Fan Faire Tips at ZAM!

[Calthine]

<p>Are you going to Fan Faire this year?  Me too!  In anticipation of the big event, which is sneaking up on us, I bring you some things I've learned the last two Fan Faires.  Con newb or old hand, I hope you enjoy:</p><p><a href="http://eq2.zam.com/story.html?story=18064" target="_blank">Calthine's Fan Faire Tips</a></p>

[Spyderbite]

<p>This is great information for any trip to Vegas actually! Sleeping can be difficult because they pump the casinos full of oxygen which gives you the illusion that you're wide awake... even if you have been imbibing an adult beverage or 5. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Calthine]

<p>It's the over-processed air inside that always does me in.  I drank so much water last year I thought I'd grow gills, and I was still thirsty all the time!</p>

[Lorzus]

<p>The no free wifi tip at the hotel was a huge help. Now to decide on whether it's worth paying for the connection while we're there =/</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Aldia@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>The no free wifi tip at the hotel was a huge help. Now to decide on whether it's worth paying for the connection while we're there =/</p></blockquote><p>Uggh.. no choice here.. I'll be uploading photos and blog entries to ZAM every opportunity I have. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[KerowynnKaotic]

<p><cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Aldia@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>The no free wifi tip at the hotel was a huge help. Now to decide on whether it's worth paying for the connection while we're there =/</p></blockquote><p>Uggh.. no choice here.. I'll be uploading photos and blog entries to ZAM every opportunity I have. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Not exactly a good comparison seeing as you can take it as a tax deduction.  'unreimbursed business expense', since you are an 'employee' of Zam, assuming you get a W-2 .. if you get a 1099, see next.  </p><p>Now, people like Niami Denmother of EqTraders can take it as an actual Business Expense, along with most of FanFaire since her site is her business (<em>well if you count it as a business seeing as it costs her more than it earns but it is wise to do Fansites as a self-employed tax deduction</em> <em>& if you get a 1099, the IRS sees you as self employed</em>), a trip to the Bally Spa wouldn't cut it as an expense for anyone under the $2m earning gap ... unless they were in politics .. (semi-joking on that .. )</p><p>---</p><p>Most of the Tips are just common sense.  Though I had to go double check Bally's hotel room amenities and was shocked that yeah they don't have coffee makers listed.  Good thing we are driving, I'll just pack a cooler of Pepsi and be happier for it.  I bought a big Tote purse that I will be carrying around with Water (no resident of AZ is without H20!!), snacks, gum, Visine, Chocolate for when I run into 'Mum, lotion, kleenex, hand wipes, and Allergy pills!  Which is something you forgot to mention in your tips .. though it might be a limited need. </p><p>For people, such as me, who are allergic to cigerette smoke (nasty, stinky habit, btw!) it is really a good idea to load yourself up on allergy pills & kleenex!  Smokers are bad enough when they are calm, add in the gambling, booze & naked women all over the place and you have on your hands a bunch of stung out nervous smokers who are smoking through their packs like it's water.  Or, like Alcoholics who were off the wagon after 2 years.   Took me days of washing myself & clothing last time I was there to get out the smell of cigerette smoke! *sigh*</p><p>But, other than the inevitable Benedryl/Claritin 'high', which may at least help with the feelings of claustrophia of being surrounded by so many people, I am really looking forward to going to my first FF!  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Crolack]

