let alone probably the only one out there at that store who has the ability to do something like that. Possible, yes, likely, no. Besides, one thing I have only once had to take advantage of but know I have is 100% fraud coverage. They steal my card, I notice it on my bill, I report it, no charges to me. As I said though I would likely be using the one use only credit card numbers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ftrainline Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 You just use the one time only paypal credit card numbers and such. Jeez guys. Besides, I am likely to be the ony guy out there at the store with a laptop using the wifi, let alone probably the only one out there at that store who has the ability to do something like that. Possible, yes, likely, no.Besides, one thing I have only once had to take advantage of but know I have is 100% fraud coverage. They steal my card, I notice it on my bill, I report it, no charges to me. As I said though I would likely be using the one use only credit card numbers.One word: Iphone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebirth Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 Won't the online sales go on sale the same time as the stores open? You wouldn't want to be on a laptop while running to get your stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
note235 Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 yay for my phone but wifi though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 I dont think hackers will be sitting in the Best Buy parking lot trying to get credit card information over the free WiFi, but I guess you never know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerpuffkali Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 Staples does offer wifi, and you can get to most sites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jellybean051901 Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 Brueggers Bagels offers wifi if there is one close by Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H_Hancock Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 Besides, I am likely to be the ony guy out there at the store with a laptop using the wifi, let alone probably the only one out there at that store who has the ability to do something like that. Well, I saw more than a few dozen laptops in front of stores last year...BB,CC, OD, Staples all had their WiFi open and usable during the waiting period prior to the stores opening. Saw LOTS of people internet browsing, etc. on lappies. You aren't the first to think of it....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvana4all Posted November 3, 2007 Author Share Posted November 3, 2007 Ok, must be my area then. Last year there was no one at OD with anything above a psp, and because of only 100 people in line at staples, no laptops or other cool stuff. That is why I figured that most stores probably did not have wifi or someone would have probably brought their laptops. Thanks for the input peoples. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
co678 Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 Get a big cantennna, with a laptop and orinoco card....you'll be set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaymacfla Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 I wouldn't order something over public Wifi.As opposed to most personal unsecured networks? Most will not order due to the time constraints, but comparison shop for their next stop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvana4all Posted November 3, 2007 Author Share Posted November 3, 2007 Probably would use this to buy anything I need from COMPUSA if they have good deals w/ cheap or free shipping on website as the closest one is 30 min from all the other stores around here-on a regular day. Oh yeah, and to keep up to date with this web site througth the night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lidstrom Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 As long as you are only putting login usernames, passwords, and other transactions into SSL-encrypted sites, you should be fine. Anything not encrypted could be sniffed out by anybody within range of the wifi that wants to get at it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lidstrom Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 I dont think hackers will be sitting in the Best Buy parking lot trying to get credit card information over the free WiFi, but I guess you never know.If a savvy person drives by and sees people with laptops out, they may very well try to see what they can get. Especially if they see a line that is already too long for them to get the deal they wanted to get. The type of person that is likely to engage in this behavior is usually ready to go at a moment's notice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nirvana4all Posted November 4, 2007 Author Share Posted November 4, 2007 help help, I've been Oh, not to worry, they just stole my log in and Credit card info!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21yankees Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 You could always get one of those cellphone company cards for the notebook. I have one through ATT and as long as I get cellphone service I have internet access. The best part is that I can still have my internet security as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nbrendal Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 There is a Panera right next to our Best Buy. It was a Godsend last year. Sat online all night. Sure made the time go by faster!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EliteABombAZ Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 If you have Sprint, you can get a phone as modem plan added to your account that allows your cell phone to function as a wireless broadband modem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickjs Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 If a savvy person drives by and sees people with laptops out, they may very well try to see what they can get. Especially if they see a line that is already too long for them to get the deal they wanted to get. The type of person that is likely to engage in this behavior is usually ready to go at a moment's notice.Honestly, you've been buying WAY too much into the crap the news tells you about hackers and all that. To get someones credit card information the way you're saying, you would have to hangout in the parking lot, wait til someone comes with a laptop, get a wifi-cracker like aircrack, and stay there for around an hour or more until the wifi password is cracked. Even then, you would need much better hacking skills than just using aircrack to get their credit card information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 Honestly, you've been buying WAY too much into the crap the news tells you about hackers and all that. To get someones credit card information the way you're saying, you would have to hangout in the parking lot, wait til someone comes with a laptop, get a wifi-cracker like aircrack, and stay there for around an hour or more until the wifi password is cracked. Even then, you would need much better hacking skills than just using aircrack to get their credit card information.Plus if they get your information, you're not liable for any charges. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H_Hancock Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 Honestly, you've been buying WAY too much into the crap the news tells you about hackers and all that. To get someones credit card information the way you're saying, you would have to hangout in the parking lot, wait til someone comes with a laptop, get a wifi-cracker like aircrack, and stay there for around an hour or more until the wifi password is cracked. Even then, you would need much better hacking skills than just using aircrack to get their credit card information.Not to mention but even if you are on publicly accessible WiFi, if the web page you're using is encrypted, which almost every store's checkout pages are (you know, the pages with the little padlock icon in the lower right hand corner of the web browser), the hacker still would have to crack the SSL encryption.......and that's just plain not going to happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitWrangler Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 Usually the two biggest concerns about using a "public" AP are: 1 - Forgetting to turn off any shares you have, potentially allowing someone else on the same network to gain access to your files (this happens in hotels/airports all the time, try it one day, it's amusing, esp hotels since laptops will be left connected to the network for extended periods (i.e. all night)). 2 - Accessing non commercial sites that DON'T encrypt their logon pages with a username/password that is the same or similar to your regular username/password. Quick, without looking, is the GottaDeal logon page encrypted? Is your GottaDeal logon/password the same or similar to the same one you use at Amazon/BB/etc? In a related issue, did you forget your password and request that a site email it to you? Do you access your email through imap/pop? Is that access encrypted? For many, the answer is no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucyismycat Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 I use our local CC's wifi all the time. If I'm standing in the store and want to check the price of something somewhere else, I use it (wireless pda, I'm not carting a laptop around with me everywhere I go). I have successfully used it on BF while waiting to get in, and have also used it in the store when I was picking up an order and forgot to bring my order number with me. I love that they have it available, and end up doing more business with them because of it. BB's wifi isn't up all the time, and so far, the one year I camped out there, I wasn't able to use it. However, this is probably just my area (central IL). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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