Wi-Fi hotspots have evolved from points of convenience to places of experience.  Recognising this, Centrino technology maker Intel has launched a competition, inviting notebook PC users to nominate their favourite places to experience wireless connectivity.

Notebook PC users are invited to select the 10 wireless hotspots out of 36 nominations from 10 regions on www.top10hotspotsinasia.com. The five participants whose top hotspot selections are closest to matching the region’s top ranking places will win a travel voucher worth US$1,000 to go out and experience more with wireless connectivity.

The site will be open from 3 Oct until 24 Oct, 2005. The winners of the competition and the survey results will be announced on 8 Nov, 2005.

“This is a fun way to show people how mobility is becoming ubiquitous in Asia. In the past, when people thought of mobility, they thought about it from a work perspective.  But now they realise there’s so much more that they can experience with wireless connectivity beyond just work,” said Stephanie Hallford, director of mobility and digital health brand management, Intel Asia Pacific.

“Across the region wireless broadband services are taking personal computing to the next level, offering entertainment and great gains in productivity, performance and convenience.”

Through the survey, Intel aims to inform leisure and business travellers to quickly and easily find the best places to get online and experience the fun and convenience of mobility.  In addition, the survey will share insights about how notebook users are using notebooks and what is important to them.

Analyst firm IDC estimates that by the end of 2005 there will be more than 130,000 wireless hotspots worldwide. There are already 11 commercial airlines that offer or plan to offer Connexion by Boeing* in-flight wireless Internet access service, which is currently available on more than 100 routes daily to and from the U.S. and international destinations.  There are also more than 6,000 McDonald’s restaurants around the world offering wireless internet connection.