WiFi Woes and Power Cords

If you're like me, much of your day is spent driving around to various meetings with people. Just typical of a person that does business development. I deal with quite a bit of breaks between those meetings where I use to write proposal, make calls and do email; generally the things I would do in an office. It isn't always convenient for me to go to the office, so I have to take my office with me. What I ended up naturally doing was mapping out places where I could stop off to do my work through the day. Of course location, location, location... oh and wifi, wifi and power supply?

I'm not so picky when it comes to choosing a location, but it must have at least the following: air conditioning, relatively comfortable seating, tables, minimal foot traffic, and wifi (though I've since found another solution, which I'll explain in a bit). Well I think that is mostly what I need. Food and beverages are a given because all these convenience does not come free.

Tell you the truth, I think it is a deal. For the price of a cup of coffee or tea, you can literally get office space for a few hours. Imagine the amount of money you save on not having to lease office space! Well that is how I see it and so I do my part in supporting them by purchasing my cup of tea (specifically at Starbucks: a grande black ice tea unsweetened with strawberry - yes kind of girly, but very addictive).

Now it gets tricky when it comes to wifi (wireless Internet for those who don't know the lingo). Starbucks now has this new rewards program that allows you to get online through AT&T for a two hour window. Still have not tried that out and I know some folks who are having trouble getting online with that. By the way, if you sign up by July 14th, you get a free drink sent to you. Drink coupon that is. With every purchase, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf gives you a 1 hour access card via Skywave (upon request). You'll need to register for an account first, which you will use to redeem future access cards with, so don't think it is just a one time deal.

So what about FREE UNLIMITED wifi? Nothing is free or unlimited! Just kidding. You can actually get free wifi at several places I know of around town. If you read further, you are agreeing to not go to those location and take up valuable workspace I may be needing. Thank you for agreeing. The new Safeway in Kapahulu and inside Kahala Mall are the two locations where you can freely use their wifi without technically having to make any purchase. They are hoping you will buy something at some point. Couple of other locations that have free unlimited wifi, but require a purchase or at least highly hopes you make a purchase first are cafes like Glaziers near the university and Coffee Talk in Kaimuki. I'm sure there are other cafes out there that provide this service as well. I just haven't found them yet. Any recommendations?

I've personally found a solution that sort of takes care of my basic Internet access needs on the road. I have a Blackberry which I can use to check email as well as use as a modem for my computer. I have Sprint's unlimited plan that gives me access to the Internet using their EVDO high speed access service. I believe at this time Verizon and Sprint have the fastest Internet speeds as far as their phone service goes. This may change with the new iPhone's 3G capabilities. I'm not a phone geek, so I may not be accurate on this stuff. Anyway, I figured out a way to connect my Blackberry to my Mac via Bluetooth. Look ma, no wires! It isn't always stable, but when it works, it works well! I sometimes have to turn the connection on and off, but I am pretty happy with the service in general. It really allows me to be almost anywhere and still get Internet access. I could be at the beach and still do work... not that I would want to do that. Anyway... it is convenient and cool (as in hip... the laptop gets hot as in heated). The only problem is that my phone battery loses its charge twice as fast.

That brings me to the point about finding power. It's like Pac Man looking for a power pellet when it comes to locating an outlet at some places. Starbucks is pretty good about providing outlets and so are most of the other cafes. They are not always located in convenient areas. Lots of times the regulars are hogging the space next to them cause they know the deal! And it is a deal! If you pay the electricity bill at your house, you know what I mean! Kahala Mall does not have outlets, you'll need to run to Starbucks to recharge, so make sure you go with a full battery. Oh, and bring an extension cord.

Thank you cafes and sitting area places! I raise my cup of ice tea with strawberry to you!

Just a part of a day's work at the offices. Cheers!