Starbucks is installing wireless networksin thousands of locations nationwide

Now that the Internet addiction has gripped much of the population, tourist spots are teeming with people exhibiting signs of either e-mail withdrawal or vacation denial. Internet cafes, airports and hotel rooms are increasingly filled with vacationers gazing into their notebook computers, alongside other travelers who are itching to get a look at their own in-boxes or favorite Web sites.

In the past, wired travelers faced stiff challenges in finding places to easily hook up while on the road. But the days of desperately seeking Web connections and packing telephone cords are beginning to wind down. Wireless Internet connections are available in an ever-growing number of public spaces. And a growing number of laptops and portable devices are equipped to connect to wireless signals automatically.

The buzzwords often associated with this phenomenon are Wi-Fi - shorthand for wireless fidelity, the signal standard used to transmit data over local networks using radio signals - and "hot spots," meaning those networks. These geek terms are starting to gain more mainstream appeal, thanks to the Intel Corporation's $300 million marketing campaign touting the benefits of wireless Internet connections made possible, in the case of many computers, by Intel's Centrino chip.

Geeky or not, connecting to the Internet with a wireless-enabled computer is fairly easy. Many notebook computers sold in the last year simply display a pop-up message when they detect a wireless signal and prompt you to log on. Those with older notebooks can often buy wireless PC cards, for as little as $60, that plug into the computer and connect you to when you are in a hot spot. From there, it's a matter of logging on as you would when tethered by wire.

Intel isn't the only big company to throw its marketing muscle behind the idea. McDonald's and Starbucks are installing wireless networks in thousands of locations nationwide. Travelers with laptop computers can easily connect to the Web for the price of a cup of coffee or a Big Mac Extra Value meal, or simply an hourly fee, without having to stray too far from their itinerary.

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