Students Seek Wireless Alternatives

By Israel Chavez

While the UH Manoa campus has several wireless internet hotspots that are accessible to any UH student with a wireless-enabled laptop,  students with another wireless device growing in popularity – the Playstation portable, are unable to use the hotspots on campus to browse the web or play games.  This is because the PSP’s web browser is unable to display the UH login page where students input there user name and password.  But for students that don’t mind a short walk, there are other free wireless alternatives near campus for both laptops and PSPs.             

Volcano Joe’s offers free wireless access in their coffee house and bistro. 

Scott Souza, a graduate student at UH, goes to Volcano Joe’s regularly with his computer to use the wireless because “It’s better than what I could get at home.”  Besides the wireless access, Souza also tends to stay longer on Mondays when there is music.  He lives a short drive from campus and also finds the free parking and food also convenient.

Connecting at Volcano Joe's

Laptop users should have no problem connecting, but PSP owners have to do a bit of setup.First go to network settings and select infrastructure mode and then new connection. Continue until you can select scan, and the PSP will give u a list of all available connections.  Several options will come up, but the only ones you want are either VJ1 or VJ2.  Just pick whichever one your PSP tells you has the strongest signal strength. Next, select none for security settings and easy for address settings.  All that’s left to do is save the settings to the memory stick so whenever you visit Volcano Joe’s you can just pick the connection and browse the web or play online games.  The connection is strong and even reaches out into the tables outside.

Connecting at Manoa Marketplace

Various wireless signals can also be picked up at Manoa Marketplace, in front of the restaurants in between Longs and the post office.  There are so many signals however; that the best connection will vary depending on your location.  The signals are harder to catch inside some of the buildings too, making the outdoor seating the best place to go online.  Picking the best spot is a matter of trial and error.

Connecting at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

A better place to connect for both computers and PSPs is at Manoa Market place is the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.  When connecting with a PSP, it will be the connection with “coffee” in the name, and have the best signal strength.  The connection is good, but only if you stay inside.

Wireless WI-FI in the Dorms

Students that have a little extra cash also have the option of setting up a wireless network in their dorms.  Wireless routers start at around $40 at most stores that sell computers.  Once the router is set up and connected, any laptop or PSP can connect without having to go to the UH login screen.