Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi in http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r16467204 en Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:53:43 EDT Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:53:43 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16477254 Ahrenl : I'm sorry you have problems with your thinkpad. Although I haven't used that brand myself, many, many, many people have no problems with their Wintel machines. Here's a great quote from a different thread. (I'm not saying that YOU'RE any of the things in the quote, It just illustrates the point perfectly. I edited out some unnecessary flame. )

I find the people that have a hard time with things like Outlook, virii and spyware and are consistently asking for help usually have other problems linked to their {edited out} laziness. These people tend to also do things like drive their car with the Check Engine light on, try to exit through the entrance doorway, checkout 40 items in the 8 or less item line and reverse up highway on-ramps.

Some people like myself have no problems with MS products, no crashes, no virii and no spyware.

Usually when different people have different reactions to the exact same product it is the user to blame. "


As for laptops, well, I never buy em, as they're all over priced. I don't think that the stereotype of Mac's being over priced is blatantly false however. Every comparison I've done has shown that to be on whole very accurate. As for incompatibility, It's definitely true (as I actually stated) that both systems can do the same things (sans DirectX). My big complaints with compatibility always come from Linux (and can inadvertently be projected to OSX) which I've tried many times b/c of a fanatical friend of mine, and which has always failed to achieve the usability promised. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16477254 Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:48:53 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16477034 itguy05 :
quote:
You can continue to think there is a difference but there's not. I, and the people I know who use computers for a living, never had the common complaints (since DOS was dropped from Windoze) usually pontificated by Mac users.


Guess that's why my Thinkpad, going on 2 years of an XP install will:
1) Forget how to connect to my WiFi at home after about 3-4 days of sleep/wake cycles.
2) Will spontaneously reboot on a resume from sleep
3) Will BSOD sometimes when undocking it

None of these things occur on my Powerbook - it sleeps, wakes, and connects to networks FLAWLESSLY.

XP is better than 2k and 9x, but it is still far behind Linux and OS X in terms of stability and reliability.

quote:
Pre-built machines are crap.

Unfortunately if you want a laptop (which I do), pre-built is all you get.

quote:
I grew up with Mac's, but I like to build my own systems, use a lot of open source software, and *gasp* play the occasional game. So Macs aren't for me. They're also not for most people, but I'm certainly not trying to contend that they're not good for anyone. There's at least 2.5% of computer users that Macs are perfect for.


I have to hear how they're not good for most people? Most people want a reliable computer that's as bulletproof as their TV or DVD player. Windows does not offer that by a long shot. OSX comes as close to that reliability as we can get today. They are the best choice for most people - problem is they have the stereotype of being expensive and not compatible. Boh of which are blatantly false.

If you use OSS, most has been recompiled or is available for OSX - check out Fink....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16477034 Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:17:18 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16476721 Ahrenl : You can continue to think there is a difference but there's not. I, and the people I know who use computers for a living, never had the common complaints (since DOS was dropped from Windoze) usually pontificated by Mac users.

Pre-built machines are crap. They use the cheapest hardware for the most important parts because people are ignorant of "motherboards", memory speeds, and integrated graphics. Sure HP, Dell, and Compaq will typically be better than Acer or eMachines, but better smelling sh!t is still what it is.

I'm not saying there are things either system can do that the other can't. (except with respect to DirectX use-ability) I grew up with Mac's, but I like to build my own systems, use a lot of open source software, and *gasp* play the occasional game. So Macs aren't for me. They're also not for most people, but I'm certainly not trying to contend that they're not good for anyone. There's at least 2.5% of computer users that Macs are perfect for. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16476721 Tue, 11 Jul 2006 10:25:36 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16476656 itguy05 :
quote:
Well, I'd argue people who buy HP, Compaq, and Dell are also paying way to much for inferior hardware. People who buy Alienware (and usually Mac's, unless they're stupid) don't care about money. They just want something that is going to look nice.


I guess you can say that if you ignore the factrs that those machines typically are better quality and will have better performance than the low end machines. Esp. in the case of Alienware, Falcon, and other top end pc manufacturers. Those guys put out top performing machines.

quote:
OSX is superior, or at least good, if you "Edit video, or create websites", but if you use anything that requires DirectX, or (in my experience) advanced VBA office apps, then it is NOT worth the extra cost.


