Laptop: Check. Screenplay notes/freelance deadline: Check. Need for caffeine and WiFi: Check. Now, where to? The Huffington Post's LA site has a piece today giving their picks for the 10 best non-chain cafés or restaurants where writers can open up their laptops and tap away (mostly) happily. The list includes everything from Palihouse to the members-only Soho House, along with Larchmont's Bricks and Scones, Intelligentsia, Abbot's Habit, and Casa del Mar (home of LAist's least favorite brunch). But the list comes with another 10 points: Rules for good behavior that will ensure you don't ruin a good spot for others. Any good writing place you're willing to share that didn't make their list? Let us know! more ›

When I moved into this neighborhood four years ago after driving out from Chicago, one of my first objectives was to test the various cellular phone (that's what we called them back then) providers. more ›

Blogdowntown has begun to profile coffeeshops that carry wireless internet in the downtown area. This is especially good for those of us who don't live downtown, but still need the occasional hook up to get some work done. Other than the obvious Starbucks option, Ed Fuentes visits Lot 44 Coffee, a secret hideaway to him, but also one of his top spots to go get some work done with a cup of joe. The WiFi is consistent and there are a handful of outlets to plug in. And the organic fair trade coffee is good too, even if a little more expensive than other shops. more ›

Answer: Not ones owned and operated by the city of Los Angeles (LAX, Ontario, Palmdale, Van Nuys), with the exception of the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge inside LAX (Go Canada!) The Travel Doctor published a list yesterday that compiles all the airports in the country that have free Wi-Fi, listed by state. According to the list, the closest airport to Los Angeles that serves up free wireless is Long Beach Airport. Across the state, airports include San Diego Int'l, Lindberg Field and Sacramento Int'l. And speaking of wireless, the LADOT released a report about the feasibility of installing it on Commuter Express buses. The outcome? Too expensive for such a little audience that had little zeal regarding the perk. more ›

Just how "wired" are we in Los Angeles? more ›

Mayor Tony stood before a media gaggle at 7th & Fig in February and announced the birth of "LA Version 2.0." Free citywide Wi-Fi for all within two years, he proclaimed, momentarily appeasing critics and activists who have called for municipal funds and programs to help bridge the digital divide. But the skeptics among us are well aware of the extensive headaches and limited progress of the once-supposed trailblazing municipal Wi-Fi proposals in Philadelphia and... more ›

If the title of this post confuses you, don't be too worried because these terms probably confuse, or completely escape the notice, of most people. So, what then do they mean? Well, they refer to different types of cyber attacks on you and your computer that take place every day here in Los Angeles. Attackers use these types of attacks, and others, to gain access to your computer and your data with sometimes unfortunate... more ›

“By giving every resident high-speed access, we will transform Los Angeles into a cutting-edge city across every neighborhood and every economic sector,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “LA WiFi will help us meet the technology needs of our world-class media and creative industries, give a leg up to small businesses, plug every neighborhood directly into the knowledge-based global economy, and make computer training programs for students an after-school reality.” The first step of LA WiFi initiative,... more ›

Welcome to the latest edition of Ask the MACist, the column where I answer your Mac and Mac-related questions with hopefully more clarity and insight than you could ever need. As always, I want to thank those of you who sent in questions this week. They are much appreciated. Please, keep it up! And remember, if you have a question about anything Mac, Mac-related, or even something about other technology like TiVo, cell phones,... more ›

Cingular customers have been experiencing a system-wide problem today in the Los Angeles area. The current glitch comes two days after announcing a shiny, new mobile/web deal with MySpace. Maybe the Verizon/YouTubers have taken to knocking down towers? I speculate. Below, please find the dramatic re-enactment of my customer service phone exchange. The grumbly lady that answered my call was less thrilled about answering my questions: Is there currently a problem with service in... more ›