Matt Jones

before you play two notes learn how to play one note - and don't play one note unless you've got a reason to play it - Mark Hollis

WiFi on Brighton Beach

PiertoPier are a group of WiFi enthusiasts who have set up a wireless network on Brighton beach, allowing people to use* the web and check their email while relaxing and soaking up the sun.

It’s a great idea, but I think it would only ever work on beaches like Brighton which are pebbly rather than sandy. Knowing sands magnetic attraction to the inner workings of expensive digital cameras as well as ham sandwiches, would you take your Powerbook to the beach?

* note the avoidance of the usage of the word ‘surf’ in the context of this post.

7 Responses to “WiFi on Brighton Beach”

  1. 6:50 am on 18 July 2003 :::

    Richard Hyett Says:

    I Like to think I have better things to do on the beach.

    I did think of taking my notebook to the pub quiz in cullercoats – bluetooth – gprs and demonstrating I could find the state captial of North Dakota in less than five minutes, but I changed my mind.

    They have WIFI in Starbucks USA but not Canada, so I expect it will be some time before it reaches the cafe chains in the UK.

    Anyone know of a planned WIFI cafe in Newcastle?

  2. 7:04 am on 18 July 2003 :::

    Matt Says:

    According to The Cloud website, there are a few:
    http://www.mycloud.net/

  3. 9:03 am on 18 July 2003 :::

    Richard Hyett Says:

    Ten in Newcastle. Have you tried any of them?

  4. 9:40 am on 18 July 2003 :::

    Matt Says:

    Well much that I’d like to try them out, I don’t own a laptop. I might get funny stares if I try and lug in my iMac. :)

  5. 4:54 pm on 19 July 2003 :::

    Richard Hyett Says:

    Thanks for this if you go to uk.local.geordie I’ve posted “Public Internet Access North of the Tyne”. The posting would probably benefit from a comment from you!

  6. 10:57 am on 28 July 2003 :::

    Richard Hyett Says:

    A friend from London was telling me that if you walk down Oxford Street you can see chalk marks,far from indicating dead letter boxes they mark hot points where you can sit with a notebook and be on-line. No doubt masquarding as a busker.

    Companies like Office Angels use WIFI and it sort of spills over onto the streets.

  7. 12:51 pm on 28 July 2003 :::

    Matt Says:

    Ah yes, Warchalking. Coincidentally, one of the guys that came up with the idea is my namesake, er… Matt Jones. Damn these common names.

Leave a Reply