2009/09/23

IEEE ratifies new Power over Ethernet standard

The IEEE has ratified the802.3at standard which is the Power over Ethernet group. This now allows power to be supplied at up to 30W over a standard Ethernet port, which is enough to power small computing devices such as netbooks.

This could mean the end of lugging around laptops which hefty brick power supplies, just plug them into your local PoE switch and bang (well hopefully not a bang) and you have both power and connectivity.

It could also simplify aero power for laptops.

IEEE ratifies new Power over Ethernet standard

2009/09/22

Starbucks offers free WiFi to card carriers

Starbucks through BT Openzone is now offering free WiFi to holders of registered Starbucks cards in any of their participating stores in the UK and Ireland.

Starbucks already offered this in a few flagship stores, but's now been rolled out the the rest of the stores.

Starbucks cards can be picked up from any store and then credit applied to them (up to £100). Drinks can then be purchased using the card. Once the card has been registered (via Starbucks.co.uk site), it can be topped up on-line too. Other benefits are free syrup or extra shots as well as the free WiFi offer.

This is a good thing for people who regularly frequent a store to do some work.