geeksugar -- Geek is chic.

Pret A Manger Offers Free WiFi: No Strings Attached

geeksugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:00:25 -0800

If you've ever been to London, you'll know what I mean when I say that Pret A Manger — the all natural food retailer — is so popular in the UK, that it's more prominent on street corners than Starbucks. When I lived in London I was a regular Pret customer at least a few times a week, so when I heard the news that they now offer free WiFi without any restrictions or obligations my love for the retailer grew stronger. What does this mean for customers? They won't be pressured to purchase any product inside the store or buy prepaid cards for only two hours of WiFi use — unlike Starbucks here in the US.

Already, there are 170 stores (out of the 190 Pret A Manger's) that offer the service, and I haven't heard whether or not they will roll it out in the NY stores.

Source

Do You Use Airport WiFi?

geeksugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:03:48 -0800

One thing that makes me happy is free WiFi in airports. Something that doesn't make me happy is when I have to pay $9.95 for one hour of Internet use in most airports across the United States. Once in a while I'm fortunate to be armed with a wireless broadband card so I don't have to stress about whether or not an airport has free WiFi, but quite often, it's just me and an expensive connection. Traveling is stressful enough without having to dig deep in your pockets to pay hefty WiFi rates. So I'm curious to know what you do — Do you pay the rates or turn to some other means? Source

Do You Use Airport WiFi?

Yes — If it's free!

Yes — Even if I have to pay for it!

No — I have my own wireless card.

No — I don't travel with my laptop.

Something else. See what below!

10 Ways Your WiFi Connection Mirrors Your Love Life

geeksugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 04:00:18 -0800

Maintaining a healthy, successful and mutually beneficial relationship with your WiFi connection can be a lot of work. In fact, it can feel a whole lot like your love life. My years of dating and battling my WiFi have taught me all about mixed signals, interference from third parties, the coveted honeymoon phase and eventually (or hopefully) that relationship pinnacle of a monogamous, working relationship that everyone can smile about.

Virgin America's New Inflight WiFi and YouTube Live Event

geeksugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:00:30 -0800

OK, I promised you a full recap about my event-filled Saturday — the flight, the WiFi test drive, and the YouTube Live Event — and here it is! Testing out Virgin America's first WiFi enabled plane with Gogo Inflight Internet among other tech enthusiasts was a rush in itself, but heading to the first official YouTube Live event here in San Francisco was icing on the cake to a spectacular day. To see how I made out with the Gogo WiFi service during the flight and to see some YouTube Vlogging stars and celebs I ran into at the event, check out my slideshow!

I'm Going to YouTube Live! And Getting WiFi on a Jet Plane . . .

geeksugar — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:04:27 -0800

I've got quite the geeky day planned, and I had to share my excitement with guys! First, I'm packing my bags and heading to San Francisco International Airport to board a Virgin America plane — I'm not really going anywhere, per se, but the short flight will be showing off GoGo's new in-flight WiFi! Then afterward, drum roll please — I am hitting up the YouTube Live event!

At SFO, I'll board a Virgin Airlines plane — already my fave airline for its awesome techy features — and test out the in-flight Wifi on a special beta flight.

Afterward, it's off the to the YouTube Live Event, to celebrate YouTube's new webcasting feature, where I'll hopefully rub elbows with Will.i.am and Katy Perry, to name a few! Stay tuned for my recap on how it all turns out!

Source

Find Out Which Airports Offer Free WiFi For Holiday Travels

geeksugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:52:01 -0800

Last year around this time, I brought you a list of some airports in the US that offer free WiFi. Since many of us will be traveling this holiday season — with laptops and cell phones attached at our hips — it's helpful to know which airports won't be charging hefty rates for Internet use.

Many new airports have been added to the WiFi FreeSpot directory, so I suggest heading on over the site to see if the airports you'll be visiting this year will give you net access for free.

Source

AT&T's WiFi Hotspots Are Free and Available to iPhone Users

geeksugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:04:36 -0700

Remember a few months ago, when we all got giddy because AT&T hotspots were suppose to be free for iPhone customers? Well that didn't exactly happen, but now (I'm guessing because of iPhone 3G mania), AT&T's free WiFi hotspot access is finally live! If you've got an iPhone, you can now use the WiFi at 17,000 sites around the US, including Starbucks. Use AT&T's hotspot locator to see where the nearest hotspot locations are to you! Forgive me for quoting Celine but, "A new day has come!"

Source

Website of the Day: Free Hotspot

geeksugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:31:13 -0700

Although Starbucks has just rolled out free WiFi, I still need to know where free WiFi access points are when I hit my two-hour-per-day max at Starbucks. I've showcased Hotspotr before, which is a community-driven site that lists WiFi cafes and hotspots, but did you know about Free Hotspot?

