Sorry, I know this has probably been discussed on here many times. I have no idea about all this wireless stuff. I am gathering that, if it works, the only way to get online on a laptop is if one is sitting outside, directing the laptop at a traffic light with the antenna on top.

Anyway, here is my friends situation. He lives in an apt on Locust Street and just got a laptop. He can get online sporadically so I guess he needs to sign up with either Comcast or Verizon. He has no tv so he doesn't need cable for that. Who should he go with? Or any other suggestions of how he can get online consistently on his laptop in his apt? (I am sending this post, because of his poor connection.)

Thanks

You can check out people's opinions here, about Wireless Philadelphia, if that's what you're trying to access. It's a pretty recent one.

http://www.phillyblog.com/philly/cen...tion-work.html

This one's for cable, not internet, in case your friend is considering that as well

http://www.phillyblog.com/philly/sou...izon-fios.html

You'll aslo find this one helpful.
http://www.phillyblog.com/philly/phi...-10-whore.html

There are a lot more of those threads you can check out by typing in your search int he google box above.

As for me, I signed up for Earthlink wireless after I moved in to my new apartment. That one never worked even though they said the nodes were right here on 12th and Spruce. I am still in the process of getting back my refund...STILL!! But if he's getting hEarthlink, he can get a tronger signal if he gets one of their routers.
I am currently using comcast cable for internet and television both. Go to www.comcastoffers.com I was given this link from one of the comcast people themselves. Remember, they have different offers online, different when you call them up, and different from those broadband offers people.
If he is getting other signals from independent users, he can ask them if the can share the bill (it's a slippery slope though). He can also get only internet from comcast without gtting television cable. Verizon, I believe, is DSL but I could be wrong. Then he can get a wireless router and is good to go. There are a couple of other ISPs but I don't remember them anymore. Just google it and I am sure you'll be able to find them.