1) not all laptops cost $1500 these days, you can buy plenty new for under $650, plus you can get used ones for less.

2) there are other devices besides laptops that use WiFi, such as Apple's iPhone or iPod Touch and some smartphones. And then there is the innovative Eye-Fi card which let's you use WiFi to upload a picture you just took to a place like flickr or Picasa.

I know of someone that brings their laptop to Max's ALL the time. Kinda weird though since the blackberry and smartphone are much easier to carry around and can do many of the same things.

Kim and Paul, you both make good points.

I forgot all about ipods and cell phones.

I haven't bought an ipod yet for two reasons:

1) I'm waiting until they make one big enough to hold all of my music at once

2) bands and record labels still send me CDs. so I still use my discman.

Camden Pub is a little more low-key than Max's per example, for some reason in my head it makes a little more sense but I doubt I would ever want to drink and use a laptop at a bar. Dirrn't strokes an all

I long ago accepted that an iPod won't hold my collection of music. So I've taken to using small ones, and smart playlists.

A couple gig of music from my collection is usually enough to get me through the day.

Paul,

A few gigs aren't enough.

I ... need ... total coverage!

Actually, there are some good reasons for one to use a laptop in a pub:

- Fantasy Sports Drafts
- College/Grad School sessions (although I would question its productivity)
- Mutually goofing off

I saw some folks do this the other night at Captain Larry's, and you can pull it off. The key thing is to not be too close to the rest of the tipsy or soon-to-be-tipsy patrons.

What an age we live in. Now I can take my portable [adult video] storage unit to the bar. It really covers all my interests now.

I still don't understand bringing a laptop anywhere outside the library. Look at me, I am typing something important! Maybe it's my first novel! Or some political commentary for my blog. Please acknowledge me and my vision and uniqueness.

I mean, I'd write stuff for Midnight Sun at Max's if I thought I'd get anything done.

But drinking beer and writing rarely mix well for me.

I either want one or the other. Never both.

More than a few patrons stop by the iBar (2118 Maryland Avenue) to use Wi Fi along with an order of Buffalo Wings and a beer and without the sticky tops, not too many tipsy patrons (they seem to sit rather still-amazing!), and foods that aren't too greasy at all.