Wired and Wireless, Coffee and Computers in Southeast Portland

Did you invest in a lap top with a wireless card, but can never get yourself to commit to paying for a high speed internet service provider and buying/figuring out the details of using a wireless router? Well, as they say on those fundraisers for public radio or charitable organizations, "For the price of a cup of coffee a day, you too can have wireless internet access!" In this case, however, that is a literal cup of coffee rather than an imaginary comparison to make you feel guilty for spending money on a tasty, caffeinated beverage over funding the airing of such cultural icons as Tom and Ray Magliozzi (although, sarcasm aside, I love Car Talk and I paid my membership).

In Portland, it is becoming a standard feature for the local coffee shops to provide wireless internet service. The reasons for the growth of this technological service could constitute a separate article all together. For example, the influence of the Personal Telco Project at http://www.personaltelco.net, a non-profit organization whose mission is to wireless-ize the whole of Portland, or the large influx of young laptop-wielding hipsters and yuppies, or as a means for competing with the proliferation of Star Bucks are just a few theories. Whatever the reasons, there are a lot of places popping up, so that I must limit this list to Southeast Portland in order to keep it somewhat manageable. For details on these locations please visit their websites.

Fireside Coffee Lodge
http://www.firesidecoffeelodge.com/
1223 SE Powell Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
(503)230-8987