<p>If you're 1099, you get pretty, um, yeah, by the IRS anyway. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>See Vegas wants you to gamble. Not hang out in your room all day, so that's why there's no real desk to sit at or easy/free access to WiFi.</p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>Kaisha@Permafrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>For people, such as me, who are allergic to cigerette smoke (nasty, stinky habit, btw!) it is really a good idea to load yourself up on allergy pills & kleenex!  Smokers are bad enough when they are calm, add in the gambling, booze & naked women all over the place and you have on your hands a bunch of stung out nervous smokers who are smoking through their packs like it's water.  Or, like Alcoholics who were off the wagon after 2 years.   Took me days of washing myself & clothing last time I was there to get out the smell of cigerette smoke! *sigh*</p><p>But, other than the inevitable Benedryl/Claritin 'high', which may at least help with the feelings of claustrophia of being surrounded by so many people, I am really looking forward to going to my first FF!  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I was overjoyed year before last to discover smoking is no longer allowed in a lot of the places I would normally go and the allowed places reduced even more for last year. Yes, I know it's tough on those people who smoke (they have to go out of their way to find the places they can... usually outside), but for those of us who are allergic it makes Vegas survivable.With smokers confined to a few places, it actually gives the rest of us clean air to breath (and I avoid outside in Vegas... not 'cause of smokers, because of the opressive heat which my body also hates with a purple passion).</p><p>I'll still be packing my anti-allergy stuff 'cause it's the only way I can even slightly mitigate food issues.</p><p>Calthine, great reminder on the nasal saline spray. I need to get a new bottle for the trip.</p><p>Packing food bits in carry around the event bag, too, is a good good good idea (and not jsut sweets, carry something sustaining!). Besides, it's the one thing I could be positive I won't have a food reaction to *laugh* (which is actually, I believe, one of the primary reasons for Den Mom's Trail Mix).</p><p>Couple more tips but general travel ones <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>If you're on any prescription medication, be sure to read the FFA requirements on how to pack it with you (especially if it's liquid). Pack at least double what you minimally need in 2 containers in 2 seperate bags, especially if you're checking a bag.</p><p>If you're taking a long flight, in your carry-on, pack a wash cloth, pair of underware, and pair of socks. About 20 mins before landing, go into the lavetory. Change your underware and socks and wash your face (and other reachable locations that won't leave puddle marks). It will help you feel heaps fresher.</p><p>If you're checking your main luggage, pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.. just in case your bag doesn't arrive at the same time.</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Kaisha@Permafrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Not exactly a good comparison seeing as you can take it as a tax deduction.  'unreimbursed business expense', since you are an 'employee' of Zam, assuming you get a W-2 .. if you get a 1099, see next. </p></blockquote><p>Heh.. I try to itemize as little as possible. I've managed to thwart off the Audit Fairies for 3+ decades and I have no desire to tempt the fates. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Besides.. I just found my VZW aircard.. and they now have unlimited usage for 24 hours for $9.99 and probably faster than sharing the bandwidth with 2000 hotel guests. XD</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>If you're checking your main luggage, pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.. just in case your bag doesn't arrive at the same time.</p></blockquote><p>That's a terrific tip that I practice every flight myself! I seem to be cursed with lost luggage and I've traveled alot over the years. I think my suitcase hates me and keeps trying to run away from home every opportunity it gets.</p>

[Kiara]

<p><cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That's a terrific tip that I practice every flight myself! I seem to be cursed with lost luggage and I've traveled alot over the years. I think my suitcase hates me and keeps trying to run away from home every opportunity it gets.</p></blockquote><p>If you wouldn't keep packing smelly grody cheese in it...</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Kiara wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>If you wouldn't keep packing smelly grody cheese in it...</p></blockquote><p>That's not cheese.. its decomposing dark elf... kidding! Kind of.. /shuffles off in to the shadows</p>

[Calthine]

<p><cite>Kaisha@Permafrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Though I had to go double check Bally's hotel room amenities and was shocked that yeah they don't have coffee makers listed. </p></blockquote><p>Yeah, I called them to verify that and internet availability.  A nice young man read me his scripts, but was unable to answer anything they didn't cover, lol.</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Calthine wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Yeah, I called them to verify that and internet availability.  A nice young man read me his scripts, but was unable to answer anything they didn't cover, lol.</p></blockquote><p>Sit at the bar at 6:00 am.. play a few rounds of video poker.. and its all you can drink coffee for $2-$3.. ^^</p>

[Quicksilver74]

<p>Some good tips, thx for the writeup. </p><p>  This'll be my first year!  My wife made me promise not to gamble!  =(</p>

[Obann]

<p>The joys of the parents owning a vacation condo just across the street from Bailey's.</p><p>Just thought I would point out that the Vegas Strip does have a Wallgreens over by the Monte Carlo.  Prices there are about what you would pay at any other Wallgreens.  It's about a 15 minute walk from the hotel to there.</p><p>Also remember to pack that camera.  No one will believe those wild stories if you don't have pics to back them up.</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Crabbok@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>This'll be my first year!  My wife made me promise not to gamble!  =(</p></blockquote><p>What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. You can be my wingman at the Blackjack tables. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>Obann@Permafrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Just thought I would point out that the Vegas Strip does have a Wallgreens over by the Monte Carlo.  Prices there are about what you would pay at any other Wallgreens.  It's about a 15 minute walk from the hotel to there.</p></blockquote><p>Thank you! I was wondering how far the nearest 'normal' shop was.</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Thank you! I was wondering how far the nearest 'normal' shop was.</p></blockquote><p>For us smokers that reads "Where can I get smokes for less than $12/pack because the baggage handlers and/or maids raided my luggage" <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Calthine]

