Offline Traffic Information

ukchris · 03-08-2004, 05:47 PM

I'm keen to have traffic information available on my CarPC but it seems getting it "delivered" is not likely for the forseeable future.

So... www.smartraveler.com has pretty good traffic data for the area I travel (Boston) - I thought it would be neat if I had it available offline. My theory is that as my PC will have WiFi and one tends to stumble into networks I could have an app running that keeps trying to downlaod the latest traffic data and save it offline. The app could then display whatever version it had managed to capture last.

I would think it could be expanded to call the internet via a cellphone and save the page offline too.

What is the consensus, would this be useful? Worth pursuing?

Chris.

crook999 · 03-09-2004, 02:27 PM

You can access the web anywhere you can get a cell signal using this:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=21251

ukchris · 03-09-2004, 02:44 PM

I seem to driver through a lot of WiFi hotspots along my route anyway though so I figure I may as well update as I Pass through!

Chris.

neutral · 03-09-2004, 03:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ukchris

I seem to driver through a lot of WiFi hotspots along my route anyway though so I figure I may as well update as I Pass through!

Chris.

That is highly illegal. To each their own.

King_Aero · 03-09-2004, 03:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by neutral

That is highly illegal. To each their own.

I think there is too much gray area to make the statement "highly illegal". There is a document that on this site in sections 5.1 and 5.2 that talks more about it. If there is malicious intent behind his actions then it *could* be deemed illegal.

ukchris · 03-09-2004, 03:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by King_Aero

I think there is too much gray area to make the statement "highly illegal". There is a document that on this site in sections 5.1 and 5.2 that talks more about it. If there is malicious intent behind his actions then it *could* be deemed illegal.

I'm rather intruiged as to what people are doing with all these car mounted omnidirectional wifi antennas...

Given that there are public access points spread around that people are free (and welcome) to use what is the criteria for determining where you are welcome and where you are not? Interesting topic.

antimatter · 03-09-2004, 03:50 PM

It is actually "Lowly Illegal" not "Highly Illegal" hardy har har har

neutral · 03-09-2004, 03:51 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ukchris

I'm rather intruiged as to what people are doing with all these car mounted omnidirectional wifi antennas...

Given that there are public access points spread around that people are free (and welcome) to use what is the criteria for determining where you are welcome and where you are not? Interesting topic.

Agreed. There are infact "hotspots" that are legal, like you said. In that case, I think it's a great idea.

I've been a stumbler for awhile now, and one thing you learn, is not to connect to rogue ap's. But if you are openly invited, with permission, than I see no reason as to why you shouldn't connect.

Heck, NYC, Philly, and other large cities have a network of people providing free access (normally limited to low-bw usage).