How Hot is Hot?
by Gary Woods

I recently went wireless at home. I got tired of reading all the articles about connecting to the Internet wirelessly so I went out and got myself a Wireless Access Point to plug into my network and a Wireless Network Interface Card (NIC) for my notebook. The setup was easy, and it's definitely cool sitting out on my deck or out in the garden and cruising the net. But now that I had this new toy, I wanted to take it everywhere.

There are a lot of what are called Hot Spots around where you can access the Internet. Places like Starbucks and Pierre Lafond have Access Points, but I wanted to know what other places are available. There are published lists on the Internet, at places like http://www.hotspotlist.com, but what if you're out cruising and you'd like to find one?

Kensington (800) 235-6708 http://www.kensington.com has come up with a $30 handheld device called the WiFi Finder that detects Hot Spots that are nearby. You just push the WiFi Finder's lone button and wait a few seconds. If a wireless network is present, a set of green LEDs light up to indicate the network's signal strength. If no network is available, one LED flashes red as the device continues scanning for two minutes before powering off. The device is small and can be placed on your key ring. So get out there and start finding for those Hot Spots!!

If you have any suggestions or questions for me please drop me a note at garyandlaury@santabarbaraproperties.com or see my column on the Internet at http://www.santabarbaraproperties.com or call me at (805) 729-0910