Chet Davis - Your Technology Tutor

U.S. Consumers and Navigation Devices

More people use portable navigation devices (PNDs) than in-dash navigation systems, but users of in-dash systems use their system more often, according to a U.S. consumer survey released by Navteq:  Navigation Study: What's Driving U.S. Consumers

Since getting my iPhone I have used the Map function/s several times to help me find a specific location, find a store and even find my way when I needed to see where the closest freeway on-ramp is while coming back from the airport.  Check this previous post for some thoughts I shared about using the included Maps app on my iPhone.

You may also find some value in this post on the 'iPhonNess' website: http://www.iphoneness.com/iphone-apps/10-cool-navigation-apps-for-iphone/

Free WiFi in 47 More US Airports This Holiday Season

We're coming up to the busiest times of the year for airports - at least in the USA and so I wanted to ensure my friends and colleagues were aware of the additional free internet access that will be available at a number of major airports across the US during this holiday travel season.*

Google has worked out arrangements with is working with airports across the country with partners (Boingo Wireless, Advanced Wireless Group, Airport Marketing Income and others) to provide free Wi-Fi as a holiday gift now through January 15, 2010

For those of us who arrive early (to ensure we make it through security) you find yourself with extra time on your hands, and I for one enjoy the opportunity to connect and perform some tasks as well as even pass the time with some entertainment.

This free Wi-Fi access also comes in very handy if you have a canceled or delayed flight.  I have found in the past that I can access air travel updates and even reschedule a flight quicker online in the airport than I can after standing in a long line at one of the air carriers in-airport service counters.

A full list of the participating airports can be found at www.freeholidaywifi.com

Another part of this promotion, Google, Inc. in matching donations by travelers who partake of this free WiFi Service (note this is an option, but each log-in will be presented with this option)

“As another way to pass on the spirit of the season, once they log on to networks in any of the participating airports, travelers will have the option make a donation to Engineers Without Borders, the One Economy Corporation or the Climate Savers Computing Initiative.

Google will match the donations made across all the networks up to $250,000, and the airport network that generates the highest amount per passenger by January 1, 2010 will receive $15,000 to donate to the local nonprofit of their choice."

*NOTE: A number of airports around the country have been offering free WiFi for travelers (prior to this worthy initiative from Google & friends). You can find directories online that indicate which airports have free WiFi.  Here is one such guide http://www.wififreespot.com/airport.html