Wireless internet connection with PDA

[Bursh]

Hi

I'm looking in to getting a PDA so I have access to my emails and IM on the go. I have a few questions though and was wondering if somebody could help me with them:

• To connect to the internet, would I have to be with a service provider such as O2 or Orange or T-Mobile?
• If not, am I still able to connect in places which offer O2\Orange\T-Mobile wifi hot spots, or would I have to pay for those?
• Is it possible to connect through any random unencrypted\passwordless wireless internet connection from a household or company? For example, if I had wireless internet in my home without a password, could I connect?
• If I'm not with a provider, would I still be able to gain access to IM?

Thank you in advance to anybody who can help me out here, I've no experience with PDA's.

Regards,
Bursh.

EDIT: I should also add I'm in the UK.

[getsurfers]

Connecting to an open network doesnt mean its for you to use. Use could be breaking the law unless it is specifically advertised as freely available - IE in Mcdonalds, some coffee houses for customers etc etc. All other locations would cost.

Unless you buy a smart phone PDA, then you would need wireless. If you do buy a smart phone, then you will need a mobile provider who will likely charge you for data use.

[Bursh]

Obviously the legality is a given consideration. So I would need a PDA with WiFi in order to connect to wireless spots (Like McDonalds and coffee houses)?

Or how about something like the HP iPaq 514? Does that have the same functionality? It says it has WiFi.

[getsurfers]

Yes you need wi-fi

[Bursh]

Originally Posted by getsurfers

Yes you need wi-fi

OK. So once I have my WiFi device (PDA or Smart Phone) it should cost me no extra to access the internet through it (except in phone provider specific hot spots, I assume), right?

[getsurfers]

And providing you have permission to use the access point, no cost beyond paying for broadband (if you do at home)

[Bursh]

Originally Posted by getsurfers

And providing you have permission to use the access point, no cost beyond paying for broadband (if you do at home)

OK, thanks. Let's say, for example, I was at a friends place or my work place, where they have a wireless internet network, could I still connect my PDA easily? Would I just need wifi functionality for that?

[getsurfers]

Yes. All you need is the SSID (if hidden) and the password (if set).