Free Hotspot will find the free WiFi locations closest to whatever address you provide — it's even international! What I like about it is the fact that it provides the name of the establishment, the address, the location type (bar, restaurant, etc), and the name of the wireless service you'll be connecting with. I took it for a test drive and so far so good!

To learn how to post your favorite websites to our Website of the Day group,

Free WiFi Arrives at Starbucks

geeksugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:03:12 -0700

It's been a long time coming, but it has been well worth the wait because Starbucks is kicking off their AT&T free WiFi service today!

According to USA Today, customers that register online for the Starbucks Rewards Card program and purchase a $5 prepaid card will receive two (consecutive) hours a day of free WiFi.

Double bonus — new members will also receive a voucher for a free drink! By the sounds of it, Starbucks is rolling out the free WiFi across 7,000 stores in the US. But stay tuned for more info to come!

Source

BoltBus = Free WiFi and In-seat Power Ports!

geeksugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:05:45 -0700

Yesterday, PetSugar informed me about a magical transportation service called BoltBus — an affordable, geek-friendly way to travel. So I maybe don't need to take a bus anytime soon in the New York, Philadelphia, Boston, or Washington region, but hello?! It's a frickin bus with free WiFi, which is still a luxury, and for the best part. . . there are outlets, in every seat!

What does this mean? Well for me it means unlimited hours of blogging and emailing, but for others this could mean watching some of your favorite movies and TV shows from sites like Hulu. Public transportation usually isn't that glamorous, but this definitely helps!

The Gansevoort South Is a Geek's Delight

geeksugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:00:27 -0700

This past weekend I was down in Miami for some fun in the sun action and I had the pleasure of staying at the Gansevoort South hotel. Still in its "soft opening" stage, (it's brand-spankin' new), I couldn't help but notice all the tech treats in my trendy hotel room, which I just had to share. First and foremost, the Gansevoort offers complimentary high-speed WiFi to its guests, which knock-on-wood seems to be the growing trend in other hotels as well.
Guestrooms also have chic 40-inch Sony LCD HDTVs hanging on the walls, a CD player that includes a free "Hotel Gansevoort by Day or Night" CD to rock out to, Dream Stereo alarm clocks with iPod docking stations (a must have in all hotels), and kitchenettes with Nespresso machines. Room prices are a tad on the expensive side, but I guess that's what you get for total plush beds and state-of-the-art technology!

0 Comments 10 Views

2 Comments 75 Views

1 Comments 46 Views

1 Comments 75 Views

1 Comments 41 Views

Twenty More Cities Now Offering WiFi on Buses

geeksugar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:05:57 -0700

Gone are the days when you had to be a Google employee to enjoy Internet-wired shuttles. USA Today is reporting that more than 20 cities are now offering WiFi on commuter buses including cities like San Francisco, Reno, Austin and Seattle.

Although not all cities are eager to jump on-board, cities that have initiated the service are finding it well received by the public. Wiring each bus is said to cost about $1,000 to $2,000, which isn't too shabby considering how many commuters would utilize it.

A majority of you said that you would love to have WiFi on public transportation, whether it be bus, planes or trains, so I'm sure you're super stoked about this news. Although in-flight calling ability on planes is a totally different story!

Source

McDonald's, Starbucks, and Jack in the Box Offering Free WiFi?

geeksugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:46:44 -0700

Starbucks has yet to roll out its free WiFi across the country, but in the meantime, it looks as though other franchises are jumping on board the free WiFi initiative.

With over 15,000 McDonald's already offering free WiFi, the competition between Starbucks and McDonald's is growing stiffer, and it doesn't seem to be ending there. Although there hasn't been an official announcement, Jack in the Box restaurants across California and Arizona now have free wireless Internet.

Rumor has it that it's only the recently remodeled restaurants that are wired, so if you're in need of some free net surfing, plus you're craving a big burger, your local Jack in the Box may be able to deliver the goods!

Source

Starbucks to Offer Free WiFi This Spring

geeksugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:40:15 -0800

Talk about a great way to start the week! Starbucks has just announced that they plan to deliver free WiFi to 7,000 Starbucks across the US by early Spring.

Starbucks Card holders (basically just prepay cards for coffee, tea, etc., purchases), will be entitled to two hours of free WiFi a day, while current AT&T broadband users will have unlimited free access to the WiFi service. AT&T is also allowing current T-Mobile customers to keep using hotspots at no extra cost.

Considering the current price is $4 for two hours of WiFi, I think it's fair to say that this is a glorious day in the tech world.

