Free publicly available WiFi hotspots for in-field mobile connectivity

Written by on October 16, 2014

Paul is one of our Appraisal Product Instructors. He's an expert on a la mode software and mobile workflow solutions, and is an unabashed gadget hound and device geek. He's taught hundreds of classes over the years to appraisers. Along with Joel Baker, he's been on the road for our Modern Appraiser Roadshows over the past several months, where they cover everything you need to know about TOTAL, TOTAL Sketch, and TOTAL for Mobile. See a list of upcoming events and reserve your seat at http://workshops.alamode.com.

If you've read any of my previous blog posts or attended any of our Modern Appraiser Roadshow or Mobile Workshop events over the past two years, you know that I'm a bleeding edge, front-line technology type of guy. It's a curse at times, but I enjoy it and it helps to keep me informed as to the new products and technologies that will help both our customers and me in our daily workflow and personal lives. But oftentimes these new technologies, whether it be apps or hardware or something else entirely, rely on (or are enhanced by) having a connection to the Internet available.

When we talk in our mobile workflow course about hardware, I'm often asked by customers whether or not they need to get a device with a built-in cellular connection or if having a WiFi-only device is good enough. My answer has always been that the workflow solutions we offer and teach don't require an "always on" connection, instead allowing you to sync before you head out to the field and again when you return to update your changes on your PC. But the reality is that having access to the Internet does simplify some things, or at least gives you a safety net for the times when you either forget to sync your device before leaving the office or just need access to a file unexpectedy. It's these times that many people find themselves wishing for that cellular connection.

Of course, you could choose to buy a cellular-enabled mobile device, or get a seperate mobile hotspot device from your cellular carrier. But these options often cost extra money or commitement and aren't your only option for occasional-use WiFi connectivity. In our class, we talk about ways to track down WiFi while you're on-the-go using an app, but we also talk about a recent trend where many retailers simply offer free WiFi in all of their stores. Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, and McDonald's have been doing this for a few years now.

Recently, I came across an article posted over at LifeHacker.com (original post here: http://alashort.com/PublicWiFi) that had a pretty good list of chains that offer this service in all of their stores. It's a lengthy list, and the author even breaks down which locations have the speediest connections. (It's McDonald's, if you're curious).

What I found most interesting is that the list includes a lot of brick-and-mortal retail shops. Restaurants have been doing this for awhile because it keeps patrons happy while they wait for their food or server. But there are a lot of places that you may shop that also offer WiFi now.

Best of all, many of these can be accessed right from the parking lot without having to go into the store, and services aren't restricted to paying customers. Just pull up, connect, and drive off when you're done. Voila! No need to pay for that extra WiFi service if you only need it occasionally.

I've reproduced the list here for your convenience, but do check out the original article for complete details. There are lots of comments from readers about other (occasionally regionally specific) places you might find WiFi, like the public library in your town, as well as other connectivity tips.

Restaurants

  • Applebee's
  • Arby's (select locations)
  • Burger King
  • Chick-Fil-A
  • Denny's
  • Dunkin Donuts
  • Einstein Bros
  • Jimmy John's
  • Hooters (select locations)
  • IHOP (most locations)
  • Krispy Kreme
  • McDonald's
  • Panera
  • Quiznos
  • Starbucks
  • Subway (select locations)
  • Taco Bell
  • Tim Horton's
  • Wendy's (select locations)

Retailers

  • Apple Store
  • Barnes and Noble (in the cafe)
  • Best Buy
  • Lowes
  • Macy's
  • Michaels
  • Meijer (you'll need a mobile app)
  • Nordstrom
  • Office Depot
  • Safeway
  • Sam's Club
  • Staples
  • Target
  • Whole Foods

If you'd like to learn more about going mobile in your workflow, check out our workshops page at http://workshops.alamode.com to see if we're bringing our Modern Appraiser Roadshow to your area in the future. You can sign up and reserve your seat online.

Source: Lifehacker.com

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