Question for the Tournament Hardened

[Cliff]

All,

As some of you have traveled across the country participating in various tournaments, I would be interested to know your thoughts on what computer related stuff you take with you and how you prepare the night before, or, the day of the tournament?

Also was wondering how ya'll access and download your data in the various hotels? The computer salespeople suggest signing up with AOL as it is accessible anywhere. Not real thrilled with that idea, but would do it if necessary.

Thanks for any advice,
Cliff

[fred4now]

Cliff, I don't really do tournaments, but do travel some with laptop. I use Earthlink for my on the road provider, you can check their website for access numbers. When booking a hotel I always ask about phone line for access and if their are any extra charges. Motel 6 is one that I know of that does not let you, most do. Some just charge an extra $1 per day as long as it is local. When dialing most hotels you have to dial a 9 first and sometimes the computer dials it too fast so I just pick up the phone and dial 9, get the next dial tone and then sign on. I'm sure others have good ideas.

[Donnie]

Rick-

in most log-on software packages, placing a "," between the 9 and the actual number will delay the number being rung by 1 sec. Each comma, if you need to place more than one, usually stands for one second. So, 9,,,1800YOUWINN would dial the 9 then pause for 3 seconds and then dial the rest of the number.

Cliff-

You really do need to ask if they have internet access (or data access as they like to put it) and if so, are there any extra charges for it? Years ago hotels used to charge a connection rate just for connection, and then upwards to $2.00 a minute.....don't believe many of them do that anymore.....but you never know! Be ready for slow connections, especially in hotels away from larger cities...one smart thing to do while traveling is to turn your images off temperarily. TOOLS>>>>INTENET OPTIONS>>>>ADVANCED tab>>>>scroll down until you find under MULTIMEDIA>>>>SHOW PICTURES. Uncheck this before you log in. If you do not need pictures during download, then your pages will load much faster. You can always turn it back on after you are done downloading. If you are going with AOL, ask about their shell accounts. You can purchase a shell account that is much cheaper than the full blown account for about $5-9 per month, limited time on line, but you will only be using it for downloads, so chances are you will not use all the hours you get anyway. These shell accounts usually do not have access to their entire site, but can get you hooked up to the Net and that is what you need it for!

BOL

[ronnie h]

i use aol any place i have been no problem with downloads

[Glen]

Last time I was in vegas I kinda B.S. a little and found an ISP w/ a free trial and used that. I think AOL also has a free trail period as well. Glad you got the laptop cliff. No more 300 page print outs w/ binders.

[MikeDee]

Cliff who is your current ISP now? If they are a national company, they probably have local access numbers in all major cites. find out if they have local numbers in the city you are traveling to.

Or

they may have a 800 number you can call when traveling and they chargé you a per min rate. Since you will only be on line a couple of min per day the 800 access fee would not be to bad.

I have used earthlink before they have numbers everywhere. Another thing you can do is to sign up with AOL they are always giving away a month or 2 free and then cancel after the month is up. Many hotels don't charge for local calls unless you are in vegas, they charge 0.75 or a $1.00 for local calls at most hotels.

If a hotel has internet access you will probably need a network card and network connecting cable to use. Most of us home boys don't have network cards:)

Next problem, Are you going to use your laptop or paper print outs during the contest?
If paper you are going to need to take a printer, extra cartridge (just in case), and paper.

If you are going to use your laptop. Need to find out where the electrical outlets are. I always take an extension cord and some duct tape. If you are going with a group with laptops someone needs to bring a 3 in 1 AC connector. to share the AC. More then once we have run a extension cord on the floor and put duct tape over it so no one trips on it.

If you cannot get to a AC power outlet how long will your battery last? Might want to buy a second battery charge them both over night so you will have enough power all day.

[fred4now]

Good advice guys. Donnie does the delay thing work in dial up networking? I never use anybodies software.

[Donnie]

Rick-
If I remember properly it does, but that was so long ago anymore I honestly don't remember fer sure....when in doubt, try it!! :D

[hurrikane]

Good advice folks.
Not hardened Cliff but I might add

work out your plays (at least most) the night before...print them out...be prepared.
You never know when the computer isn't going to work and you don't want to be caught with everything on a computer and no way to see it...

Plan plan plan. be organized when you get there. You won't have time to think about anything but horses when you get there.

Good luck.

[Cliff]

Guys,

Thanks for the advice. Forgot to mention I was using ATT cable for the home downloads. Looks like AOL or Earthlink will have to be added as well since ATT was not offering a dialup last I checked. I think it is in the works, though.

Had considered extension cords and extra battery. Didn't think about duct tape. Probably not wise to try to carry that on a plane, huh? A small printer is a good idea. Not in the budget yet......will consult with Tommy C who has a miniature one I think.

Glen, the binders and 300 page printouts have been retired. Realized the importance of a laptop when (in the LSP tourney) a race went from turf to dirt. Didn't have printouts to compensate for that. Almost cost me the final qualifying spot. No kidding.

Thanks again,
Cliff

[MikeDee]

f4n
the delay thing with the comma works and you can put them anywhere in the number string.
My local DSL ISP has local access only so when I'm in vegas I use one of those cheapie 800 number dial arounds for LD back to my isp you can use the comas to get through the hotel switchboard, the long distance carrier and ISP just put in the number you need where you need them to make it work, only way to figure it out is trial and error once you are there.

[tomcat]

aol has a $5 per month plan for small use. I use it when I'm traveling or in Florida.

[Glen]

Cliff,

The laptop should save you $ in the long run. BTW, you can buy an el cheapo printer anywhere from $30 to $50....