Vi-Fi? Why?

Posted on September 7th, 2008 at 9:59 am CDT in WiFi, WiMax, Wireless by Kelly Hair

An article from PC World discusses the newish protocol called Vi-Fi or Vehicle WiFi.  From what the article says, it looks like WiFi is being re-engineered, er um band-aided, to handle seamless hand off from one base station to another.

So I’m scratching my head on a couple of things:

  1. Where’s the Vi-Fi infrastructure coming from?  Is it the same guys who already have invested, and are investing, billions of dollars in wireless infrastructure?
  2. Will Vi-Fi require new wireless radios or just firmware upgrades?  If it’s new radios then continue on to question three below..
  3. What I don’t get is why not focus time and attention on getting WiMax networks off the ground and moving everyone from moderatly slow 3G networks (EVDOrevX/ HSDPA/HSUPA/etc) to 4G now?

There are 3G routers w/ WiFi available now.  Examples include the Phoebus router (CNET review) and Gizmodo’s coverage of a DLink device. If you really need WiFi now then put some junk in the trunk and get your power inverter on until 4G devices hit the market.

In short - there are solutions today to bridge the gap between 3G and 4G wireless networks for auto devices.  Why do we need pull out the duct tape?

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Middle East: The next exporter of food?

Posted on September 7th, 2008 at 9:37 am CDT in Renewable Energy, Solar Power by Kelly Hair

Red Herring has an interesting article about plans for a solar powered desalination greenhouse that appears well suited for areas with lots of sunshine and lots of seawater.   With most experts agreeing that the supplies of oil drying up, this could be the Middle East’s next big play in a post oil economy.

How does this impact America?  Hell - if we continue to dump our corn into ethanol, it’s soybeans and wheat that’s left (no offense meant to Idaho btw..)  What happens when we import our fuel, our food and our consumer products from overseas?

I’m far from xenophobic but wonder what America’s going to have left if the food supply moves overseas too.  What value will America possess?

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Starbucks being sued for giving away free WiFi

Posted on June 11th, 2008 at 10:50 am CDT in 802.11b, 802.11g, Remote Working, WiFi, Wireless by Kelly Hair

Funny.. I posted a very quick howto on free WiFi in Starbucks and stumbled across this today on CNN: T-Mobile Sues Starbucks Over Wi-Fi Deal.  Apparently, Starbucks soon to be ex-wife, T-Mobile, doesn’t like the new girlfriend, AT&T.  If I were T-Mobile I’d just let it go.  When you signup for the 2 hour complimentary WiFi, it’s very clear that AT&T is providing this - not Starbucks.  Sure, it’s only words and the intent is what T-Mobile is fighting but get over it!  T-Mobile should concentrate on figuring out how to compete with AT&T on other fronts.  Perhaps, T-Mobile could use their $$$ to upgrade their wireless data networks or work out a deal like Sprint/Clearwire WiMax (and Comcast and Google and… ) deal.  

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Two hours of free WiFi access (and some other free perks) at Starbucks

Posted on June 10th, 2008 at 11:26 am CDT in 802.11b, 802.11g, Remote Working, WiFi, Wireless by Kelly Hair

This is may or may not be news to you but Starbucks has joined the loyalty market. Guess the economy has hit them where it counts. Anyhow, might as well take advantage of the following perks by purchasing (and occasionally refilling) their stored value/loyalty card. To gain full advantage of the perks, you need to signup before July 14th, 2008.

The Benefits and some comments in parenthesis:

  • Two Hours of AT&T Wi-Fi
  • Refills on Brewed Coffee (if you’re nice to your Barista then they may include Americanos)
  • Beverage Customization (Soy milk and syrups are free)
  • Free Beverage with purchase of Whole Bean Coffee

To receive the perks you need to do the following:

  1. Buy a stored value card at the register or online
  2. Create an account at Starbucks page (www.starbucks.com/card)
    Starbucks - Register Your Card
  3. Register your card in your account.
  4. Signup for WiFi access & link your card to your account (www.starbucks.com/retail/wireless.asp)
    Starbucks - WiFi signup & card linkage

That’s it. It’s pretty straightforward. I’m not sure what happens when the two hours expires but it’s nice that you *only* have to use the card once a month to keep this perk alive.

Hopefully, Starbucks will not kill this when their stock price goes back up and the economy recovers. Should they do so, you might as well enjoy it while you can!

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