http://www.atlarge.com en-gb © Copyright 2008 CNET Networks http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:40:16 +0000 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:40:16 +0000 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,60299945p,00.htm I was there on a Saturday morning and it was a zoo. Lots of holidaymakers and not enough seats - a situation all the worse because of maintenance work going on. Forget about sitting down next to a socket either. Very poor for recharging. Couple of bright spots - the Dixons set up on the first floor (using shuttered units rather than a proper shop) is actually v usable and cool - there is aircon right overhead. Also on the first floor is the BT Openzone sit down area. Still disappointing not to find any free wi-fi around. But all in all, a worse wi-fi travel experience than Heathrow. () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/60299945 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,60298873p,00.htm The public can book in advance the Gatwick Lounge via BAA advance. It had an row of internet ready pcs and power to connect UK/USA laptops. http://secure.baa.com/baa/baabook.asp?WCI=SwitchtoLounge About 18 pounds sterling, checkin allow 3 hrs before flight departure, assuming you can get through xray security. More relaxed.. () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/60298873 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,39023110p,00.htm Man, what a zoo. Gatwick is full of hyper holiday makers running round and screaming. And that's just the parents., "It's bedlam in here," a bloke just said as he walked past. Give me the relative calm of Heathrow anyday. Still, from a wi-fi pov your cup runneth over - BT Openzone, the Cloud, T-mobile and a bunch of others. If you can concentrate with the bucket and spade brigade screaming at you... () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/39023110 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,39022485p,00.htm There was free wifi access in starbucks in the land side side of the south terminal on the "village floor" ie upstairs from the security gates. I can't remember which network it was though. This is the best place for a coffee and snack as well as it is usually pretty empty. I always find Gatwick airside way too busy and crowded. () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/39022485 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,39022006p,00.htm Further to Toshih's entry concerning the internet booths dotted around the North Terminal http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,39021745p,00.htm , i would just like to say, what a con! The booths, where you have to stand to surf the net and you have no privacy, cost at the time of writing one pound (or two Euros) for 10 minute internet access!!! The computers located on a desk near the MacDonalds seem better for internet access, as you have a seat and desk plus its cheaper. Of course, i didn't see them until after!... () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/39022006 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,39021865p,00.htm Well I guess this applies to most airports here or anywhere - if you part of the "elite" who can afford to pay business class (and could presumably therefore afford to pay high internet charges!) you get free connection - if You are like 95% of people who can only afford to travel in tourist class - then you pay through the nose for it!!, Ok this is a little biased because I object to "privilege" but it still doesnt explain why wifi and internet access charges need to be so high at airports () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/39021865 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,39021799p,00.htm Emirates: Business Class lounge - If you are traveling with Emirates and have access to their lounge then internet access is great. Free fast WiFi access is provided, this is not open access, (which is a plus) so you will require a key from the receptionist. Comfort levels are good as this is a very large lounge, with plenty of space, seats, tables, food, drink etc. Power points are easily located if you look around. Cellular OK. Fixed line I don't remember seeing, but Emirates usually provide this, so may be there. Cost, nominally free, but of course its in the cost of the ticket! Probably the best business class lounge I have used. () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/39021799 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,39021795p,00.htm North Terminal:-, WiFi coverage is available from The Cloud, T-Mobile and BT. The Cloud I offers the best service and cheapest access rates., I find it is best to sit on the tables outside the cafe's on the mezzanine level, you will need to buy at least a coffee! This provides reasonable comfort levels and a suitable working environment. There are a few pay per view fixed line kiosks here as well. No sign of any power sockets though., On the main shopping rat run level T mobile provide a WiFi station that has power sockets., Cellular is fine () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/39021795 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,39021745p,00.htm There are decent internet cafe-style terminals dotted around, if you know where to look. In the South Terminal, on the Village floor, between a Costa Coffee and MacDonalds I found a cluster of about 12 desks. No one around. Fees were in increments of 50p with some sites free. Maybe not perfect for doing business but if you're just checking webmail then it's fine. Couldn't really complain about the mobile signal (GPRS over my old Nokia). Was OK though in the middle of the terminal I was concerned I was losing some rececption. () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/39021745 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,39021729p,00.htm () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/39021729 http://www.atlarge.com/comment/0,3800012705,39021669p,00.htm () Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 LGW atlarge/comments/39021669