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November 1, 2003
Travels...or Travails?
I just got back from 12 days of vacation. OK, it was Hawaii, if you must know (let the chorus of mock sympathies begin). While there, I found it difficult to maintain the high level of connectedness I've come to rely on in my daily life.
First, the hotel had no wireless access...anywhere. Not in the lobby and certainly not in the rooms. While this feature is common at better business hotels, I guess resorts don't feel that their guests are all that worried about it. Well, here's a note to all you resort owners: News Flash! We, your guests, want this feature even when we're on vacation. How do you expect us to be able to relax when we just know we'll be going back to face 1,000+ emails waiting for us?!
Second, the "business center" was a rather lame two-computer setup in a corner office. Internet access, like computer use in general, was an outrageous $5.00 plus $0.85 per minute! My one 17-minute use of the business center cost me nearly $20. While there were much cheaper Internet cafes around, they all required a drive to get there (not easily walkable).
Third, while I was able to rely heavily on my Kyocera 7135 Palm OS smartphone (pictured) for getting my email, downloading attachments and webpages was sloooow (I use Verizon's free dial-up Internet service). Also, composing longish emails using Graffiti is just painful. So, while I was able to keep up on my email, responding was much more limited. But, I have to say that Verizon's coverage on both Oahu and Maui was superb.
I know I'll look back on this trip with fond memories. But, had the hotel offered high-speed Wi-Fi access by the pool (or even [gasp!] down near the beach), I know I would have come away thinking this was perhaps one of the coolest hotels I'd stayed in. I mean, what would be better than a Mai Tai and Wi-Fi on Ka'uai?
Posted by Craig in Mobile & PDAs
and Travel
and Wireless
Comments
I notices similar issues while in Mexico last spring. There was connectivity, but VERY expensive dial-up (international long distance) or ridiculous wi-fi pricing at over $30/day.
I opted to just "try" and enjoy myself while disconnected...
Posted by: Jonathan Greene at November 1, 2003 9:50 PM
But Craig, why didn't you use the7135 as a modem for the Dana via IR? hehe.
And Mai Tai and Wi-Fi on Ka'uai? That's almost painful to read. :P
Posted by: Greg at November 2, 2003 12:17 AM
Welcome back! I had the same issue when I was at Maui this summer. I didn't even bother to check my e-mails using my Treo since it was so "SLOW." I know if you stay at the Mariott, at least you can get the broadband connection, but it will cost you about $10 a day.
Posted by: Ken at November 3, 2003 9:55 AM
Good day sir,
I will like to purchase 29pieces of this treo
Posted by: sean carsten at February 27, 2004 3:33 PM