There Has Got To Be a Better Way

[bjarvis]

I'm standing in my employer's data center currently, watching my email and waiting for a response from various people on a number of topics.

The downside is that:
a) I have no desk or chair;
b) it's noisy in here; and,
c) it's bloody freezing.

A while ago, I had the bright idea of going to the nearby public library. I could sit in a relatively quiet, warm and comfortable space only a mile from the data center and monitor my email, even tackling some issues remotely via my laptop. Alas, that's not going to work: the Loudoun County Public Library System has locked down their wireless access so one needs to be a library member and resident of the county in order to gain access. Since I live in another county and another state, I have a problem.

The next best alternative at the moment is finding some place else that might have an open wireless network but it won't be as comfortable.

I could blow some money for a wireless Internet service via Verizon or Spring, but that's going to cost some significant dollars every month... I hate spending money.

So in between emails, I'm looking for Internet cafes in the vicinity which have free wifi. At least I can snack while I work, unlike the local library.

Comments

[allanh.livejournal.com]

Have your new employer pay for a T-Mobile WiFi account, and go sit in the nearest Starbucks.

I use a Sprint wireless broadband modem, which is running about $50/month with taxes and fees. By comparison, I think T-Mobile unlimited accounts are $40/month.

The only reason I don't use T-Mobile WiFi is that I'm usually situated in places that don't have a hot spot.

Alternately, pay for a Starbucks Gold card (available in any Starbucks - you may have to ask). There's a membership fee, but once you register the card on their website, you get 2 free hours a day of WiFi at any Starbucks.

I know they're horribly yuppieish, but Starbucks (a) are everywhere, (b) are usually reasonably comfortable, and (c) always have chocolate on hand.

[bjarvis.livejournal.com]

I doubt I could persuade my employer to blow $$$ on a broadband modem. Still, the Starbucks options may work...

[allanh.livejournal.com]

Tell them you need either a broadband modem -or- an unlimited monthly T-Mobile account since you have no formal office space.

While the modem is more portable, the wifi option is faster setup/teardown once you're inside the Starbucks.

I use Starbucks stores as my field office whenever I'm between client sites and nowhere near my "real" office. Very handy in, say, downtown San Francisco.