<p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Obann@Permafrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Just thought I would point out that the Vegas Strip does have a Wallgreens over by the Monte Carlo.  Prices there are about what you would pay at any other Wallgreens.  It's about a 15 minute walk from the hotel to there.</p></blockquote><p>Thank you! I was wondering how far the nearest 'normal' shop was.</p></blockquote><p>Me too!  I'm tacking that in comments over on my piece <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[nighthunter]

<p>Couple things to remember (since I have lived in Vegas over 30 years now), bring Suntan Lotion if you plan on going out side! So far we have had rather mild weather (read: Under 100 degrees) but you will burn really quick and there is nothing worse then breing sunburned plus hot and sweaty.  Also even though you may see a wireless connection in your room, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bally's does not have wireless at all</span>. Its probably The Paris or one of the wifi sites projected at the strip ~ Cheatah Networks/Travelers Wi-Fi. Lastly like others have said bring the nasal spray and allergy meds, I think its due to the overly dry air but people who normally dont suffer from allergies suddenly get them here.  </p>

[feldon30]

I posted little bullet point notes from within the Panels to my Blog. Then the next time I had access to a PC, I'd do a more detailed writeup. But as far as posting pictures, I didn't really mess with that until after I was at home. Last year I just went to the panels, played some EQ2, went to the dinners, and that's about it. Surely my readers expect more from me. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> I fully expect to get less sleep this year.

[Lorzus]

<p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Also even though you may see a wireless connection in your room, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bally's does not have wireless at all</span>. Its probably The Paris or one of the wifi sites projected at the strip ~ Cheatah Networks/Travelers Wi-Fi.</p></blockquote><p>Ok now I want to know who picked a hotel with no internet for a bunch of online gamers >.> Heheh ahh well don't think I would be on to much anyways ...</p>

[Wilde_Night]

<p>If you want cheap tables, after the SOE stuff starts to attempt to wind down (does it ever, really?) head to the Four Queens on Freemont.  They have some of the few "cheap" tables left for craps, blackjack, roulette and the like.  $2 and $5 tables, much more fun than $10+.</p>

[Crolack]

<p><cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Thank you! I was wondering how far the nearest 'normal' shop was.</p></blockquote><p>For us smokers that reads "Where can I get smokes for less than $12/pack because the baggage handlers and/or maids raided my luggage" <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I think if you're gambling, they might comp you some cigarettes as long as you keep gambling. At least I think that's what my smoker friend used to do back in the day.</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Crolack wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I think if you're gambling, they might comp you some cigarettes as long as you keep gambling. At least I think that's what my smoker friend used to do back in the day.</p></blockquote><p>Yah. In the 90's they used to do that for people who were playing high stakes or tipped really, really well. The last few times I was in Vegas the waitresses didn't even carry a single pack around with them. If you asked them for a smoke, they would walk around asking other customers if they could have one of theirs.</p><p>@Aeveil.. Ballys has $5 tables. The problem with those tables are that the newbs play those tables and screw up everyone elses hands.. eg. splitting 3's and such. I have noticed that Ballys dealers will ask a player to excuse themselves if they are blatantly playing "cowboy" poker or blackjack. I think its a trend that started at Ceasers and is being exercised at most of the casinos these days.</p><p>Oh.. and for those that have a few free hours.. FullTilt will be hosting a tournament there that weekend that is open to everyone. Shannon Elizabeth is participating so if you manage to survive two or three tables.. you might have an opportunity to play at the same table as her. David Schwimmer however, will not be attending this year.</p>

[Amnerys]