I do far more than Edit video or create websites. I also manage my digital photo library, run a business, and can even manage an AD network in a pinch. In short, my Powerbook is the do everything machine.

I don't game - never have, PC or Mac, and even use "advanced VBA Office Apps" on my Mac.

quote:
As for reliability, there is no difference. If you're even a little bit educated you shouldn't have any problems. Of course many aren't (educated with computers) and for those, either system will be equally as useless.


Actually there is a difference. A very big difference. I've seen enough computers from the inside out to know there is a HUGE quality difference from the top to the bottom.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16476656 Tue, 11 Jul 2006 10:15:31 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16476126 Ahrenl : Heh.. Well, I'd argue people who buy HP, Compaq, and Dell are also paying way to much for inferior hardware. People who buy Alienware (and usually Mac's, unless they're stupid) don't care about money. They just want something that is going to look nice.

OSX is superior, or at least good, if you "Edit video, or create websites", but if you use anything that requires DirectX, or (in my experience) advanced VBA office apps, then it is NOT worth the extra cost.

As for reliability, there is no difference. If you're even a little bit educated you shouldn't have any problems. Of course many aren't (educated with computers) and for those, either system will be equally as useless. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16476126 Tue, 11 Jul 2006 08:22:26 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16475600 calvoiper :
said by Lord Wanker See Profile :

One could argue that True Canadians are Indians.
Only if you perpetuate Columbus's mistake in confusing Native Americans and Asian Indians....

calvoiper
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VoIP--the death knell of remaining voice monopolies!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16475600 Tue, 11 Jul 2006 03:45:39 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16473930 lovewomen : Before Xmas 2005 I was setting in my car in a parking spot by a coffee shop which is in the same shopping center as a grocery store in which my wife was shopping. I had my laptop computer, which has a EVDO card in it. I was surfing the internet and I heard this tap on my window. The owner of the store was mad and said he was tired of people using his internet for free etc. I pointed out to him the EVDO card, ejected the card and waved it at him. He at last understood and left. I just hope someday I get a chance to get some money from one of these people who think they know everything.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16473930 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 21:30:43 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16472472 linicx : How can I judge whether or not your hardware is inferior IF I do not have the identical setup using the identical hardware and peripherals? The answer is I can't, and If I can't then all the rhetoric is moot. it's moot anyway for there is no way to compare an Apple built computer to a company that sells software in a paper sleeve. There are three major platforms for home/office computer use. Some things work better on one platform than another. It's always been that way and it will always be that way until all computer software and hardware is cross-platform, or there is only one platform for all. I used all three, built two of the three and after a number of years I still prefer the one that I feel is the most reliable for the job. Some days it's UNIX and some days it's DOS.
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Mac: No windows, No gates, Apple inside]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16472472 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 18:06:09 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16472291 sweintz :
said by Ahrenl See Profile :

Congratulations for paying too much for inferior hardware, I hope OSX was worth it.
superior software (in most cases) more than offsets inferior hardware.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16472291 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 17:40:59 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16470745 itguy05 :
quote:
Congratulations for paying too much for inferior hardware, I hope OSX was worth it.


How do you figure? I have a DVD burner (8x), Bluetooth 2.0 (use for my Treo and keyboard), 802.11g, lighted keyboard (best invention ever), and a decent CPU (about equal to a P4/2.5 Ghz or so). Couple that with the time saving features of OSX and it was worth the $100 or so premium I paid over a comparable HP, Compaq, Dell, etc.

And now that the MacBooks are on Intel, the hardware is superior to 90% of laptops out there and costs little more than them too.

So, please tell me how I paid too much for inferior hardware? And while you're at it, chastise those who buy Alienware, Falcon Northwest, IBM, Dell workstations, etc. Cause they all spent more than I did on generic PC hardware that is no better than most. But I guess that doesn't fit your nice neat fallacy.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16470745 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 13:48:33 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16470289 Lord Wanker :
said by Greg_Z See ProfileIf you go up to Canada, especially the Toronto area, there are more Indian resident Aliens/Canadian Citizens then there are True Canadians.
[/BQUOTE :

One could argue that True Canadians are Indians.
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Its never too late to think... ...think about it.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16470289 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:39:02 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16469614 JPuppy :
said by Ahrenl See Profile :

