Charles Hudson's Weblog » wifi http://www.charleshudson.net This is my personal website for posting my views on the world of technology and gadgets. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:27:49 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Why are Broadband Access Cards Getting Overlooked? http://www.charleshudson.net/why-are-broadband-access-cards-getting-overlooked?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-are-broadband-access-cards-getting-overlooked http://www.charleshudson.net/why-are-broadband-access-cards-getting-overlooked#comments Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:38:14 +0000 charles http://blog.charleshudson.net/?p=367 This is a really short post. I’ve had two broadband access cards for my laptop in the last 6 months (one from AT&T and one from Verizon) and I have to say that these cards are the most useful work-related communications tools I’ve found since I got my first Blackberry. Aside from allowing me to connect just about anywhere I can get a mobile phone signal, the data rates are very fast and the boot time on the cards is barely noticeable.

1. I have almost no interest in free or cheap wi-fi. It just doesn’t matter to me anymore. If you have a card that can get on the net quickly just about anywhere, why hunt for free wireless access? An added benefit is that the card allows you to work where others cannot – no more muscling others to get that prime table at Starbucks or your local coffee shop.
2. I use my broadband access card in lieu of corporate wi-fi at times because the card connects so quickly and delivers such great data rates. Why bother waiting to negotiate security settings and wait for my WLAN card to connect when I can just plug in and get access straight away?
I’m surprised that more people aren’t pointing to these cards as a real threat to municipal wi-fi or paid wi-fi subscription/a la carte services. Sure, the cards are expensive – they don’t have much of an installed base and the current adopters aren’t exactly the most price sensitive lot. But everyone I know who has one of these cards loves them and will tell you the benefits at length. Given that so many of the pitches I hear about the for profit public wi-fi use case rely on the “road warrior” as an adopter, I think they’re missing a growing trend.

]]> http://www.charleshudson.net/why-are-broadband-access-cards-getting-overlooked/feed 6 Caltrain Rejecting Wi-Fi for Trains Makes Sense to Me http://www.charleshudson.net/caltrain-rejecting-wi-fi-for-trains-makes-sense-to-me?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=caltrain-rejecting-wi-fi-for-trains-makes-sense-to-me http://www.charleshudson.net/caltrain-rejecting-wi-fi-for-trains-makes-sense-to-me#comments Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:08:37 +0000 charles http://blog.charleshudson.net/?p=363 I was reading this post on how Caltrain is rejecting a bid to build out Wi-Fi for the train system. As someone who rides Caltrain from Mountain View to SF once or twice a week, I think it’s a smart move. I’ve noticed that people who regularly ride the train and really want to work have broadband access cards that they simply use on the train while riding. I see many other people who have laptops but no interest in working – they either watch movies, sleep, or read a book. When you factor in the relatively short commute time for Caltrain (90 minutes tops from end to end), it’s hard to make the case for Wi-Fi on the train.

Finally, it’s worth pointing out that only the newest Caltrain cabins are suitable for working – the newest trains have power plugs, tables, and arrangements that are more conducive to 30-60 minutes of work.

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