Would You Use WiFi on Public Transportation?

geeksugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:01:03 -0800

It looks like Engadget has gotten a tip that San Francisco's BART is currently running a WiFi trial. If it works, it could be a model for other public transportation systems across the country, meaning you could be surfing the internet on free WiFi during your morning commute. As someone who uses trains and buses often with an iPhone, I'm really excited about this possibility (although it still stings that we don't have free citywide WiFi yet!). What about you guys? Would all you subway and public trans riders use this? Source

Would You Use WiFi on Public Transportation?

Yes, I would be be pumped on free WiFi on my commute.

No, I wouldn't use it.

I don't use public transportation, but if I did, I would use the free WiFi!

Something else. See my comment below.

Will Southwest's WiFi Make You Fly Their Friendly Skies?

geeksugar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 04:11:35 -0800

In a bid for total domestic domination, Southwest Airlines raised the bar with today's announcement that they will be bringing their passengers the fastest WiFi in the skies! Woot! Dave Ridley, Southwest's marketing guru, says that their satellite technology will set the standard for in flight connectivity: "Southwest is looking for the best solution for our Customers not only for Internet e-mail access, but for additional inflight entertainment as well," Ridley said. "We look forward to exploring this cutting-edge technology and hope this will keep our Customers productive and entertained inflight." No word yet if they will charge a fee for the WiFi service, or offer seat side charging ports for your trusty laptop. Although it will still be in testing phase this summer, does this news make the geek in you want to choose Southwest for your future flights?Source

Will Southwest's WiFi Make You Fly Their Friendly Skies?

Yes! Low cost fares and WiFi? Count me in!

No. There's not enough leg room to get me on board.

Maybe. See my comment below!

Geek Tip: AT&T to Offer Free WiFi Access For Subscribers

geeksugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:15:16 -0800

AT&T has just announced today that it will be offering subscribers free unlimited access to the company's WiFi network. Considering AT&T has a growing number of public hotspots — which can predominantly be found in Barnes & Noble, McDonald's, the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and airports — this is great news for pre-existing customers! Wondering where the closest hotspot is to you? Check out a complete list of AT&T's WiFi locations.

Airports With Free WiFi in the United States

geeksugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:00:39 -0800

I'd be scared to add up all the money I've spent on airport WiFi connections in the past few years. As much as I moan and complain, I'm always willing to spend $5, $10 and sometimes $20 for an hour of Internet access. All hope is not lost. The Athletic Minded Traveler has just announced that San Diego can be added to the growing list of airports that are becoming "Internet Friendly" (offering free WiFi). What, a growing list? Yes it's true, airports with free WiFi do exist. Here's a list of some airports in the US that have free WiFi:

Charlotte, NC
Jacksonville, FL
San Diego, CA
Kansas City, MO
Las Vegas, NV
New Orleans, LA
Orlando, FL
Pittsburgh, PA
Portland, OR
Phoenix, AZ
Sacramento, CA
Tucson, AZ
Tampa, FL

Check out TravelPost and WiFi Free Spot for a complete and up-to-date list of airports that currently have free WiFi.

Source

Would You Use WiFi with Commercials?

geeksugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:00:21 -0800

I've always been a free WiFi hunter, but having an iPhone has definitely heightened my hunting instincts. I am constantly seeking signals in cafes, restaurants, and stores and get a sick thrill out of finding one and getting online in unexpected places. Apparently, I'm not alone. A California company called AnchorFree has launched a service that lets stores of any size (as in small restaurants or major chains) offer free, advertising-supported Wi-Fi to customers on store property. According to the New York Times, people who are shopping or eating in an AnchorFree location will have to sit through onscreen banner ads or short video spots or both before they can get online and roam the web. So far, companies such as American Express, Circuit City, Clorox, Ford, Kaiser Permanente, McDonald’s, Toyota, and Major League Baseball have all signed up. While I hate commercials, I figure a short video is a small price to pay for being able to get online and check movie listings or Google maps. What do you think? Source

Would You Use WiFi with Commercials?

Yes — If they are short and allow you to get online for free.

Maybe — I'd have to try it.

No way — I would just seek another free WiFi signal.

Something else. See my comment below.

Free Wi-Fi Access Coming to Midtown Manhattan

geeksugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:35:03 -0800

As the free WiFi issue hits voter ballots in San Francisco, other cities are already jumping on board. According to The Boy Genius Report, CBS has just announced its plans to offer free WiFi access in midtown Manhattan. The "CBS Mobile Zone" will cover a rectangular space from Times Square to Central Park and between 6th and 8th Avenues.

CBS will be installing its own routers to blanket Manhattan with internet coverage—something both residents and visitors will greatly benefit from. Sound too good to be true? CBS will be showing ads to go along with the free WiFi. In my opinion, a small price to pay for free net access in the busiest part of NYC.