<p><cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Oh.. and for those that have a few free hours.. FullTilt will be hosting a tournament there that weekend that is open to everyone. Shannon Elizabeth is participating so if you manage to survive two or three tables.. you might have an opportunity to play at the same table as her. David Schwimmer however, will not be attending this year.</p></blockquote><p>Eh, that's just their "excuse" to come to Fan Faire. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Thanks for the awesome tips, Calthine.  We'll be putting up our own tips soon, and we'll linky over to yours. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Calthine]

<p><cite>Aldia@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Also even though you may see a wireless connection in your room, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bally's does not have wireless at all</span>. Its probably The Paris or one of the wifi sites projected at the strip ~ Cheatah Networks/Travelers Wi-Fi.</p></blockquote><p>Ok now I want to know who picked a hotel with no internet for a bunch of online gamers >.> Heheh ahh well don't think I would be on to much anyways ...</p></blockquote><p>They're all like that.</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Amnerys wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Eh, that's just their "excuse" to come to Fan Faire. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Hehe.. that'd be great if it were true. But, if Shannon Elizabeth shows up for Fan Faire I can think of a lot of other things I want autographed than my Collector's Edition of EQ2. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Crolack]

<p><cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Crolack wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I think if you're gambling, they might comp you some cigarettes as long as you keep gambling. At least I think that's what my smoker friend used to do back in the day.</p></blockquote><p>Yah. In the 90's they used to do that for people who were playing high stakes or tipped really, really well. The last few times I was in Vegas the waitresses didn't even carry a single pack around with them. If you asked them for a smoke, they would walk around asking other customers if they could have one of theirs</p></blockquote><p>Yeah, shows you the last time I was in Lost Wages. Do they still bring ya free drinks?</p>

[Lorzus]

<p><cite>Calthine wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Aldia@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Also even though you may see a wireless connection in your room, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bally's does not have wireless at all</span>. Its probably The Paris or one of the wifi sites projected at the strip ~ Cheatah Networks/Travelers Wi-Fi.</p></blockquote><p>Ok now I want to know who picked a hotel with no internet for a bunch of online gamers >.> Heheh ahh well don't think I would be on to much anyways ...</p></blockquote><p>They're all like that.</p></blockquote><p>First Fan Faire here <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Good thing to know about right away tho!</p>

[nighthunter]

<p><cite>Aldia@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Also even though you may see a wireless connection in your room, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bally's does not have wireless at all</span>. Its probably The Paris or one of the wifi sites projected at the strip ~ Cheatah Networks/Travelers Wi-Fi.</p></blockquote><p>Ok now I want to know who picked a hotel with no internet for a bunch of online gamers >.> Heheh ahh well don't think I would be on to much anyways ...</p></blockquote><p>No, no they have internet there, just not wireless that is supported by the hotel. It is on a 24 hour basis (real time) per laptop (Read: per Mac address). You must be able to click the "I accept" option to get the internet working so you can't use a router in the room for multiple computers (although there is a way around that with networking knowledge).  </p>

[Calthine]

<p><cite>Aldia@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Calthine wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Aldia@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Also even though you may see a wireless connection in your room, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bally's does not have wireless at all</span>. Its probably The Paris or one of the wifi sites projected at the strip ~ Cheatah Networks/Travelers Wi-Fi.</p></blockquote><p>Ok now I want to know who picked a hotel with no internet for a bunch of online gamers >.> Heheh ahh well don't think I would be on to much anyways ...</p></blockquote><p>They're all like that.</p></blockquote><p>First Fan Faire here <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /> Good thing to know about right away tho!</p></blockquote><p>That was the #1 question everyone had my first Fan Faire!  Since then I've called ahead <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>No, no they have internet there, just not wireless that is supported by the hotel. It is on a 24 hour basis (real time) per laptop (Read: per Mac address). You must be able to click the "I accept" option to get the internet working so you can't use a router in the room for multiple computers (although there is a way around that with networking knowledge).  </p></blockquote><p>I noticed that they said there were broadband connections available.. does it require an ethernet cable or is it indeed wireless/wi-fi? Need to know what to pack.. I can't imagine cabbing it around town trying to find a Best Buy. XD</p>

[Amnerys]

