Back to work today after a break that started Dec 22nd. It's always hard getting back into the swing of things after a break, but a line from a NYTimes article gave me a chuckle this morning.
The article is about Autonet, a new service which gives you internet access in the car. Basically you plug in a router that uses 3G cell service to connect to the internet. This allows you to use your laptop with an ordinary wireless card to connect to the internet while driving around in your car. I can only think of a few reasons why you might want to do this, rather than buy a cellular card and service, which would allow you to connect not only in your car but most anywhere else, too. Maybe you have a laptop like my 12" Powerbook, that doesn't have a slot for a cellular card. Or maybe you have a van full of kids each with their own laptop.
The article is mostly about a report that Avis is about to announce a deal with Autonet to provide the router in their cars. That makes more sense to me than a family using the service.
But where's the funny part? It's the last paragraph, in response to a comment questioning both the legality and the safety of such a service:
Autonet said the service was for passengers and that Avis would require renters to agree not to hold it liable for accidents resulting from irresponsible use.
