Want to have My iPod Touch to be connected to a WiFi while away From Home

Question

While at Home I am connected to my WiFi through my computer system but when I am away from home there isn't very much WiFi Hot spots in my area except when I am in a Star bucks or in a business that says that they have "Free" WiFi. I have a few WiFi iPod Touch Apps that are able to locate Free WiFi Hot Spots but when I go and try to use them when I am away from home I am not able to use it at all.
Is there a way that I can have my iPod Touch to be set up where I can be connect to any WiFis when I am away from Home? or have my iPod Touch to be able to search for any WiFis in my area?
Note: I have a MobileMe Account and I have a email account with my local Isp which is a Pop account.
Trisha Foster

Answer 1

I'll add another positive review about the MiFi device and its use with a Touch. I've had this for about 2 months, and it works very well. And I'll disagree with the poster who said "get an iPhone".
The MiFi has several advantages over the iPhone -- First, it's a mobile hotspot that can provide WiFi for up to 5 devices simultaneously (the iPhone can't do that, even once AT&T enables tethering); Second, the MiFi allows use of a network other than AT&T (which many users may appreciate)...aside from Verizon, Sprint sells a version that works on its network; Finally, the price of the MiFi and its usage plan may well end up being less expensive than an iPhone.
It's not cheap, but then again, neither is an iPhone and its usage plan. I spend nearly $60/month on the expensive MiFi plan, but can switch down (and then back up) to the lower-priced $40/month plan if I don't need the full 5gb a month that the higher plan provides.
Sure, you don't get a telephone with the Touch + MiFi solution (although Skype works well if you add a microphone to your Touch), but not everyone wants/needs a phone...and for those who want primarily data/WiFi/Web, the MiFi with a Touch will give an iPhone a real run for its money.
I'll also add that the original poster may just need access to more hotspots - i.e., other than those that advertise "free" WiFi. If that's the case, she might consider something like a Boingo membership which will get her online in many places...including just about every McDonalds in the US.
Message was edited by: jsun