info about internet cafe's

[defining]

Hi,
Just wondering if anyone could give me some info about internet cafes. What kind of rates are average, do they have memory card slots? or do they let you plug in a usb device? etc..

Also are the computers up-to-date technology or are they like 10 years old and have nothing but old browsers on them. Any info would be great, the reason is that I might be working from them over seas on my trip on contract work and I'd just like to get some more details on the setups.

Thanks,

[defining]

nobody has any info?

[LHR02]

Okay...no one else so I will take a shot at this. I have never had a problem getting online anywhere in Europe, from big cities to the smallest villages. Granted, sometimes there will be but one machine in the back of the grocery, but if you ask about someone will allow you to sign on. Rates....hmmm...generally I have paid 1-5 euros per hour, it varies but is never 'more than I would pay'. I also made good use of the local libraries when I could....they almost always have excellent machines and cheaper rates but you might have to wait your turn...no problem in English speaking countries as I could happily browse the racks...rather boring in those with few English language books of course. Which brings us to the BIG DOG Easy Everything...which can be found in nearly every 'major' city. I totally detest them, but used them nevertheless. Here you will likely find the absolute lowest price and the very worst machines! They are awful, keys won't work, horrid configuration with monitors, no tech support although they say they do. (Try and find someone to help!) They do have normally dozens if not hundreds of stations, cheap enough, just a much less than comfortable experience I found. In Britain the Tesco 'super groceries' have net cafes...a delight! Rates cheaper if you buy but one coffee or drink, excellent machines in a well lighted comfortable environment. I recall in St. Malo there was but one shop that offered 'public' access...with one desktop...had to wait 3 1/2 hours for my time to come round and then had but 20 minutes....nevertheless I asked and found that place and got on. In Bastogne the local 'quick mart' had a machine in back you could use...the owner had to kick his son off when I asked about it. ;D 1 euro for basically as long as I wanted so who can complain. Bottom line is....access is there almost anywhere. You might have to ask about to find it but there is always someplace that will let you sign on. In Scotland and Italy both I found the TI offices often had machines as well one could rent...Average price was 2-3 euros per hour, least was 1 and most was 5. Hope this helps.

[defining]

thanks for the info. I'm guessing that some hotels might offer internet access also? maybe even if they don't supply a computer?

[MuvverRussia]

Yeah (especially bigger chain hotels like Holiday Inn- some even offer 802.11b wireless access), although it's pretty expensive.

Also, In the UK the majority of payphones now have full internet access (this is pretty cool, although expensive). Further afield I've found hostels with internet terminals that you feed coins into (it's basically a computer with a coin fed timer attached to it)- these are pretty good for just checking your emails quickly, as after a while they become very expensive.

[jessica]

I've seen those coin operated internet kiosks in airports in the US, but how does the internet access on a payphone work? Is there a small screen on it? Just curious.--jessica

[MuvverRussia]

Well, the vast majority of people in the UK have cell phones, most of which have limited internet access. Because of this fewer people were using payphones, so BT decided to replace the existing payphones with internet ones.

The phones themselves have a 10" (or so) tft screen, with a metal keyboard and trackball below it. Check out www.btinternetkiosks.com/internet/kiosk_street.html for more information.

[defining]

What about getting files off of Digital Camera memory cards? Do internet cafes have card readers that you can use? or will they let you connect a USB cable to them?

[Princess]

yeah does anyone know anything about digital cameras and the usb ports???

[Eagle]

Using Internet Cafes for connection to Digital Cameras is not really a very practical idea, for a number of good reasons. Rather than repeat information that's already on the board, check the "Cameras" section for further information on this. Basically, there are two significant problems with this: first, to connect a Digital Camera to any PC, the Camera software usually has to be installed on the machine - many Cafe owners don't want hundreds of travellers installing hundreds of different Camera files on their machines (and possibly causing software conflicts or crashes). Secondly, the time factor in uploading images (especially very large images) is considerable, and this is not really practical.

It's more practical to look at other avenues for storing digital images while travelling (again, look at the Cameras section). Although I have lots of memory card capacity, I will probably be travelling with a FlashTrax on my next trip to Europe. Some people prefer something like the Apacer Disk Steno, to burn their own CD's (Michelle, any comments you can add?). Often it's prudent to burn one copy and mail home, and a second copy for backup before erasing your memory cards.

With regards to Internet Cafes in general, I found a variety of Computers in use, both MAC's and PC's (with various vintages of operating systems). Most were older but they were functional for the most part, although the keyboard layouts were a bit different in some cases. From what I recall, the coin operated machines in the U.K. Hostels were about £1.00 per half hour. The time goes by quickly, but it's usually adequate for checking E-mail. As stated above, the Libraries usually have nice up-to-date machines, but they have very precise timing on the meters!

Hope these comments have answered some of your questions. Happy travels!!!

[CuriousToronto]

I've used internet cafes in Paris. Boy have I ever -- nothing like applying to Unis from overseas.

Anywayz, they were nowhere as cheap as the ones other people have mentioned. I think I paid about 2Euros/20 minutes and 5Euros/Hour. Needless to say that could add up fast.

I should add that this was in the 5th and was amongst the cheapest I found. There were cheaper but you had to purchase subscription cards and pay in advance. Also the technology and just the locales of those other places was not as nice.

The computers at this place were very very new. It was very clean and very airy. Not the kind of place where people go to look at porn or play games en masse. It was more a place were students would go to do work or where business people in Paris would go to get other stuff done. I.e.: faxes and stuff

So yeah 2Euros/20 minutes

[Libby]

What about using public libraries? We offer free internet access for 30 minutes for visitors. If there are two of you, you get an hour etc. You can also book time. Drop in and say, "oh, I'd like to book for 7pm tonight" and then just show up for your time.

[LHR02]

I've posted before that I am a huge fan of the libraries when overseas! They are almost always cheaper (often free) with good up to date machine and service. Take time to search them out if you can....it's your best internet value.

[Libby]

I'll be searching for Libraries anyway. I'll just book my time and wander around. I can't help it, when I visit someplace new I seek out the library.

;D