Source

WiFi Detector Shirt: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

geeksugar — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 07:00:21 -0700

The WiFi Detector Shirt, $29.99, is a little masculine for my taste, but I'm totally intrigued by its capabilities. The glowing bars on the front of the shirt dynamically change as the surrounding WiFi signal strength fluctuates, so you can just look down on your chest and see if there's a signal. Luckily for those of us that are into being clean, the animated decal is removable (with hook and loop fasteners) for easy washing. Is it chic, or geek apparel gone bad?

WiFi Detector Shirt: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

Totally Geeky

Geek Chic

It's so ______. (Leave answer in comments)

San Francisco WiFi Issue Hits Voter Ballots

geeksugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 06:00:46 -0700

When the latest municipal city and county propositions voters ballot arrived in my mailbox, I was stunned to see the following in section J: "Shall it be City policy that the City should, through an agreement with a private provider, offer free wireless high-speed Internet access as quickly as possible on an equal basis to all parts of San Francisco?" Yes or No Considering the city-wide free WiFi debate has been going back and forth since Mayor Gavin Newsom started rallying for it in October 2004, Newsom decided to submit a ballot measure asking voters if they support blanketing the city with Wi-Fi. The wireless Wi-Fi system would enable free Web surfing subsidized by ads from Google. With this pending project, many people have raised concerns about privacy protection, surfing speeds and the terms of the proposed contract. Even if you vote 'yes' the measure is non-binding, so approval doesn't mean the WiFi will be implemented. Ad-supported or not, it's free internet! Lets hope people focus on the pro's and not the con's and vote yes to this proposition.

For a larger image,

McDonald's and Starbucks to Both Offer Free WiFi?

geeksugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:00:39 -0700

With more than 15,000 WiFi enabled McDonald's around the globe (including the one across from Sugar Headquarters), Computer World is predicting that Starbucks will start rolling out free WiFi access within a year to compete with McDonald's growing fan base. Although Starbucks already offers free WiFi access to iTunes music stores, you still have to pay for the music download and any additional Internet surfing.
The competition between Starbucks and McDonald's is definitely apparent, with Starbucks adding more variety to their breakfast menu and McDonald's offering upscale coffee. As much as I love a good Mickey D's run now and then, I can't say I'd want to spend hours on my laptop inside a McDonald's. Now Starbucks? That's a whole other story...

The U.K. Government Examines the Impact of Wi-Fi on Health

geeksugar — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:01:10 -0700

With some studies saying that WiFi is dangerous and others saying that it is harmless, the U.K. government's Health Protection Agency (HPA) is taking matters into their own hands by carrying out an in-depth study into how wireless networks are being used. The HPA has already indicated that the signals used on Wi-Fi networks were very low power and well within guidelines issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP).

Considering not too long ago the BBC reported that there was no evidence to suggest a link between the use of Wi-Fi and damage to health, this new research should prove to be interesting.

Source

Where Is the Strangest Place You've Seen WiFi?

geeksugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 07:00:23 -0700

While there are some people around Sugar HQ that have what Yum calls a "minor French fry problem," I'm not one of them. That might be the reason why it took me so long to notice the McDonald's across the street from the office offers a WiFi connection. Once considered a luxury, WiFi is a near staple at this point. It's standard in American hotels, airports, new Virgin America planes and pretty much every other coffee shop, library and imaginable place with electrical outlets. But when is enough enough? I can't imagine sitting down in a McDonald's long enough to want to check my e-mail, let alone blog or do any kind of serious work. I want to know, where is the strangest place, most unexpected place you've noticed a WiFi connection?

Where Is the Strangest Place You've Seen WiFi?

Fast Food Restaurant

"Fancy" Restaurant

Store/Supermarket

Carwash

Public Park

Someplace else. Leave answer in comments.

Starbucks and Apple To Offer Free Wi-Fi Access to iTunes Music Store

geeksugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 09:00:37 -0700

With so many exciting Apple announcements yesterday like the hot new shuffle colors, a thin new nano, 80/160GB iPods and an iPod touch, I almost let the huge Starbucks news slip through the cracks! Thanks to Engadget's live blogging, we were able to learn that on October 2nd, 5800 wi-fi enabled Starbucks stores nationwide will be offering free access to the iTunes store, with many more to follow in the upcoming months. So whenever you have a wi-fi powered Apple product like an iPhone, the new iPod Touch or a laptop, a pop-up will appear allowing you to play songs recently played in that Starbucks, or purchase songs from iTunes, with no hotspot login required!
Source

