Why Buy WiFi?

Local Cafes Offer Free Internet Access -- and Atmosphere Aplenty

Vicki Lubkeman and Donald West chat -- over their laptops -- at Mayorga Coffee Factory. (Dennis Drenner For The Washington Post)

There is something innately satisfying about surfing the Web unencumbered by wires and cables. For years, I've been chained to my desk, with only my little Buddha statue keeping me company. But now, with WiFi, I can just toss my laptop into my bag and hit the road.

Although the number of hotspots is proliferating faster than you can say plug-and-play (there are more than 100,000 worldwide, according to hotspot directory JiWire), only a fraction of those are free. It's tough for me to justify paying for service at home and then ponying up extra cash to get online at places such as Starbucks, where you'll pay $9.99 for a 24-hour T-Mobile day pass or $6 for a 60-minute pay-as-you-go option (which includes one free day).

That's why I started looking for cafes that offered WiFi gratis. My search led me to http://www.wififreespot.com/ , a state-by-state directory. The number of free WiFi spots is growing (the site lists more than 30 in the District alone, plus more in Maryland and Virginia). A few chains such as Panera and Caribou (some locations) have joined the pack. While chains are just fine, I'm keen on supporting the independent, neighborhood cafes that have a little more personality. Luckily, there are a number of places locally that let you get plugged in for free.

Nicholas Cho, owner of Murky Coffee in Arlington and Capitol Hill, started offering free WiFi in 2003 because he wanted to support the open access movement that was taking root in San Francisco and New York.

"It was a no-brainer to offer it," he says. "Whatever gets people in to try our coffee."

But his initiative came with a price: squatters. "My staff has a big problem with it, but I don't. Everyone else I know goes crazy when they see people sitting there for hours nursing one cup of coffee," Cho says.

If the challenge for cafe owners is loitering, the challenge for cafe customers is privacy. At many independent hotspots, data easily can be viewed by pretty much anyone, including those interested in stealing your passwords. The captive portal concept is an effort to curb this data free-for-all. Many cafes -- including Tryst, and Busboys and Poets -- require people to register before they can surf for free. It's typically as simple as picking a user name and entering your first and last name.

The advantage to requiring registration is that it helps cafe owners manage usage. They can tell how long customers are logging on as well as advertise special events or discounts on products. (Sort of like an electronic chalkboard.)

These days, depending on my mood or where my day takes me, I have a handful of destinations across the area to choose between in my quest to refuel and surf for free to my heart's content. Here are my top picks -- they're by no means the only spots around town, but each of them offers something a little different.

BUSBOYS AND POETS

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WiFi Basics: This modern, cleverly designed newcomer has lots of outlets, especially by the front windows. Its growing popularity, however, means that space is at a premium on nights and weekends. You'll need to register with the WiFi provider before signing on for the first time.

The Vibe: With a bookstore featuring socially conscious tomes, a back-room performance space, a sleek bar and stylish decor, this is the most upscale of the bunch. A blend of cafe-style and communal seating, along with incredibly friendly service, make this the perfect place to while away the hours. There are open mic and music performances, film screenings and book release parties in the back Langston Room.

The Grub: More restaurant than cafe, B&P offers a full menu of salads, sandwiches, personal-size pizzas, burgers and dinner entrees, plus brunch on weekends and most holidays. A full bar and a selection of cakes round out the choices.