<p><cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I noticed that they said there were broadband connections available.. does it require an ethernet cable or is it indeed wireless/wi-fi? Need to know what to pack.. I can't imagine cabbing it around town trying to find a Best Buy. XD</p></blockquote><p>It's been done before.  When I was working in Marketing I got calls from Vegas on the Wednesday before FF... "We're in a cab, on our way to Best Buy to pick up [insert forgotten gizmo-y gadget] and we need blah blah blah..." <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" />  Although I think that's quite the expensive cab ride.  Luckily I was flying out on Friday and could bring most last-minute stuff with me!</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Amnerys wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>It's been done before.  When I was working in Marketing I got calls from Vegas on the Wednesday before FF... "We're in a cab, on our way to Best Buy to pick up [insert forgotten gizmo-y gadget] and we need blah blah blah..." <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" />  Although I think that's quite the expensive cab ride.  Luckily I was flying out on Friday and could bring most last-minute stuff with me!</p></blockquote><p>Yah.. I remember the days. Did the Comdex booth back in my Microsoft years.. but the economy was better back then and nobody worried about a $80 cab ride. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>No, no they have internet there, just not wireless that is supported by the hotel. It is on a 24 hour basis (real time) per laptop (Read: per Mac address). You must be able to click the "I accept" option to get the internet working so you can't use a router in the room for multiple computers (although there is a way around that with networking knowledge).  </p></blockquote><p>I noticed that they said there were broadband connections available.. does it require an ethernet cable or is it indeed wireless/wi-fi? Need to know what to pack.. I can't imagine cabbing it around town trying to find a Best Buy. XD</p></blockquote><p>If I'm packing a computer (highly likely), I tend to pack a bit of connectivity cabling, too. I might have my own wireless solution, though, depends on what I can 'product test' while I am on vacation *smirk* (doing product testing on cellular data devices sometimes has its.. umm.. perks).</p>

[feldon30]

Ok, who's going to start a thread to pool money for a Wi-Fi cluster? <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> If everyone contributes $2 a day, then 5-6 rooms could have Wi-Fi. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Calthine]

<p><cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>No, no they have internet there, just not wireless that is supported by the hotel. It is on a 24 hour basis (real time) per laptop (Read: per Mac address). You must be able to click the "I accept" option to get the internet working so you can't use a router in the room for multiple computers (although there is a way around that with networking knowledge).  </p></blockquote><p>I noticed that they said there were broadband connections available.. does it require an ethernet cable or is it indeed wireless/wi-fi? Need to know what to pack.. I can't imagine cabbing it around town trying to find a Best Buy. XD</p></blockquote><p>What the Nice Young Man Reading the CSR Script said was "high speed", the script had no details on how fast.  The script specified that you must have your own laptop with an ethernet card (ya didn't read my piece, did ya Spyder?!?). </p><p>His script said nothing about wifi, when I asked.  I read that as "bring your own ethernet cable".</p>

[nighthunter]

<p><cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>No, no they have internet there, just not wireless that is supported by the hotel. It is on a 24 hour basis (real time) per laptop (Read: per Mac address). You must be able to click the "I accept" option to get the internet working so you can't use a router in the room for multiple computers (although there is a way around that with networking knowledge).  </p></blockquote><p>I noticed that they said there were broadband connections available.. does it require an ethernet cable or is it indeed wireless/wi-fi? Need to know what to pack.. I can't imagine cabbing it around town trying to find a Best Buy. XD</p></blockquote><p>Ok, here is how it works (and no I do not work for Bally's). Bally's has cable modems in the room with ethernet connection. You do not need an ethernet cable as there is a reteactable spooler in the room (though you could bring an ethernet extender and a cable if you want a longer connection). There is 24 hour tech support for the internet. Guests who stay at Ballys will sometimes pick up wireless signals but none of them are specific to Bally's. The Paris Wi-Fi and Cheetah Networks/Traveler's Wi-Fi are the most common people will see (<a href="http://www.cwti.us/cheeweb/homepage/" target="_blank">Cheetah</a> has a hotspot in Bellagio). The Paris Wi-Fi will not work as you have to be registered in in that Hotel (Sign in page asks for Last Name and Room Number) and Cheetah seems to "vanish" after a few hours only to pop up again (Pay by credit card).</p>

[Lodrelhai]

