As of July 1, 2010, Starbucks shops have opened up wireless access for free. The trade off of this amazing convenience, of course, is digital security. Make sure that your laptop has turned off any file-sharing options and has turned on the firewall security option. With good wireless access at work and home, I can use Starbucks wifi if I really need to check email on my iPhone while on the go. There seems to be Starbucks shops at every street corner these days!
It now makes me wonder how much I really need the 3G network for data access. I've heard rumors that AT&T will no longer be allowing unlimited data plan usage in the near future. They'll be charging money based on your pre-selected data plan.
Given more wifi accessibility now, it may be more cost-effective for me to purchase a simple cell phone and deactivate my iPhone so that it essentially becomes an wifi-capable iTouch with a camera. Hmm...
Happy surfing.
"Near future" = now. Unless you are grandfathered into an unlimited data plan on the iphone or ipad, the most data you can get now is 2GB/mo for $25. Also if you want to turn on tethering for your iphone 4 you'll have to step down from a granfathered unlimited plan to a new 2GB plan. The good news is that 2GB is usually more than enough for surfing the web and email. Once you start streaming music and video constantly you might start getting close to 2GB/mo.
ReplyDeleteHey Gabe: I suppose I grandfathered into the unlimited plan at $29.99 per month for my iPhone 3GS. I may think about the 200 MB plan then at $15 per month since I use only around 200 MB monthly. I hope to need even less now that there's more wifi access. Thanks for being on top of the recent developments!
ReplyDeleteOK, I'm not a patient person.
ReplyDeleteI just changed by data plan to 200 MB/mo at $15/mo. If I go over, they'll add another 200 MB and charge $15 to that month's bill. Seems like a good deal since I very rarely go over 200 MB and I currently pay $30/mo. Will keep you posted of unforeseen charges or costs.