Congratulations for paying too much for inferior hardware, I hope OSX was worth it.
Actually, yes, it is worth it.
--
Official BBR Grouch]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16469614 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 10:38:29 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16468922 Ahrenl : Congratulations for paying too much for inferior hardware, I hope OSX was worth it. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16468922 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 08:06:40 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16468913 Ahrenl : That is certainly not stealing. It would be trespassing, if they told him not to use it. If they didn't tell him to stay off their network, and freely broadcast it for others to use, then he did nothing wrong. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16468913 Mon, 10 Jul 2006 08:02:05 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16467690 calvoiper : I also echo the sentiments above, but it's also important to note that some immigrant shop owners come from cultures where personal interaction is very different. In some areas, concepts of personal space, rudeness, and acceptable behavior (including both how long to stay and how to ask someone to leave) vary widely from United States norms (to say nothing of variances within the US.)

While we may consider some things quite rude, they may be "normal" in the person's home country. Whether or not to discuss this aspect with the shopkeeper is a personal call.

calvoiper
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VoIP--the death knell of remaining voice monopolies!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16467690 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 23:07:11 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16467405 itguy05 :
quote:
It takes an extra 4-5 minutes to just setup your laptop wit the proper SSID....yo


Must suck to use a Windows laptop then. Here's my scenario with my Powerbook:
1) Open lid of PB, waking it from sleep (1 sec)
2) type in password (2 secs)
3) Click the Airport signal meter in the menubar and pick the right SSID (3 secs)
4) Surf
5) Close Laptop and put in bag - it goes right to sleep (10 secs)

Guess I'm just way too used to this reliability - you Windows users have it hard! :)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16467405 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 22:14:38 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16467204 mesmerMAN : ster·e·o·type Audio pronunciation of "stereotype" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (str--tp, stîr-)
n.

1. A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image.
2. One that is regarded as embodying or conforming to a set image or type.
3. Printing. A metal printing plate cast from a matrix molded from a raised printing surface, such as type]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16467204 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 21:42:03 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16467065 MikegotOOL : Well think about this
Step 1 bring laptop into wireless cafe
2 Order cup of coffee 1 min
3 wait for the coffee to be made or whatever 1min
4 pay for it and sit down 30 secs
5 break out your laptop and wait for it to startup 1-2min
6 find a wireless connection 20-30 secs
7 ask for SSID 30 secs
8 login 15 secs
9 surf net for 5min.
10 shut down laptop properly 20 secs
11 leave

It takes an extra 4-5 minutes to just setup your laptop wit the proper SSID....you are not just gonna stay there for 10 seconds, surf the net then leave...unless you walk in holding your laptop on wherever you go. Truth of the matter is you will be in the coffee shop for at least 20 minutes, not 10 or less if you bring a laptop.
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If they give you ruled paper, write the other way. -Juan Ramon Jimenez Lightpath introduces the Goldenrebever;) (Seti is dead, Project Phoenix is alive now, Big Brother is watching) ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16467065 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 21:17:57 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16467045 rudnicke : And it goes political... :uhh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16467045 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 21:14:33 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466605 milnoc : Did your friend go stir-crazy from the constant smell of coffee coming from the Starbucks? :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466605 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:50:40 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466580 UnrealArcher : The hell you talking about? I live in the city and I hardly see it becoming a second India.

I echo the sentiments above: way to be a stereotypical prick.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466580 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:46:43 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466489 Greg_Z :
said by Dan See Profile :

Way to stereotype. Prick.
That is not a stereotype post. If you go up to Canada, especially the Toronto area, there are more Indian resident Aliens/Canadian Citizens then there are True Canadians.
--
One man's customer loyalty is another man's misguided arrogance.

Another Tech forum site
Get your own Tekwear]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466489 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:26:54 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466445 Cop :
said by Greg_Z See Profile :

Let me guess, the manager was Indian? Canada is becoming a 2nd India.
lol
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Testing Gmail Spam Filters - ebaykid@gmail.com ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466445 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:18:32 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466435 Dan : Way to stereotype. Prick.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466435 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:16:00 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466288 Greg_Z : Let me guess, the manager was Indian? Canada is becoming a 2nd India.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466288 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 18:43:37 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466019 donaldk : roflmao... we (three Canadian navy MCDV warships), were docked at the USCG ISC Boston jetty last week. I know a bunch of people with laptops and all they had to do was walk out the front gate straight and they had wifi signal from those coffee shops, heck I got no less than 14 wifi points on the back of the ship standing on the sweepdeck but my pda's TX is weak so it could not connect. Of course those with crackberry's (blackberry's) had the cell network for their use...lucky.

