| Wireless internet access is truly the wave of the | | | | to access through them. In many instances, you |
| future and depending on where you live the | | | | can simply purchase a prepaid card at the place |
| future could be now. Wireless "hotspots" really are | | | | where the access is offered so it's really not a big |
| popping up somewhere on a daily basis. Not that | | | | deal. However, if you want to free access your |
| I'm complaining, because having the ability to | | | | best bet would be to stick to the smaller |
| access the internet via a wireless connection is a | | | | independent locations. |
| great convenience and allows you to "Take Your | | | | Why Would a Cafe Offer Free Wireless Internet? |
| Laptop For a Walk on Wireless Side". | | | | Actually, if you think about it, it's really nothing |
| On the other hand, even though there are | | | | more than good business. Rather than pay to |
| thousands of "hotspots", they don't always get a | | | | access the internet in some dingy Internet cafe, |
| whole bunch of publicity. However, if you were to | | | | you can access the Internet for free in their place |
| do a search for "hotspots" in your town you may | | | | of business and while there buy their food and |
| be pleasantly surprised. You may have thought | | | | drinks. Cafes are willing to pay the minimal cost of |
| that there weren't any in your area but if you live | | | | providing wireless Internet access in exchange for |
| in even an average-size city then it would be | | | | the new customers it brings into their business. |
| more of a surprise if you didn't find a few | | | | Especially, in areas where Internet access is hard |
| "hotspots". | | | | to come by, any other way. The same goes for |
| Another alternative would, of course, to do a | | | | hotels and airports: customers see wireless |
| search for "hotspots" or "wireless hotspots". | | | | access as an added value and in many instances; |
| There are a ton of websites you can go to and | | | | they will choose a particular hotel based on this |
| find "hotspots". One "hotspot" that is generally | | | | feature alone. |
| considered to be on the most comprehensive is | | | | Actually, the real growth area in wireless |
| You can search for local "hotspots" from the | | | | "hotspots" is in the private sector. Businesses are |
| JiWire website or could simply type your zip code | | | | falling all over themselves to provide free Internet |
| into Yahoo Maps and choose 'WiFi Hotspots' from | | | | access to their business customers - cafes, hotels |
| the menu located on the right side of the screen. | | | | and airports are all starting to offer wireless |
| Another option would be to check out the | | | | access to anyone who happens to be around. All |
| nearest Starbucks. They are literally everywhere | | | | you need to do is bring in your laptop with |
| and almost all of them offer wireless internet | | | | Centrino technology or a wireless PCMCIA card. |
| access in at some part of the store. Borders and | | | | We've already covered a number of potential |
| Kinko's are also pretty good bets and if all else | | | | public hotspots to take your laptop and go |
| fails... keep a watchful eye out for a local cafe or | | | | searching for but one that hasn't been mentioned |
| simply ask around a little bit and someone should | | | | is in reality may be one of first places to check |
| be able to point you in the right direction. | | | | out is your local public library. Public and university |
| Small Wireless ISP Fee | | | | campus libraries are increasingly offering wireless |
| You may find that some of the larger hotspot | | | | access and if you're a student there's a good |
| networks with multiple, convenient locations | | | | chance that your whole university campus is |
| require that you pay a small fee to a wireless ISP | | | | wireless enabled - or will be soon. |