So I was flipping through popsci in the bathroom the other day (The only place I get any reading done) and they had this article that caught my attention about using a verizon wireless internet card along with some other equipment to make a mobile wifi hotspot in a backpack…

This is all nice and everything, but what good will it really do?

So someone will pick up a signal for about 10 seconds as you drive by their house? Or someone else will be able to browse the internet at your favorite no-wifi cafe until you decide to leave, then they’re stuck with no internet and in the middle of some project or picking up someone for a potential ‘hookup’ that evening. That’s plain cruel!

I guess it’s useful if you and a group of your friends want to sit out at the park or somewhere else that doesn’t have wifi – that way at least it’s being used and it’s more of a group decision when to cut it off and head home.

I still think a better alternative would be to approach the managment of that establishment and inform them of not only your desire to see wifi access there, but of the approximate costs involved and how to set it up. Even offer your assistance if they are interested. This way, not only are more places online and sharing their internet from a static location – it also saves you the $80-100 per month for the wireless card and service