Coin Op Wi-Fi Kiosk
Handlink’s Wi-Fi Kiosk is an admirable combination of the old and the new.
This coin-op 802.11b/g wireless access point is a throwback to better times, a golden age when the coins in your pocket were good for something other than tossing to a hobo in the street while on your way to buy a $5 coffee and enjoy some “free” Wi-Fi.
The kiosk works like this: drop in some pocket change and you’ll receive a ticket with an access code. When your time is up, you’ll need to go back and feed the meter.
I imagine it’s designed to work in unmanned environments, or to take the heat off a busy Starbucks Barista. I like the cash-only idea, which brings on-the-go access to non credit card holders.
I’m also looking forward to the first hack, perhaps an exploit which causes coins to cascade from the reject slot like some kind of bling-free Vegas slot machine.
Source: Handlink Wi-Fi KIOSK Product Page
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POSTED IN: Misc. Gadgets, Wireless
3 opinions for Coin Op Wi-Fi Kiosk
Would you pay for Wi-Fi with spare change?
Jun 14, 2008 at 3:30 pm
[…] saw an interesting post over at The Gadget Blog that brings about a question. They mentioned a different concept for getting Wi-Fi while you’re out and about. It’s the Handlink […]
sherry
Jun 14, 2008 at 3:36 pm
It’s an interesting concept. I’m not sure how well it will catch on, but it could be useful for business travelers who only need to get online for a few minutes and don’t want the hassle of going into Starbucks to pay $10 for coffee and a snack just for “free” wi-fi.
I mentioned it over on Geeky Traveller to see what travel folks think of it!
Jimi
Sep 3, 2008 at 5:46 am
Backpackers worldwide love this - most of who prefer cash over cards. Jim
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