Wifi

if you get in an area with a non protected wifi network you can get on the internet.
check out a place like this : www.wififreespot.com

if it's protected at home, type in the password, and some airports are protected and some aren't, so use it in the airports you can.

It will work in much the same way that WiFi does on a laptop computer or just about any other similar device.

Basically, it will detect if there's an open WiFi network in range, and offer you the option to join that network. Alternatively, if you're accessing protected networks (ie, encrypted/password-protected) at home or work, you'll need to go into the Settings menu and select the WiFi network manually and enter the password on the virtual keypad.

Public access points in places like airports and coffee shops (not just Starbucks) normally require you to sign on from a web page. This is likely the main reason why the iPod touch now has a browser -- so you can actually go to the browser and then log on and enter any payment details for pay-per-use hotspots.

For the record, there's nothing particularly special about Starbucks and WiFi in this regard except for the iTunes WiFi Store, where you will be able to see what is playing and purchase tracks online. It is expected that actual general Internet access from a Starbucks will still require sign-on and payment as it would anywhere else (or from any other device).

Yes, the iPod touch will work any WiFi access point, including the Airport.

The Airport Extreme has no particular benefit for the touch itself, however, as it is only an 802.11g device, and therefore doesn't take advantage of the higher speeds offered by the newer base station.

For basic WiFi access for the iPod touch, an Airport Express will probably suit your needs rather well.

If it's based on the same chipset as the iPhone (which I can't see how it wouldn't be), the range is actually surprisingly good. I've generally found now difference between the range of my iPhone and the range of my MacBook Pro -- around 100m in clear line-of-sight conditions.

It's enough that I can pick up the free WiFi from the Apple Store at the Eaton's Centre while sitting at the McDonald's across and a few stores down... ;)

thanks for the advice. I'm going to get the Express.

Yes, the iPod touch will work any WiFi access point, including the Airport.

The Airport Extreme has no particular benefit for the touch itself, however, as it is only an 802.11g device, and therefore doesn't take advantage of the higher speeds offered by the newer base station.

For basic WiFi access for the iPod touch, an Airport Express will probably suit your needs rather well.