Hehe.. Boston was a nice port visit :).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466019 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 17:42:22 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466008 anon : I remember a similar incident from when I was a little kid, about 8 or 9. My family and I went to New Orleans, and I wanted an ice cream cone. So, we went into an ice cream parlor to get one, whereupon the manager told my parents, brother, and sister-in-law that if they didn't buy something, they'd have to wait outside until I finished. Needless to say, we all walked out, and several other people who overheard the conversation did the same. I don't think the place was there when we visited again the next year.

It's one thing to ask people politely to make room for other patrons when the place is busy, but it's quite another to be a jerk. The jerks probably think they're helping business by moving people along and freeing up space, but they're really hurting business because word gets around.

As for the subject at hand, I don't think it'd be unreasonable for a coffee shop to offer a limited amount of access per purchase. 30 minutes for a cup of coffee would be a fair deal. Just have an access code that expires and disconnects the user 30 minutes after the purchase.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16466008 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 17:41:34 EDT Re: Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16465989 Majestik : When I go to the neighborhood bookstore/cafe or the pizza place I could be there up to 4 hours when the weather is bad. Sometimes I am reading a few chapters of the book I just purchased,surfing the net(free), or talking with friends.

They know my favorite hot mixes and to bring another when give a signal or say "keep'em coming.

Never gave it a thought. Sometimes they even give me a hot drink "on the house".
I guess if you are neat,clean,pleasant,a frequent visitor and like a bottomless cup there is no problem.

I've been seeing more wifi enabled PDAs,UMPCs,and web phones than notebooks lately.
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The adventure continues.......2006- Switzerland,Oahu,Macau,Hong Kong,Rome,Switzerland(now).........]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16465989 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 17:37:42 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16465523 froggy58 : "McDonalds? What person chomps down a Big Mac and surfs the web?"

When I was in the USAF (late 80's) I was on a team of folks that went to the "Dew Line" with Winnipeg being our 2 day layover until our northbound connecting charter.

We went to a McDonalds and after we had our lunch actually (ate it), no others in the place except staff & us, the manager came up and said you're done, please leave. This was probably one of the best behaved team of folks I've seen, yet if we we not eating we were to be gone. I asked why, he said we were taking up seats...

I just finished my burger when they told us.

K]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16465523 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 16:09:46 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16465318 whoamIoramI : Also, if you live in place like NYC and have a starbucks below you, you have free internet. My friend that graduated recently never paid a dime for internet access this way.

Do i agree with what he did? nope. Stealing is stealing]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16465318 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 15:21:40 EDT Re: Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16465192 calvoiper : Uhhh, did you read a different article than I did?

calvoiper
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VoIP--the death knell of remaining voice monopolies!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16465192 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 14:53:40 EDT Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16464871 rachelsfx : McDonalds? What person chomps down a Big Mac and surfs the web?

Gyms - Yes, they do. What can you possibly need Wi-Fi in a Gym for? Finger exercises?

Starbucks - At $6 for a cup of Joe that Juan Valdez didn't pick, I have to pay for Wi-Fi too?

Of course, the White House doesn't have Wi-Fi mainly 'cause Bush doesn't get it. His secretary even programs his iPod.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16464871 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 13:43:41 EDT Acceptable use? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16464199 Capstone : If the owner advertises it as a free internet hotspot, then my purchase of a cup of coffee is payment enough. However, I don't have the time or patience to sit there for "hours". I use the internet at my local coffee shop just long enough to check mail and headlines, then I'm off.

But there's leeches everywhere and if they don't know when to leave, then it's the business owner's right to tell them to do so. If I owned a shop and it was busy, I'd certainly tell the surfer that's been there for 3 hours on 1 cup of coffee to shove off so that others could use the seating. If it wasn't busy though, I'd rather have that person sitting there than have the shop sit empty.
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OK, but I don't want anyone thinking we're robosexuals.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16464199 Sun, 09 Jul 2006 11:50:48 EDT