Website of the Day: I Love Free WiFi

geeksugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:00:24 -0700

Much like hotspotr you can use I love free wifi to find thousands of free wi-fi hotspots all across the United States. Just zoom in on a particular area or city to narrow the results and a list will be provided in alphabetical order. Each listing includes info like the address, hours, a brief description and website links. To learn how to post your favorite sites to the Website of the Day group, just

Nikon's Coolpix Cam Now Comes With Wi-Fi

geeksugar — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 13:00:25 -0700

Okay, before you get all jazzed about Nikon's latest Coolpix S51c with Wi-Fi, let me forewarn you that the Wi-Fi seems to only work with Nikon's new 'My Picturetown' application — still, imagine how cool it would be if you could send pics via Wi-Fi elsewhere? This hot pink cam, which was featured on Engadget, comes with 8.1 megapixels, a 3-inch LCD and an optical lens shift vibration reduction. Price is approximately $407, or $51 less if you don't get the Wi-Fi feature.

A Wi-Fi Connection That Blows My Mind

geeksugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:00:47 -0700

Considering the fact that I can barely get a Wi-Fi signal outside my apartment, I was shocked to learn that a 5GHz Wi-Fi transmission distance was actually maintained between Italy and Sardinia — a distance of 188.89 miles. This new world record Wi-Fi connection, which was achieved by the Italian Center for Radio Activities and Ubiquiti Networks, was maintained with a 5Mbps transfer rate using some nifty gadgets and trinkets. Now all we need to do is wait for an announcement saying there will be a free Wi-Fi blanket nationwide courtesy of Google — naturally!via gizmag

Should 'Stealing' Wifi Be A Crime?

geeksugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:00:37 -0700

A few months ago British police were cautioning people who steal Wifi, now it seems they are really cracking down - even arresting a man for picking up an unsecured Wifi signal. According to the Daily Mail, a 39-year-old man was held after two police community support officers became suspicious when they spotted him using a laptop computer on a garden wall (sounds a little like Humpty Dumpty, doesn't it?).When questioned, the man admitted to using someone else's unsecured wi-fi broadband connection outside a house. He now faces a fine, six months in prison (or both), under the under section one of the Computer Misuse Act and Section 125 of the Communications Act 2003. The punishments sound slightly exaggerated and unfounded to me - I mean if people leave their wireless networks unsecured they're almost asking for it. It's like leaving candy on your doorstep and thinking neighborhood kids aren't going to snack on it. What do you think? Source

Should 'Stealing' Wifi Be A Crime?

Yes

Something else. See my comment below.

Tangent Quattro WiFi Alarm Radio

geeksugar — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:00:57 -0700

I love internet radio and music sharing websites but only use either when I'm sitting at my computer. I also happen to love listening to music and talk shows from around the world, but haven't been able to commit to the monthly satellite radio fees. Enter the Tangent Quattro WiFi Alarm Radio, which links to any wireless network and gives you access to more than 6,000 radio stations from around the world. I love it because it's small and portable and you don't have to turn on your computer or pay any subscription fees. I got to check out the device when the Firebox people came to San Francisco a few weeks ago and loved the fact that it also features an alarm clock, can stream music from your pc and can connect to your mp3 player.

The radio comes in black and walnut and costs $299.95. It requires broadband internet connection and wireless router, as it acquires internet radio from the router.

RIM Makes Wi-Fi BlackBerry Smartphone Official

geeksugar — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:56:02 -0700

Okay, so we already told you WiFi was coming to the new RIM BlackBerry, but it's finally official.

The device, which RIM called the "first dual-mode cellular and Wi-Fi BlackBerry Smartphone" in a press release, will be thinner than the BlackBerry Pearl and feature a full QWERTY keyboard, large and bright display (320 x 240) and user-friendly trackball navigation system.

The BlackBerry 8820 also includes built-in GPS (Global Positioning System), RIM's latest media player enhancements, and a expandable memory slot that can support current and future generations of microSD memory cards. Most importantly, the device will combine EDGE/GPRS/GSM cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity for data access and voice support through UMA (unlicensed mobile access) for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) service offerings from various wireless carriers around the world.

BlackBerry Phones To Finally Get Wi-Fi

geeksugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:30:04 -0700

All you BlackBerry owners who are wishing you had a WiFi enabled iPhone, don't fret just yet because the FCC has just approved the first BlackBerry with built-in WiFi wireless network capabilities.

The BlackBerry 8320 from T-Mobile is said to have Bluetooth, a 3.2-megapixel camera, a headphone jack, and a microSD slot. Research In Motion's CEO has already mentioned that this WiFi enabled BlackBerry should be released by the end of this year.

