WIFI that works anywhere -is it possible with Linux?

Have a Aspire 150 which gets used on holiday.
After a few failures to connect on the last overseas trip, I switched from Linpus OS + Atheros card to Ubuntu Netbook remix + WICD + Intel 5300 wireless card.

All works well in Thailand, but when I reach Vientiane, it will not connect to the hotel network, as it "CANNOT ACQUIRE IP ADDRESS". Lucklily I have Moblin 2.1on a USB stick & that reliably connects to the same network.

However, Ubunbtu is superior in every other respect. Is there any network manager I can use for Ubuntu that will connect everywhere that a Microsoft system does? Or do I have to sell out to Bill Gates?

 

its called mobile broadband, all major phone companies have some sort of service like this, its separate from your cell though,

when you sign up for it they give u a USB thing that recieves the 3g signal and gives you internet where there are no free access points or whatever

you need cell phone signal though

 

Sorry, what I meant was if I enter a hotel or guesthouse with WIFI & the Windows or MAC users can connect without difficulty, I want my linux based aspire one to do the same.

As it is, I can stay at 4 hotels where the wifi works and it then decides not to work at the 5th hotel, when I can see other guests using laptops without trouble. I can hardly change the router settings, therefore need a Netbook that can show some flexibility.