Why Buy WiFi?

MAYORGA COFFEE FACTORY

WiFi Basics: The huge space, a former antiques warehouse, has plenty of outlets. Tables by the front windows provide especially good lighting for those who are in it for the long haul. No registration is required.

The Vibe: Silver Spring chic, with comfy chairs and good lighting during the day; decor courtesy of local artists and artisans; and live music on at least Friday and Saturday nights.

The Grub: Sandwiches and (big) salads, pastries and cakes, a full bar and coffee, which is roasted on-site. There's no table service -- you pick up your drinks at the counter.

The Crowd: Students, young families and weekend warriors.

8040 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, 301-562-9090, http://www.mayorgacoffee.com/ .

MURKY COFFEE

WiFi Basics: Two floors plus a couple of smaller rooms make finding an outlet a breeze (and there's enough privacy for you to get work done or snuggle with your study partner). No registration is required.

The Vibe: Remember the student union at your college? Well, that's pretty much Murky Coffee. Housed in the former Common Grounds Coffee and Tea House space, this rambling Victorian-style house in the heart of Clarendon screams "grunge." The company Web site claims that renovations are planned, pending approval from the historic preservation board. In nice weather, you can take your laptop out to the front deck for a little al fresco surfing.

The Grub: A limited assortment, including cakes and biscotti, plus the usual liquid suspects. While they do claim to have "the best damn coffee there is," I'd give it a B+.

The Crowd: Mostly Gen Yers with that just-rolled-out-of-bed look, either in smaller groups huddled over books or in bigger cram sessions.

3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-312-7001, http://www.murkycoffee.com/ .

TRYST

WiFi Basics: The sheer popularity of this Adams Morgan fave makes finding an outlet daunting. The good news? It provides a T1 connection to let you browse the Web with no limitations. On weeknights, when the lights go down, there's a constant glow from all the blue screens. WiFi gets turned off on weekends to deter those pesky squatters. Go early if you want to get a prime spot in the coveted (and in my opinion, too-small) non-smoking section. Registration is required.

The Vibe: Hipster funk meets Goodwill. Mismatched coffee tables, badly upholstered sofas, worn wood chairs and tables. A rotating art show features the work of local artists, and there's live jazz Monday through Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m.