Droid Eris and Wifi: Where are the hotspots?

[blackdognorth]

I'm not yet a Verizon customer. 

I'm seriously considering the Eris. Which has a wifi reception component.   I can't seem to find any info on Verizon-supported Wifi hotspots for smart-phone users.  Are there any?

For instance, AT&T has hotspots at all Starbucks.  Very useful when travelling or in ares where you can't get good 3G or need to do more than 3G allows.  Anything analgous with Verizon?

I know they have wifi plans for PC laptop users.  but can't see options for phone users.

Thanks.

[gabeevans88]

Just found this, i'm thinking its what you are looking for but i'm not sure?  I think this is only for mobile broadband subscribers http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobilebroadband/?page=wifiaccess

[blackdognorth]

Actually, only AT&T users get the free 2 hours.

T-Mob gets unlimited!

Everyone else, it's $4.00 for 2 hours.

Nothing about being a Verizon customer grants you any access to the wifi for free.

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/wireless.asp

So, that's it then, no Verizon free Verizon-supported wifi spots.

So if I'm at Jimmy's Coffee Cafe (typical free wifi), or an airport/hospital, etc, can I hit their wifi with an Eris?

(Sorry to keep asking this...either I'm real dumb or I'm just not asking the right way)

[PPC_Dude]

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blackdognorth wrote:

Actually, only AT&T users get the free 2 hours.

T-Mob gets unlimited!

Everyone else, it's $4.00 for 2 hours.

Nothing about being a Verizon customer grants you any access to the wifi for free.

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/wireless.asp

So, that's it then, no Verizon free Verizon-supported wifi spots.

So if I'm at Jimmy's Coffee Cafe (typical free wifi), or an airport/hospital, etc, can I hit their wifi with an Eris?

(Sorry to keep asking this...either I'm real dumb or I'm just not asking the right way)

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Yes, and tell Jimmy I said "Hi".

[blackdognorth]

Jimmy makes better coffee than Starbucks anyway, and cheaper.

Seems funny no-one has marketed widespread wifi hotspots.  In Europe it's pretty popular; business people gathered around a hotspot emailing back home and hitting the interweb during lunch.

[logicman]

You need to set up a complimentary AT&T account that would be separate from any AT&T account you might already have. Here are answers to some FAQs...

• Why do I need two accounts?

• After completing this special signup process, you will have both an AT&T Wi-Fi account and a Starbucks.com account. We'll try to make these accounts as similar as possible, and will only ask you for information one time. You will enjoy all the benefits of having a registered Starbucks Card and starbucks.com account, including balance protection and other rewards - see starbucks.com/card for more details. The AT&T account you create will be used to access Wi-Fi in our stores. You'll be able to manage this account with AT&T separately, if you choose.

• Can I use my account at other AT&T Wi-Fi locations?

• The AT&T Wi-Fi account you create at Starbucks will only be valid at U.S. Starbucks locations which offer Wi-Fi service.

• What kind of devices can be used on Wi-Fi at Starbucks?

• Any Wi-Fi (802.11.b/g) enabled device that can use a webpage to login can be used to access Wi-Fi.

[blackdognorth]

Yeah- that's a paid Verizon plan to access wifi with laptops/aircards using Windows or Mac OS.

But you know how you go into Starbucks with an iPhone and you get free wifi?  Is therre anything like that that Verizon supports?

What about you go to the local coffee shop and they have "wifi".  Can the Eris pick it up?

[logicman]

Buy a Starbucks card, register it at their web site and get 2 hours of free wifi a day.

[spanky4350]

You think for the $6 coffees they would give you free access