Image Source

Trend: Glamorous, WiFi Enabled 'Camping'

geeksugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:00:45 -0700

Camping used to mean sleeping in a tiny tent, eating over a fire pit and packing loads of mosquito repellent, but it seems the days of roughing it without electricity or the conveniences of modern internet-addicted life are over. It's a trend that must have been fueled by our inability to travel without our laptops or smart phones, but I think it points to a loss of those old school family camping trips we all love to hate.

ABC news recently took a trip to Clayoquot Wilderness Resort on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, where the tents are decorated with Persian rugs and they have electricity, heat and a thermostat. Unlike your average Costco-tent camping the resort isn't cheap - more than 3 days costs about $2,000 including a massage, water activities a few classes and of course, WiFi.

The resort, which overlooks the ocean and surrounding mountains, features tents with remote-controlled propane wood stoves, oil lamps, candles and rustic interiors. They also run on generators that provide electricity for light, hairdryers and wireless internet. Is it just me, or does this negate the entire purpose of camping, which is supposed to be about hanging out in nature and getting away from the office? If you want an electricity-fused trip visit one of the best WiFi hotels in Times Square and save your camping for real camping.

WiFi Memory Cards Coming Soon

geeksugar — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 13:00:18 -0700

In the next few months, Eye-Fi plans to release Secure Digital memory cards with integrated Wi-Fi chips. The card will allow digital cameras to automatically send photos to home computers or to photo-sharing websites. The company says their products and services "intend to make the 'ease of use' promise of digital photography a reality."

According to Eye-Fi, four out of five digital photos are never printed or shared, because of the complex, multi-step practice required to get photos from your digital camera–a time consuming process that deters even the most motivated consumers.

Eye-Fi plans to provide the first and only effortless way to send images directly from your camera to a host of destinations, including a computer, and online photo and social networking sites for instant sharing. In the mean time, you can use sites like Radar, which allows you to send photos you've taken on your cell phone and send them to a free hosting website, or send pictures from your cell phone to your Myspace page. What do you think - will you use this Eye-Fi service?

Download of the Day: WiFind

geeksugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 14:00:40 -0700

My boyfriend and I spent over an hour one day trying to find a Wi-Fi network in range on the roof of our apartment building. Little did I know there's a useful download from Apple called WiFind that shows you what wireless networks are locked or unlocked and their signal strength...all in your airport menu.

Featured on CrunchGear, this useful application will tell you a list of Wi-Fi signals in range. Surf the net from home, from work or from a corner coffee shop!

Do you have a favorite download you think geeksugar readers would like? Share your favorites in the Download of the Day group,

Free Wi-Fi Locations In London Mapped Out

geeksugar — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 16:01:39 -0700

Whenever I'm in search of a legal Wi-Fi connection, I usually check out Hotspotr, a great site that lists thousands of Wi-Fi cafés all over North America.

For globetrotters or UK natives, you'll be happy to know that the Londonist has created a similar site which displays free Wi-Fi locations on a map of London.

Use this map to find Wi-Fi in all sorts of places including coffee shops, pubs and even bars. And if there's a Wi-Fi location not listed on the map, just leave a comment and the map will be updated with the latest additions.

I wonder if British rocker Pete Doherty would rather chase the paparazzi with his Macbook than sit in a pub surfing the world wide web?! Maybe he still has yet to get the memo about this useful new site.

Image Source

Man Charged for Using Cafe's Free Wi-Fi

geeksugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 10:00:22 -0700

And by charged I mean a $400 fine and get 40 hours of community service for stealing Wi-Fi. That's right folks, Sam Peterson II, who used a Michigan cafe's free wireless network to check his e-mail will be dishing out enough dough to buy 3/4 of an iPhone and weeks worth of community service for his offense. Apparently, the cafe where Peterson logged on is a popular WiFi spot and Peterson didn't realize not paying for access was such an offense. Here's more:

I knew that the Union Street had WiFi," he told 24 Hour News 8. "I just went down and checked my e-mail and didn't see a problem with that." But Peterson did it everyday, and from his car. He drove up, parked, and piggybacked onto the Union Street network.

Piggybacking, which means using someone else's WiFi without their permission, currently lies in a gray legal area in most states. A local police chief became suspicious of what Peterson was doing in his car every day and eventually talked to him and issued a warning. After thinking about it a bit the police chief did a little investigation and found that "unauthorized use of computer access" is in fact a crime in Michigan. Soon afterward, a warrant was issued for Peterson's arrest on a "five year felony, $10,000 fine."

