Macworld: "Hot spots" registry? ...

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7 Replies Last post: Dec 19, 2003 5:24 PM by Darmok

pjmuck

22 posts since
Jan 16, 2003

Dec 16, 2003 2:48 AM

"Hot spots" registry?

Hello, everyone. I'm relatively new to the wonderful world of laptops, having just bought a brand new Powerbook 1ghz 12" with an airport extreme card. So here's my question:
I'm eager to take advantage of using my laptop in various "hot spots" around the country/world, as I've often been envious of people I've seen in places like Starbucks happily typing away on their computers. Is there a website or some publication that lists all the hot spots in the country/world, etc.? And how exactly do I take advantage of this technology with my airport extreme card? Thanks in advance.

pdrayton

1,821 posts since
Sep 19, 2003

1. Dec 16, 2003 3:46 AM

in response to: pjmuck

Re: "Hot spots" registry?

I hope your PB is getting reception as well as mine!

So many WiFi spots are popping up that I don't think there's a web site that actually lists ALL of them. But, here are several sites to help you out:

WiFi Free HotSpots

JIWire - Your Guide to WiFi

NodeDB - WiFi Directory

To use your Aiport Extreme Card simply click on the Airport logo in the menu bar and make sure Airport is on. Available networks will appear, and you'll usually find that you'll be connected automatically. I also recommend dowloading MacStumbler as it will help you see available networks and whether or not they are WEP protected.

Happy surfing!

MacMan3

151 posts since
Jun 25, 2003

2. Dec 16, 2003 7:26 AM

in response to: pdrayton

Re: "Hot spots" registry?

The sources listed in the above post are great. I live in Chicago and some of the places that we have around here with WiFi access are, Panera Bread Co., Starbucks, Borders Books & Music, Cheddar`s Restaurants. Their are also alot of private owned cafes (especially in larger cities) that have access. Pretty cool thing indeed!

yasashisasy0nara

84 posts since
Jan 16, 2003

3. Dec 16, 2003 5:42 PM

in response to: pjmuck

Re: "Hot spots" registry?

You can find more sites by just using google and typing hot spots for your area, etc. Just to let you know, about 9/10 hot spots are private, which means you won't be able to use their wireless network. Take for instance, Starbucks, you see people all the time on their laptop, but guess what, its not free. You will need a T-mobile account. Your best chances of free wi-fi will come from the smaller chains of coffee shops or newer "trendy" coffee shops or boba shops (q-cup, california thing). Other than that, your best bet will be your college (if you're a college student).

Chris Breen

2,943 posts since
Dec 11, 2000

4. Dec 16, 2003 8:34 PM

in response to: yasashisasy0nara

Re: "Hot spots" registry?

Check the public library as well. Some of them offer free wireless internet access.

Chris

pjmuck

22 posts since
Jan 16, 2003

5. Dec 17, 2003 5:01 AM

in response to: Chris Breen

Re: "Hot spots" registry?

Thanks everyone. This is just the info I need! Now if I can just get my laptop to recognise the Airport card, I'd be good to go!!

RonAnnArbor

577 posts since
Sep 20, 2003

6. Dec 19, 2003 1:36 PM

in response to: pjmuck

Re: "Hot spots" registry?

As to a hotspot update...

I have had no problem using my powerbook with any hotspots in the USA

I have been completely unable to connect to any hotspots in London or Paris. Paris has almost none (their "experiment" of providing wifi on their train and bus system is no longer offered) although Eurostar was wired on the French side, you had to be a phone service consumer of the company that offered the wireless service. Also, in Paris, the only "hotspots" are those you pay for -- if you stay in a certain hotel, you can pay to also use their wireless hotspots in their lounge. If you do not stay in the hotel, you can not use them.

In London, there were hotspot signs all over town -- none of them connected to my powerbook. The airport picked them up, but no matter what settings one tried, I was unable to connect to any of them.

Europe has a lot of catching up to do -- but the service in the states works like a dream.

Darmok

91 posts since
Jul 9, 2001

7. Dec 19, 2003 5:24 PM

in response to: RonAnnArbor

Re: "Hot spots" registry?

Interesting experience, Ron. I found that I could connect fairly effortlessly in London. I used the T-mobile hotspots in and around a couple of Starbuck's when my wife and I were on our honeymoon to send some cool pics back home. Used a 667 DVI TiBook with regular Airport, and everything 'just worked'. I liked it so much, I've used T-mobile's access a few times now in the states while traveling on business, and again, been nothing but pleased.

Cheers,
Dan

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Dec 16, 2003 2:48 AM

"Hot spots" registry?

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