<p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>nighthunter wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>No, no they have internet there, just not wireless that is supported by the hotel. It is on a 24 hour basis (real time) per laptop (Read: per Mac address). You must be able to click the "I accept" option to get the internet working so you can't use a router in the room for multiple computers (although there is a way around that with networking knowledge).  </p></blockquote><p>I noticed that they said there were broadband connections available.. does it require an ethernet cable or is it indeed wireless/wi-fi? Need to know what to pack.. I can't imagine cabbing it around town trying to find a Best Buy. XD</p></blockquote><p>Ok, here is how it works (and no I do not work for Bally's). Bally's has cable modems in the room with ethernet connection. You do not need an ethernet cable as there is a reteactable spooler in the room (though you could bring an ethernet extender and a cable if you want a longer connection). There is 24 hour tech support for the internet. Guests who stay at Ballys will sometimes pick up wireless signals but none of them are specific to Bally's. The Paris Wi-Fi and Cheetah Networks/Traveler's Wi-Fi are the most common people will see (<a href="http://www.cwti.us/cheeweb/homepage/" target="_blank">Cheetah</a> has a hotspot in Bellagio). The Paris Wi-Fi will not work as you have to be registered in in that Hotel (Sign in page asks for Last Name and Room Number) and Cheetah seems to "vanish" after a few hours only to pop up again (Pay by credit card).</p></blockquote><p>That's a big help to know!  Just one more question then - is it limited to only one internet connection per room?  I understand that a router can't get multiple connections for one cost, but could it be used for each person to get their own paid connection?</p>

[Calthine]

<p>That I don't know - and I'm not sure the nice script-reading people who answer the phone at Bally's will either.  Last year at the Hilton your 24-hour login didn't move from room to room with you (which I thought was silly).</p><p>PS: the Hilton didn't have retractable spoolers last year.  But they'd rent you a cable.</p>

[Rijacki]

<p>One more tip...</p><p>If you're making a costume for the banquet and contest on Saturday, make sure the costume will fit into your luggage and not get too smushed by the trip.</p><p>Remember that most airlines are now charging for extra (or even one) checked bag.</p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Remember that most airlines are now charging for extra (or even one) checked bag.</p></blockquote><p>I remember pre-recession when sporting equipment was checked for free... *eyes his golf clubs and pouts*</p>

[Lodrelhai]

<p>After several calls to Bally's, they gave me to someone in their Engineering department.</p><p>Official status on internet connections: Only one computer per room may log on, no splitters.  Folks with multiple online-addicts in the same room, I suggest you start working on the timeshare-schedules for the internet-capable laptop now.  ^_^</p><p>Given what Calthine said about the internet connection not following you from room to room, I suspect that rather than installing something on your computer to let you access the internet anywhere in the hotel (or rather than just doing that), they activate the line going into your specific room.</p>

[Calthine]

<p><cite>Lodrelhai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>After several calls to Bally's, they gave me to someone in their Engineering department.</p><p>Official status on internet connections: Only one computer per room may log on, no splitters.  Folks with multiple online-addicts in the same room, I suggest you start working on the timeshare-schedules for the internet-capable laptop now.  ^_^</p><p>Given what Calthine said about the internet connection not following you from room to room, I suspect that rather than installing something on your computer to let you access the internet anywhere in the hotel (or rather than just doing that), they activate the line going into your specific room.</p></blockquote><p>Wow, you had more persistance than me.  I gave up after three calls <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Spyderbite]

<p><cite>Calthine wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Wow, you had more persistance than me.  I gave up after three calls <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Ha! You both have more persistance than me! I gave up on the first call. The employee on the other end responded "We have internet access?". I felt it best to hang up at that moment. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[ke'la]

<p>Looked at the map and it looks like Walgreens is just across the street from New York, New York... on the same side of Las Vegas Blvd as Bally's</p>

[nighthunter]

<p><cite>Calthine wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>That I don't know - and I'm not sure the nice script-reading people who answer the phone at Bally's will either.  Last year at the Hilton your 24-hour login didn't move from room to room with you (which I thought was silly).</p></blockquote><p>Hmmm I know there are individual modems in the rooms for Hilton but even with that it should have let you gone from Room to room unless you didn't allow cookies. The system will place a cookie on your laptop that basically says "This laptop is allowed on the internet until x time" which helps for the inactive timeout. Basically, if you go away for a few hours the registration page will pop up again but it will not charge you a 2nd time. While you can't use a router in the room (see previous post) you could bring a hub and extra cables to get more then one computer on at the same time (with a charge for each of course).</p>