Wi-fi Health Warnings And Fears Called 'Unproven'

geeksugar — Wed, 23 May 2007 08:01:16 -0700

When it comes to technology, our health and and studies, the results are often as conclusive and on the mark as our local meteorologists. They offer warnings, note potential rain clouds, but never seem to be on the mark. Two weeks ago I read that WiFis dangerous for kids, a few months ago I read about a woman allergic to wifi, cell phones and electromagnetic fields and even considered buying wireless blocking paint, for my bedroom. Now the BBC is reporting that no evidence to suggest a link between the use of wi-fi and damage to health. Here's more:

"Wi-fi seems unlikely to pose any risk to health," said Professor Lawrie Challis, of Nottingham University. Prof Challis, chairman of the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) programme management committee, said: "Wi-fi exposures are usually very small - the transmitters are low power and some distance from the body.

The article goes on to note, that transmitters are near the body when a laptop is on a person's lap. According to Challis, we should encourage young children to use their laptops on tables instead of their laps for this reason.

Car Rental Company Offers Wireless Internet Service

geeksugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 08:00:05 -0700

Take note all you frequent business and leisure travelers: Avis Rent A Car System is now offering wireless Internet service to use in its rented cars and hotel rooms.

According to its press release, the new Avis Connect service costs $10.95 per day and can transmit a Wi-Fi signal to multiple laptops and other mobile devices at the same time.

The program is now available at the San Francisco International Airport and will be offered in the coming weeks at Avis airport locations in San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles and Newark, followed in the third quarter at airport locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, San Diego and Seattle.

The service may be unnecessary for those of us with smartphones, but if your hotel doesn't have wifi, it might be a simple and less expensive alternative than paying for wifi in your hotel room. It would also be ideal for long road trips.

JFK Airport Gets Yummy, Techie-Infused Makeover

geeksugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 11:00:16 -0700

Apparently, airlines and airports are putting more effort into ways they can "wine and dine" airport passengers in an effort to enhance the consumer travel experience before boarding. The emphases on the traveler's experience is also evident to tech hungry travelers, who are being offered more power and wifi stations. HMSHost, which is the world's largest travel dining and shopping operator has announced that John F. Kennedy International Airport is being transformed into a dining "destination" after an upcoming resturant makeover.

Moscow To Get Wi-Fi Pay Phones

geeksugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 03:52:33 -0700

It's been awhile since I've seen a pay phone, but then again, I don't live in Moscow either. After hearing Comstar UTS and Moscow’s City Telephone Network plan to construct 200 Wi-Fi pay phones in Moscow, I was all ears.

RF Design explains how new phone booths scheduled to be installed in Moscow will allow all Comstar customers access to access the internet. The new phone boxes are said to be installed in train stations, airports and hotels as customers will be able to use pre-paid cards, SIM cards and MGTS phone cards to access the internet.

According to CrunchGear, these new and improved pay phones will let people connect to a Wi-Fi network using their laptops.

Is WiFi Dangerous for Kids?

geeksugar — Thu, 03 May 2007 06:06:57 -0700

I knew that overheating laptops can cause infertility in men (no worries boys, it has to be really hot to cause problems - just keep it off your private areas and get a bed tray or lap desk to work off of when you're home instead of placing your laptop on your...lap), but I didn't know WiFi could also be detrimental to children.

According to reports, children should not use Wi-Fi laptops on their laps. Professor Lawrie Challis told the Daily Telegraph children using Wi-Fi networks should be monitored until research into potential health risks is completed. He also thinks children should keep a safe distance from the embedded antennas. The Health Protection Agency has said Wi-Fi devices are of very low power - much lower than mobile phones.

Best And Worst WiFi Hotels Lists Released

geeksugar — Wed, 02 May 2007 08:00:13 -0700

Just when I started worrying about my summer travel plans and my ability to keep updated with what's going on in the geek world, Hotel Chatter has released its best and worst hotel WiFi lists. Given the demand for WiFi in hotels, the list makers expected they would see more hotels offering free wireless and with greater consistency, but that was not the case. Here's more:

Instead of finding more and more hotels offering free WiFi, we are finding more restrictions are being added to free hotel WiFi. For instance, you can get free WiFi in the lobby, but in-rooms it's Ethernet and it starts at $9.95. Or you can get free WiFi in your rooms but you need to belong to a hotel's loyalty program or be assigned a code with a special password.

Hotel Chatter's Best WiFi Experiences:

Residence Inn, Courtyard, Springhill Suites by Marriott - Marriott is so close to doing WiFi right. Residence Inns, SpringHill Suites, and Courtyard all have strong, free, fast, working wireless in the rooms and the lobbies. Furthermore, the rooms at the above hotel brands will give you an ethernet cable, and a free tethered connection if the WiFi in your room is spotty or not preferred.
André Balazs Properties - For those of you who need a bit more of a scene than a Residence Inn can offer, and find yourselves traveling to urban centers like New York, LA and Miami, André Balazs has consistently good, free, strong WiFi.
Jeff Klein Hotels - Another upscale boutique hotlier well worth mentioning here, takes it one step further and offers complimentary WiFi with no code or agreements to all their guests. The WiFi experience at both Klein hotels, Sunset Tower in LA and City Club in New York, is some of the best we have experienced.

