Content provided in partnership with

Business Services Industry

Testing, 1-2-3: wondering if you can really get any work done at a Wi-Fi hot spot? We've got the answer

Entrepreneur, Sept, 2003 by Amanda C. Kooser, Melissa Campanelli

SHOWING UP EVERYWHERE from gas stations to coffeehouses, Wi-Fi hot spots promise fast and easy Internet connections for on-the-go entrepreneurs. We tried three very different hot-spot locations to see how easy it really was.

LOCATION: Blue Dragon Coffeehouse, Albuquerque, New Mexico

WI-FI SYSTEM: WorkingWild (www.workingwild.com)

Cost: $2.95 per hour, $4.95 per day

RATING: *** out of 4 stars

Two out of three PCs ain't bad. I hauled in one Windows 98 laptop and two Windows XP tablet PCs during lunchtime. Even with a concerted effort from tech support, the 98 computer never made it online. Both XP machines were hooked up and enjoying the fast Internet connection immediately. The comfortable surroundings and low-key atmosphere were a huge plus, making it easy to focus on work

Most Popular Articles in Business: Research and Markets : Tesco Plc - SWOT Framework Analysis; Do Us a Flavor - Ben & Jerry's Issues a Call for Euphoric New Flavors; eBay made easy: ready to start an eBay business? These 5 simple steps will ...; Katrina's lawsuit surge: a legal battle to force insurers to pay for flood ...; Wal-Mart's newest distribution center opened last month near the southwest ...; More »

LOCATION: Doubletree Hotel, Albuquerque, New Mexico

WI-FI SYSTEM: WayPort (www.wayport.com)/Boingo (www.boingo.com)

COST: From $7.95 for two days to $49.95 per month of unlimited access

RATING: *** out of 4 stars

This took a little upfront preparation at Boingo.com, downloading the Wi-Fi software and signing up for the two-day plan. Access was available in the lobby, where I was swallowed up by a giant leather chair. Logging in for the first time was a little confusing but worked itself out on the Windows 98 laptop. However, I wasn't able to connect with the Windows XP laptop that didn't have the Boingo software installed. The space was boomy, with other's people's conversations echoing, but all in all, a pleasant experience.

LOCATION: McDonald's, Midtown Manhattan

WI-FI SYSTEM: Cometa Networks, www.cometanetworks.com

COST: 1 hour free with Extra Value Meal purchase

RATING: *** out of 4 stars

After I ordered my Chicken McNuggets and requested access, a friendly manager handed me a plastic card that explained the process and listed a toll-free technical assistance number. I pulled out my Fujitsu Stylistic ST4000 tablet PC with built-in wireless LAN capability. At first, my browser wouldn't open, so I called the 800 number. The technical rep helped me log on to check my e-mail, but I couldn't open my browser. When I walked to a busier section of the restaurant and tried again, I connected immediately. Overall, convenient and relatively easy to use.

Business Services Industry

Testing, 1-2-3: wondering if you can really get any work done at a Wi-Fi hot spot? We've got the answer

Entrepreneur, Sept, 2003 by Amanda C. Kooser, Melissa Campanelli

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Technology

Most Popular Articles in Business

Most Popular Publications in Business