GeekSugar

Key Ring WiFi Finder: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

GeekSugar — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:56:47 -0700

You know I've got my iPhone loaded up with a few WiFi finding apps so that I can hop online wherever and whenever, but what if I'm without my trusty smartphone? Hopefully (knock on wood), that will never happen. But if it does, then this little gadget could come in quite handy in a pinch.

Called the WiFi Seeker and Light, this keyring attachment is always there when you need to find a signal. With a push of one button, it shines a small LED light so you can find your way in the dark, and the other tells you the strength of any surrounding wireless signals. I tested it, and it does actually know when there's a wireless signal. Now if it would just tell you the security password so you can actually use them, I'd call it a miracle! I couldn't find the exact one online if you wanted to get one for yourself, but there are a few choices on Amazon.

Should Airlines Allow In-Flight Phone Calls Via WiFi?

GeekSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:33:00 -0700

In a recent USA Today article, I read about a man who was able to make in-flight phone calls on his iPhone during a flight using WiFi. With WiFi enabled, passengers on one of the 600 WiFi-enabled planes taking off in the US can use any number of video-chatting or voice programs like Skype or Gchat.

According to the article, a survey by the Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics found 45 percent of Americans thought voice calls should be banned on flights, while 40 percent said they should be allowed if they don't pose a safety risk.

When we polled you guys, 74 percent of you said you'd switch airlines to have WiFi. I used Google Video chat on a Virgin America flight last month and actually turned my computer's camera so a friend at home could see the clouds out of my window. The person sitting beside me even waved hello! Chatting live at 30,000 feet was a pretty surreal experience - I love Gogo In-flight Internet!

What's Worse: Poor Cell Service or a Bad Internet Connection?

GeekSugar — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:16:57 -0700

There are two unavoidable spots in my commute where I lose cell phone service. . .everyday. Yes, at this point I know to expect my call will be dropped when I hit those streets, but I have to get from point A to point B and I like talking to my sister on my way. I've explained the phenomenon to experts and they say it's a problem with the cell tower not being able to send a signal to those spots and I just have to learn to live with it until it is someday fixed.

Similarly, there are a few spots at work and home where I can't seem to get a solid Internet connection no matter what trickery I try. I recognize these are universal ordeals associated with living in a connected world and I should be patient, but it doesn't stop me from complaining. Which connection failure do you think is worse?

Would You Switch Airlines, Just to Have WiFi?

GeekSugar — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:02:36 -0700

The only airline I frequently fly with that has WiFi service is Virgin with their Gogo Inflight Internet. As for the other airlines that are rumored to be rolling out fleet-wide WiFi, the waiting game continues.

Well according to a new study, 76 percent of fliers would change their airline to have WiFi. And even more interesting is the fact that 71 percent of travelers would rather have WiFi over meal service - say what?! Me loves some Internet connectivity, but getting served a free meal takes the cake. . . well, depending on which airline you fly with.

So what's your take? Would you switch airlines to be able to surf the Internet in the sky?

Barnes & Noble to Provide Free AT&T WiFi

GeekSugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:01:28 -0700

Just one week after unveiling a new eReader and eBooks Store, Barnes & Noble continues to impress by announcing today that they will offer complimentary WiFi access in stores across the country.

What this means is customers can easily download and preview any of the 700,000 eBook titles and opt in to receive personal Barnes & Noble messages, which include coupons to the in-store café, author book signing notifications or where to find a new books in the store. They had me at free.

iPhone App You Need: WiFi Finder

GeekSugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:06:20 -0700

I've done the old, desperate WiFi hunt, and it is not cool. I appreciate and try to seek out any tips on finding free WiFi, so if an iPhone app can do it - for free, no less - then I am downloading that sucker immediately.

WiFi Finder is a free iPhone App that finds the nearest available WiFi, but it's not just limited to finding free connections, because sometimes you're in such need that you don't care if you have to pay.

But if you do only want to see the free WiFi, just tap the "Free Only" button and you'll see all your gratis options. Be it apps or WiFi, free is generally always a good thing.

Geek Tip: Set a Password For Your Home WiFi Network

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:32:43 -0700

If you have WiFi and live in an apartment building, you may notice there are lots of other WiFi networks visible on your network list (and naturally, your neighbors can probably see yours as well). Although this fact alone isn't dangerous, it can be if your own network isn't password protected. Leaving your wireless signal open could put you at risk of intruders illegally downloading on your bandwidth, stealing personal info, and even gaining access to your personal documents on your home computers and laptops.

So when setting up wireless Internet at home, make sure you set a password that is long and hard to remember so your home network isn't hacked. Read through your wireless routers instructions carefully for step-by-step instructions. And, hey, Mac users - just because your computer is at a lower risk for viruses, that doesn't mean your wireless can't be hacked as easily as everyone elses, especially if you're using a lame password!

Daily Tech: Two Great Cameras, Two Affordable Prices

GeekSugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:50:30 -0700

If you need a new camera but don't want to pay an arm and a leg, Panasonic and Lumix have two great point-and-shoot ultracompact digital cameras for $220 and $230, respectively. - Crave
Two designers whipped up a fake iMac, which mocks Apple's "the simplest Mac you'll ever use" logo. Their creation uses just three keys to operate. - Unplggd
Does your WiFi connection do strange things? Check out this list for improving your WiFi. - Switched
It's rumored that Nintendo may be coming out with its very own app store for the DSi. - Kotaku
Another 158 TV stations are planning to make the digital signal switch before the June 12 shutdown date. - USA Today

Do You Still Rely on Free WiFi?

GeekSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:00:37 -0800

Ahh, I remember the good ol' days of searching for hot spots so I could log onto the Internet when I was away from home. Nowadays, I just use my 3G network on my iPhone to get me to where I need to go in cyberspace. But for those of you who don't have the wonderkid of cell phones (or a strong "legal" Internet connection at your house), you still may be left out in the cold.

Thankfully for you, there's WeFi - an online directory of wireless hotspots. This is great and all since it helps you find places to access the Internet, but what if you're on the go and, you know, can't get online? You can text WeFi your location and it will find a list of WiFi-enabled spots in your phone's inbox posthaste. It's genius, and totally free.

Source

Pret A Manger Offers Free WiFi: No Strings Attached

GeekSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 02:00:25 -0800

If you've ever been to London, you'll know what I mean when I say that Pret A Manger - the all natural food retailer - is so popular in the UK, that it's more prominent on street corners than Starbucks. When I lived in London I was a regular Pret customer at least a few times a week, so when I heard the news that they now offer free WiFi without any restrictions or obligations my love for the retailer grew stronger. What does this mean for customers? They won't be pressured to purchase any product inside the store or buy prepaid cards for only two hours of WiFi use - unlike Starbucks here in the US.

Already, there are 170 stores (out of the 190 Pret A Manger's) that offer the service, and I haven't heard whether or not they will roll it out in the NY stores.

Source