Be it an EVO or Pre Plus with Mobile Hotspot, a data card, or a device like Sprint's Overdrive, I usually have some sort of review loaner that affords me free internet access anywhere where cellular service is available.  It never fails, though - whenever I decide I want to spend the day working offsite at Starbucks, I don't have a loaner handy.  I resort to paying $3.99 per two hours of wireless service, wondering each time I hit the "purchase" button why I don't spring for AT&T's $19.99 monthly service.  "Meh, you're only using it a few times, it's not worth it," I assure myself.  But each and every month, my credit card statements tell a different story.

So needless to say, I was pretty excited about today's announcement from Starbucks regarding free Wi-Fi beginning on July 1st.  We're talking one click, no registration free.  No irritating splash page asking for my e-mail, credit card, address, and the like.  Am I going to keep supporting my local coffee shops (who, coincidentally, have offered free Wi-Fi for years)?  Absolutely.  But free Wi-Fi is a nice little perk for those days that I'm craving over-roasted coffee and a slice of expensive banana nut loaf.

Via MobileCrunch, Twitter