There's a high-speed Internet connection in my hotel room. Unfortunately, the cable doesn't quite reach the bed. I have to sit at the desk to stay connected.

I don't mean to complain, really I don't. I've been on trips where I've been without access for days. I've stayed in hotels where each dial-up connection cost me a dollar for the local call, and a per-minute charge after that. Flat rate high-speed access is a wonderful luxury.

Trouble is, I've been spoiled by the AirPort wireless network I have in my home office.

I'm used to flipping open my PowerBook anywhere and connecting automatically. Several times now -- first on the plane and now in the hotel -- I've caught myself sitting down somewhere and wondering why the connection doesn't work.

Fortunately, the Macworld press room has an AirPort network. In fact, there are three networks in range. I just select the name from a drop-down list in the menu bar and connect automatically. Sweet.