For the worst list,

British Police Caution Man After 'Wi-Fi' Theft

geeksugar — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:03:29 -0700

The BBC is reporting that a man was arrested and cautioned after neighbors reported seeing a man inside a car using a laptop while parked outside a house. Here's more:

The man arrested at the weekend was cautioned for dishonestly obtaining electronic communications services with intent to avoid payment. He attracted attention from neighbours in the early morning, as he had put up cardboard around his car windows but the light from his computer could be seen through the back window.

I'm not sure what world the couple that reported the "wifi theft" have been living in, but if I had a dollar for every time I've been able to randomly pick up a wireless signal I'd have a pretty sweet iPhone fund right now. Of course, I do advocate responsible and safe wireless usage and I certainly recommend you make sure you've set up a firewall for your home's connection. Check out my guide to going wireless without the worries.

Source

River Thames Becomes Giant Wi-Fi Hot Spot

geeksugar — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 10:04:01 -0700

Picture this, you're sitting on a beautiful bench next to the River Thames, you whip out your laptop and hey - what do you know, you pick up a crystal clear wifi signal so you call your boss and say, "you know what? I'm working from the river today."

USA Today reports that the River Thames in London has turned into a gigantic Wi-Fi hot spot that can be used by anyone with a wireless device on the river or along its banks.

Apparently, the wireless broadband Internet access stretches for 22 kilometers along the Thames, from the Millennium Dome out in Greenwich up to Millbank by the Houses of Parliament, and will be extended further over the next two months. Here's more:

The Thames Online service uses mesh networking technology across 100 access points, allowing users to roam along that stretch of the river without any interruption to their Internet connection — effectively creating one big hot spot. The public network is available to anyone with a wireless-enabled device and costs $5.79 (2.95 pounds) for one hour or $11.68 for a day of pay-as-you-go Internet access. A monthly subscription rate of $19.53 is also available.

Protect Your Wi Fi Connection With Paint

geeksugar — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 10:00:30 -0700

Worried about people ripping off your wireless connection? EM-SEC Technologies has announced a new wireless blocking paint, which is intended to safeguard businesses and government facilities from wireless attacks. Apparently, one coat of this paint will create an "electromagnetic fortress" by preventing hackers from receiving signals. The paint is also said to block mobile phones, which could be a great tool for movie theaters to combat those annoying 'middle of the movie' phone calls.

If this paint can safeguard wifi signals within the home, could it be used to block them out as well? I've been particularly worried about the long term effects of living in a house, office and even city where wifi signals roam all day long. I think it would be great for children's bedrooms and it could certainly be useful for someone like Debbie Bird, who is a woman allergic to cell phones and electromagnetic fields. Can you imagine?

Nabaztag: The World's First Radio Rabbit

geeksugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 09:03:35 -0700

Are you bored with your old stereo? Fed up with the overwhelmingly confusing plethora of ugly looking internet radio stations? Ever thought about using a rabbit instead? Okay, so you probably haven't, but Nabaztag is a wifi rabbit that acts as a messenger and alerts you to everything that's going on in your online world and now it even works with your online radio.

The little bunny has just one wire, for electrical power, but it is constantly scrutinizing the net to provide the services you have requested, accomplish the missions you have assigned, give you real-time info, transmit any messages your friends have sent you. Now, you can pick up your friendly, sexy Nabaztag/tag, say, "Radio," and out pops some streaming NPR radio for your listening pleasure. Maybe it's the pretty package, but it was love at first sight for me.

When using the rabbit you program it to pay attention to your e-mail, favorite websites, local weather and so on, and it lights up, shakes its ears and sings or talks to get your attention. It stays connected to the internet via WiFi, so you can place it anywhere in your home or office. For a gallery of adorable rabbit images,

Website of the Day: Hotspotr

geeksugar — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 11:00:25 -0800

Having Wifi access at a cafe is just about as fulfilling as curling up in comfy pj's with a good book. I am one of those Internet addicts that finds myself constantly eyeballing corner coffee shops for the 'free wireless internet for all customers' sign. Translated into my language, this tells me that I've hit the jackpot.

Needless to say, when I discovered the website Hotspotr, my Wifi cafe search was made much easier. This community-driven site has over 3730 Wifi cafes within 1165 cities. Just go to the site and type in your city to check out Wifi hotspots. No need to create an account as anyone can add or edit a listing and submit reviews.

Do you have a great website you want to share with geeksugar? Submit it to my Website of the Day group!