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Hunting for hotspots
Sunday, July 30, 2006
If you're like me, you need a little hotspot hookup to get you through the otherwise COMPLETE LACK OF ONLINE GOODNESS that accompanies most vacations or business trips. Aside from feeding that mommy blog addiction, you might also need to turn your attention to more mundane tasks, like checking your email or making inexpensive voip internet phone calls. Or possibly even getting the latest updates on foiled terrorist plots--which is oh so helpful when you're trying to figure out what exactly you're allowed to bring in that carry on (aka-nothing but empty space). But I digress.
Anyway, finding those hotspots can be tricky, but never fear! Teh interwebs have you covered:
- HotelChatter has a roundup of the best wifi hotels of 2006.
- Public libraries are always a good bet, and this site takes the sting out of tracking one down.
- WiPod your iPod and download a hotspot directory for when you're out and about.
- Portable game systems with wifi capability can act like detectors, like Sony's PSP or Nintendo's DS.
- You can also invest in a high end wifi detector from Trendnet, Zyxel, Linksys or any of the innumerable cheap detectors found at gadget stores everywhere. If you don't want to be obvious about searching for a signal, there's always the option of modding your laptop bag.
- Word of mouth is a nice way to find hotspots, but limited to the friends you have. If you're venturing off to parts unknown, you can always extend your network by using del.icio.us. Social bookmarks might have exactly the information you're looking for.
- WiFiFoFum turns your Smartphone or Pocket PC device into a stealthy wifi detector--no one will ever guess you're on the prowl for wifi.
- Lastly, if you join the Fon network, you'll get online for free, anywhere there's a Fonero connection. Non-members can buy a $3/day Alien access pass, that gets them onto the Fon network anywhere they might be.
