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Technology
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- A surge of protection for laptop
- In-flight Internet access gives rise to free-speech, privacy, etiquette questions
A surge of protection for laptop
When traveling, particularly to developing countries or remote areas, packing a surge protector can be just as important as a power adaptor (which does not protect against power surges). Power surges may occur frequently and can destroy electronic equipment such as laptop computers. To stay connected while traveling, check Jiwire.com to locate destination Wi-Fi spots—the Website lists thousands of locations and indicates which ones are free.
Sources: Star Tribune, Washington Post
In-flight Internet access gives rise to free-speech, privacy, etiquette questions
The availability of Internet access in flight brings with it questions on how it will be used in the cramped environment of an airline cabin. Many seem to think it will be a solution in progress as various technology providers and carriers implement individual decisions. Considerations include use of the Internet phone service, viewing Websites with questionable content in proximity where others can hardly avoid seeing the screen, the number of young people aboard the plane, as well as travelers from more restrictive cultures.
Some airlines and their technology providers are deciding on actions that are more restrictive than those on the ground in their attempts to be sensitive to the sometimes conflicting desires of passengers to have access to the convenience of Internet services and the expectations to have a certain level of privacy and freedom from annoyance. These actions may include blocking Internet phone calls completely, blocking incoming calls and ring tones, applying limits and filters on calls, designating quiet times, and blocking objectionable Websites including violence and adult content.
Other airlines are taking a wait-and-see approach. Some will provide the technology and see how it gets used, and then create rules on an as-needed basis. Some are counting on an evolving etiquette—that good sense, decency, and common courtesy will prevail just as they do in other areas of human interaction when new technologies are introduced into new settings.
Source: ABC News
